Community college partnerships smooth path for transfer students to fulfill college dreams

With a passion to help others by becoming a high school teacher or counselor, Sarah Sanguinetti '19 knew the ideal place for her to gain the education she needed for her dream job was University of the Pacific.

"I transferred because University of the Pacific offered the best program that worked well with my work and family schedules," said Sanguinetti, who is majoring in organizational behavior after transferring from San Joaquin Delta College. "The process of transferring was smooth. I feel extremely welcomed at Pacific."

Like many students, Sanguinetti chose to attend community college for two years before transferring to a four-year institution.

Whether to control costs, stay close to home or for some other reason, three out of every 10 Californians ages 18 to 24 enroll in a community college. About seven in 10 say transferring to a four-year college or university is the intended goal, according to California Community Colleges.  

Pacific's Office of Admissions aims to add 75 new transfer students for spring 2019 and 215 for fall 2019. Thanks to partnerships Pacific has with Delta College and several other area community colleges, students in the region have a greater opportunity to transfer with ease.

Through a separate agreement between the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities (AICCU) and California Community Colleges, students pursuing an Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) can receive guaranteed acceptance and a more affordable, seamless pathway to 36 private, nonprofit four-year colleges and universities, including Pacific.

"It's an important step for private institutions to work more closely with community colleges to provide affordable pathways to our institutions and to strengthen our relationships with the communities we serve," said Patricia Campbell, dean of Pacific's University College. University College offers educational opportunities for nontraditional students, including online courses, certificates and degree-completion programs.

Pacific also will continue the "articulation agreements" it has with several area community colleges including San Joaquin Delta College in Stockton, another pathway for transfer students to attain four-year degrees.

Beginning this year, students transferring to Pacific are eligible for several scholarships on top of state and federal financial aid. With guaranteed acceptance and programs to make tuition affordable, transfer students like Sanguinetti can feel relieved that they are one step closer to achieving their college dream.

To learn more about becoming a student at Pacific, contact the Office of Admission at 209.946.2211 or email admission@pacific.edu. You can also learn more about transferring to Pacific by visiting Transfer Applicants webpage.