Correlates of Transfer-Student Persistence and Degree Completion in the College of Health Professions

Abstract

Persistence and degree completion among transfer students are important concerns for colleges and universities. Transfer students may experience difficulties or barriers after transferring from one institution to another, preventing students from persisting and graduating. Additionally, health-profession programs often have selective admission requirements and competitive admission processes. Traditional transfer-student barriers and health-profession barriers can create a challenging atmosphere for undergraduate transfer students. The current study evaluates the relationships among transfer type, selective admission metrics, persistence, and degree completion. The results illustrate several bivariate relationships that indicate areas of concern. Directions for future research are discussed to further identify and resolve the root cause of these trends.