Understanding the Adult Transfer Student—Support, Concerns, and Transfer Student Capital

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis quantitative study of degree-seeking students in community college examines whether there are age-related differences in transfer intent, research on selection of a transfer destination, use of transfer-related services, and concerns about the transfer process, all of which are key aspects of the concept of transfer student capital. Students in the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) completed a survey about their intent to transfer and a number of aspects related to the accumulation of transfer student capital. Results suggest that reported intent to transfer decreases with a student’s age. However, participating in actions through which transfer student capital is accumulated had a more proximal effect on reported intent to transfer. Additionally, many of the demographic characteristics associated with so-called at-risk students: first generation status, racial/ethnic background, family structure, etc., were shown to be statistically nonsignificant on a student’s intent to transfer in comparison to the accumulation of transfer student capital. Results suggest that the benefits of institutional interventions stem from the proximity of transfer student capital-building activities to a student, rather than the characteristics of the particular group being served. Based on these results, data-driven suggestions are provided for improving delivery of transfer services.