Contact:
Bob Spieldenner
(804) 225-2628
bobspieldenner@schev.edu 

RICHMOND - The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) today released an analysis that examines the cost savings for students who transfer from a two-year college to a four-year university. as well as the barriers they face.

Approximately 12,500 students transfer from a Virginia community college to a four-year institution each year. One of the main reasons is savings of up to $21,968 on the average cost of a bachelor’s degree. However, the longer it takes a student to complete their degree, the less they save. Transfer students incur 33% more costs for each additional year spent at a four-year institution.

According to the analysis, only 30% of Virginia transfer students complete their baccalaureate degree within two years. Barriers include credit loss - when credits completed at a college are not accepted by a university – and the need for students to take additional courses to meet required pre-requisites.

Through Transfer Virginia and other initiatives, Virginia’s colleges and universities have made significant strides toward improving transfer outcomes. However, the number of students who struggle to complete a bachelor's degree within two years post-transfer remains concerning.

The analysis recommends the continued creation of transfer guides to prevent credit loss and program-specific maps to reduce the need for students taking additional classes.

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