Literature Review: Exploring the relationship between student engagement and two-year college transfer rates

Abstract

The master's Thesis entitled, A literature review: Exploring the relationship between student engagement and two-year college transfer rates, suggests transfer students are more likely to persist if two- and four-year institutions collaborate to engage students with accurate and timely advising and support with emphasis on how course credits transfer and financial aid. Factors associated with transfer student engagement are highlighted, including building a transfer-oriented culture, learning communities and focusing on engaging students in the classroom. Nationally, policy makers are increasingly encouraging enrollment at community colleges as a path toward increasing educational attainment, yet researchers note transfer rates are low. Authors also note a lack of research on community college students; most studies are performed with traditional-age students at four-year campuses. There is less research examining why transfer-ready students don't transfer. Best practices are highlighted, along with recommendations for further research.