Recruiting Community College Transfer Students

Abstract

Private faith-based colleges and universities are a strong fit for community college transfer students. However, far too many small private faith-based colleges and universities miss the mark when it comes to their successful recruitment. This paper seeks to address this issue and provide solutions for successfully recruiting community college transfer students. The number one question that leads decisions year in and year out for many small private faith-based colleges and universities is whether or not they can recruit and retain students (M. Brewer, personal communication, 2015). All too often, the focus of most admissions teams’ centers on traditional (new freshman) undergraduates. In fact, new freshman account for nearly 75% of enrollment at most institutions (Wick, 2015). Interestingly, 92% of private four-year colleges and universities indicate they target transfers to meet enrollment goals, yet, only 9% feel they are effective (Longenecker, 2016). The number one question that leads decisions year in and year out for many small private-faith based colleges and universities is whether or not they can recruit and retain students. For many institutions the focus centers on the recruitment of traditional undergraduates. An ever-growing population that tends to get overlooked is the community college transfer student. Small private faith-based colleges and universities are a strong fit for community college transfers. Successfully recruiting this student requires more than simply sharing information. It requires a recruiter that is honest, forward-looking, inspiring, and competent. It requires a recruiter who can connect the information from the head to the heart.