Two-Year Transfers and the Completion Agenda: A More Economic Route or Unnecessary Accumulation Toward Degree?

• In Event: Understanding Educational Aspirations and Degree Attainment Among Community College Students

Abstract

The recently increased federal focus on the two-year sector has strengthened the conversation regarding the role this sector should have in the early formation of college students. Nonetheless, it remains unclear whether two-year enrollment is a more strategic path toward the attainment of a four-year degree. This study examines whether students who transfer credit hours from two-year institutions into a four-year degree granting institution have accrued significantly greater number of unnecessary credits required toward graduation, when compared to unnecessary credits accumulated by initial four-year entrants. The analysis of whether transfer credit leads to a duplication of credits is an important area of study especially when considering the all-time high costs required to afford and sustain college attendance.

Authors

• Philip J. Wilkinson, University of Georgia - Athens

• James Byars, University of Georgia

• Angela Bell, University System of Georgia

• Manuel S. Gonzalez Canche, University of Georgia