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November 14, 2025
PPIC Report on CCC Transfers to CSU
Last month, the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) released the report, “Improving Transfer from Community College to the California State University,” examining how effectively the California Community Colleges (CCC) system supports students on the path to a bachelor’s degree. While the transfer route to the California State University (CSU) is highly successful—92% of applicants are admitted and 76% of transfer students graduate—only one in five college students transfer within four years. The main challenge is not student success after transfer but getting more students to the point of applying and enrolling.
The report finds that many students who appear qualified never apply. About 21% of those earning an Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) did not apply at all, and roughly 59,000 ADT earners did not continue to any four-year institution. Most of these students are academically similar to those who did apply, suggesting barriers such as work, finances, or unclear guidance.
The report also highlights the importance of early momentum: students who complete transfer-level math and English and earn at least 24 units in their first year transfer significantly sooner. Yet, Black, older, and low-income students are less likely to hit these milestones, signaling a need for equitable implementation of placement reforms (Assembly Bill 705/1705), expanded dual enrollment, and improved first-year supports.
CSU and community colleges are collaborating through initiatives like the ADT, Transfer Success Pathway, and CSU Transfer Planner, but outcomes vary widely across campuses. Some, such as the California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo and San Diego State University, remain highly selective, while others have capacity to serve more transfers.
Another concern is that nearly one-third of admitted transfer students—about 90,000—do not enroll anywhere. This group, often deterred by cost, distance, or work demands, represents a major lost opportunity. Strengthening communication with admitted students, offering financial aid guidance, and partnering with CSU campuses to streamline enrollment could help reduce melt.
Despite these challenges, CSU transfer students perform well once enrolled, with high graduation rates and demographics that mirror the state’s diversity. The PPIC recommends focusing on early academic momentum, understanding why admitted students fail to enroll, addressing campus-specific barriers, and expanding access through co-located or online degree programs.
In short, the transfer pathway works when students reach it, but too few do. For community college districts, the key priorities are fostering early momentum, closing equity gaps, identifying and re-engaging transfer-ready students, and deepening CSU partnerships to ensure more students successfully complete their educational journey.
