Audit Reveals Only 20% of California Community College Students Transfer to Universities

Complex transfer processes and administrative hurdles hinder students' progress, especially in less affluent and rural areas.

A state audit found that only 1 in 5 community college students in California successfully transfer to a four-year university within four years.
Transfer rates are significantly lower for students from less affluent parts of the state, rural areas, and for Black and Hispanic students.
The audit highlights that bureaucratic complexities and varying requirements between community colleges and universities are major barriers.
Reforms such as the Associate Degree for Transfer and new standardized course prerequisites aim to improve transfer rates but are not yet sufficient.
The audit recommends increasing the number of counselors and improving collaboration and data sharing between the community college, Cal State, and UC systems.