Policy Brief: Improving Transfer from Community College to the California State University

California's community college system serves over 2.1 million students, with most expressing the intent to transfer to a four-year institution. But transfer rates are low-only one in five students transfers within four years. As California pursues a goal of 40% baccalaureate completion among working-age residents by 2030, optimizing this critical pathway will be essential. Even modest improvements could substantially increase four-year enrollment and degree completion.

CSU is the leading destination of community college transfers

Transfer students are a critical component of CSU's student body-more so than at the University of California or most public universities across the nation. Indeed, in fall 2024 transfers made up more than 43% of CSU's new undergraduate enrollment. But at most CSU campuses, transfers remain below the fall 2020 peak, putting pressure on the system's overall enrollment growth and threatening its ability to maintain programs and services.

CSU accepts CCC transfer applicants at very high rates: 91% are admitted to at least one CSU campus. Of those admitted, 65% enroll. Both acceptance and enrollment rates vary widely across CSU campuses. For example, the transfer acceptance rate at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo is 21%, but more than 93% at CSU campuses such as Sacramento, Stanislaus, and Domingo Hills.

Many students struggle to transfer-or never do

Despite high acceptance and enrollment rates, successful transfer takes time and persistence. The typical applicant spends nine terms-more than four school years-in the community college system prior applying to CSU. Some applicants are able to apply for transfer sooner, especially those who meet key milestones-such as completing introductory transfer-level math and English courses and enrolling at least 25 units-during the first year of college.