EXPLORING STUDENTS’ BARRIERS TO TRANSFER IN A COMMUNITY COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY PARTNERSHIP

Abstract Purpose: This qualitative single case study aimed to explore the barriers students indicated as contributing to their lack of transfer. In addition, this study acknowledged the suggestions that students who chose not to transfer had to improve the transfer process. Research Method: In this qualitative, single case study, interviews were conducted with 12 community college students who had indicated an interest in transferring and had opted into their community college and University partnership at an urban district in Texas. Findings: The theme of support encompassed both barriers to transfer and suggestions to improve the transfer process. With respect to barriers to transfer, the themes of financial issues, support, and change study focus area emerged. Suggestions from students to improve the transfer process included the two themes of support and content with the program. Conclusion: The main barriers for students in successfully transferring to a university from a community college are financial issues and the lack of support. The results also strengthen the conceptual framework of transfer student capital by supporting themes in transfer barriers, such as students who lacked the advising or capital to understand the transfer process.