2023 chapter
A Review of Vertical and Horizontal Transfer Student Transitions and Experiences
In Higher Education: Handbook of Theory and Research (pp. 1–57).
UN Sustainable Development Goal Categories
4. Quality Education
(OpenAlex)
Source: ORCID
Added: October 2, 2023
Transfer students are a growing yet understudied group of students within higher education in the USA. Throughout their pre- and post-transfer experiences, transfer students often undergo difficulties through the transition process to a new, or receiving, institution, including challenges with navigating transfer admission requirements, applying academic credits toward their bachelor’s degrees, and acclimating into the new, or receiving, institution. This chapter explored the issues and challenges associated with transfer by providing a comprehensive overview of transfer student experiences and transitions, including as students navigate the process and as they adjust to their receiving institutions. Specifically, the experiences of students departing from community colleges to 4-year institutions (vertical transfer students) and students transitioning from one 4-year institution to another (horizontal transfer students) were examined through a comprehensive review of existing literature. In addition, an agenda and suggestions for future researchers and practitioners to consider in their work and support for transfer students are provided at the conclusion of the chapter.