A Racial/Ethnic Perspective on Vertical Transfer From the Community College

• In Event: Underrepresented Student Success in Higher Education

Abstract

Vertical transfer has become an important pathway for baccalaureate education. Despite substantial research and policy efforts, there is still a notable transfer gap between white and Asian students and underrepresented minority students. And there is a heightened need to understand whether and how early academic behaviors relate to vertical transfer differ among racial/ethnic groups. Using data from a large, urban community college (UCC) system in Texas, we conducted structural equation modeling (SEM) analyses to examine how early academic behaviors are associated with student vertical transfer. The results uncovered key factors that can help explain, and be used to reduce, the racial transfer gap among African American and Hispanic/Latinx students. Research findings have implications for students, colleges and policy makers.

Authors

• Hongwei Yu, Texas State University

• Lyle McKinney, University of Houston

• Andrea Backscheider Burridge, Houston Community College