Student mobility in higher education has garnered much interest by researchers and institutions alike as enrollment, persistence, and graduation rates continue to be areas of interest and concern. Reverse transfer is a unique type of mobility wherein students begin at a 4-year postsecondary institution and subsequently transfer to a 2-year…

In this study, we explored experiences of Ontario students who engaged in a university-to-college (UTC) transfer. Data was collected through qualitative interviews with 20 participants who began their post-secondary journey in a university program but left before completing it and subsequently pursued a college program. We focused on motivations…

This paper describes a study conducted on a group of reverse transfer students (students that enroll at two-year colleges after attending a four-year baccalaureate institution) to increase knowledge about this growing population and address the shortcomings of previous research. Almost 1,400 reverse transfer students were sent surveys. According…

A study of 195 reverse transfer students showed that following a poor academic performance at the university, the students achieved satisfactorily at the two-year college. Students who later returned to the university improved their grades with each quarter's course work. Factors associated with academic performance at the two institutions are…

Describes an ongoing investigation of student mobility from four-year to two-year colleges in Alberta, Canada, presenting a profile of the characteristics of community college students who had previously attended other postsecondary institutions. Includes interview findings related to students' university and community college experiences. (DMM)

A questionnaire was developed to obtain the following information about students who transfer from four-year colleges to two-year colleges: (1) demographic; (2) reason for leaving four-year institution; (3) future plans; and (4) comparison between institutions. The majority of reverse transfers came from families with income over $7,000 whose…

Asserts that the postbaccalaureate transfer student (PRTS) represents a very different type of second-chance student for the community college. Analyzes the life circumstances, goals, and profiles of PRTSs in an urban North Carolina community college. Contains 11 references. (VWC)

Describes (1) why both nondegree and degree-seeking postbaccalaureate reverse transfer students (PRTSs) attend two-year colleges and what they think of it, (2) what institutional changes or modifications these students would prefer, (3) what institutional problems their presence may create, and (4) how their presence can benefit two-year schools.…

Details California's experiences and paradoxes related to reverse transfer by giving some general background and state history of postsecondary policies. Provides results of recent interviews with some reverse transfer students. Contains 17 references. (VWC)

Discusses variables affecting the enrollment of reverse transfer students at Chattanooga State Technical Community College. Categorizes and profiles these reverse transfers into five groups: (1) special purpose, (2) technical degree, (3) enrichment postbaccalaureate, (4) specific-skills postbaccalaureate, and (5) transient students. Suggests…

A reverse transfer student is one who has transferred from a four-year college or university to a two-year institution. This study was undertaken to determine the nature and characteristics of reverse transfer students enrolled at Seminole Junior College (SJC) and at Valencia Community College (VCC) in Florida. A 52-item questionnaire was sent to…

This book consists of the edited transcripts of 19 interviews conducted with two- and four-year college students ranging in age from 25 to 65, who returned to school to complete degrees, work toward new degrees, or merely take classes. Drawing from the interviews, introductory comments offer generalizations about adult students returning to…

In order to determine the characteristics of students who transferred to Essex County College from four-year institutions in Fall 1979, the responses of 88 reverse transfer students (RTS's) to 84 items on the entering student demographic questionnaire were compared to the responses of 2,087 new Fall 1979 students. The questionnaire solicited…