Session Abstract: With a shift to an outcome-based funding model that prioritizes successful student transfers, this session presents findings from a comprehensive research project examining factors that contribute to community college students’ transfer rates to four-year institutions. Using data from a large metropolitan community college district (Fall 2013 to Summer 2024) and the National Student Clearinghouse, the study explores predictors of upward transfer, focusing on student educational aspirations, demographics, financial aid, and academic records. This session will discuss statistical analysis and predictive modeling results, providing insights to help institutional research professionals develop data-driven strategies to support student transfer rates. Participants will gain a better understanding of the critical factors influencing student transfer rates and reflect on ways to improve data-informed institutional decision-making.
Keywords: upward student transfer, community college, modeling, transfer student predictors
Contributing Authors: Olivia Pietrzak – Dallas College
