Understanding Community College Student Perception of Transfer to Four-Year Universities (Poster 13)

• In Event: Sunday Poster Session 9:35 am
  In Poster Session: College Student Access, Trajectories, and Transitions Poster Session (Division J, Section 2a)

Abstract

Understanding community college students’ transfer decisions is crucial to address low transfer rates and promote equitable college access for underrepresented students. This study surveyed 2,084 students from three community college campuses in Southern California to explore their perceptions of transfer, including communication behaviors and perceived ability to transfer. Findings reveal that students discuss transfer more frequently with family, friends, and classmates than with faculty and staff, emphasizing the influence of social and familial capital in their decision-making. Students also demonstrate high levels of perceived self-efficacy about transfer, despite reporting low levels of transfer-specific knowledge. We examine the implications of these findings for institutional interventions aimed at improving transfer-related resources and simplifying the transfer process.

Authors

• Gala Merari Ledezma, University of California - Irvine

• Pablo Bezem, Arizona State University

• Michael Hill, University of California - Irvine

• Rachel B. Baker, University of Pennsylvania