If it’s spring, this must be State College.
Increasingly, college students are finding that the college or university they picked as their first choice as high school seniors is not what they expected. They grow, they change, and they find a new school. Or two. Or three. For some, transferring is a way of their educational life. 60% of college students graduating today report more than one school on their transcripts.
The scenario of attending junior college for one or two years and transferring to a four year institution is common, but now there is a new twist. Students at 4 year colleges may find the course they need in the summer at the community college at a cheaper price. If a required course is not available, thus delaying graduation, they may switch to a different college where they can complete the required courses in time for their expected graduation date. Online courses also expand what is available to students. Some students are enrolled in a four year college and a community college at the same time.
Then there are also those students who thought a school was the right fit, and find it is not. According to the National Center for Educational Statistics, of those students who start at a four year institution, about a third transfer for program related reasons, another third transfer for a better location or more prestigious institution, and approximately 10% transfer for financial reasons. Personal reasons, such as homesickness or needing to be near a boyfriend or girlfriend are difficult to track accurately.
The big concern for students who transfer is if their credits will transfer with them. College hopping can add expense to tuition, moving expenses, and increased hours. College students who are considering a move should carefully investigate financial aid options – some scholarships are only available to 4 year students, others are available to all.
Personally, when my son transferred from a large state university to a small private college, we gained financially and he gained academically. The private college charged more tuition, but made more scholarships available to him based on performance. He lost 6 credits, but was able to make them up by taking an increased load, including an intensive class on the weekend at a cooperating college. By combining two semesters of work into one with the intensive class, he saved money and time. At the large university, if he did not get to the work study office first thing on the first day, the opportunity for work study jobs was lost. At the smaller college, there are more work study opportunities, and greater likelihood that the jobs are matched to the students and their abilities and interests.
Transferring can indicate immaturity, a student not being able to settle down. But it can also mean a student is really taking charge of their own educational program, showing initiative, and researching all their options.