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Have You Really Thought About Transferring to a University?

Going from community college to a transfer university is the most efficient and cost-effective path to a bachelor’s degree. Period.

More people are turning to this path every day. If you’re in the market for a bachelor’s degree but don’t want the high price tag that comes with a university education, perhaps a more practical approach is the right path for you.

Benefits to students who transfer for degrees include:

  • Cost-effective: Less out of pocket expense and less student debt.
  • Timeliness: Flexible online and face-to-face courses help you stay on track. Clear degree plans also help you avoid unnecessary classes and graduate sooner.
  • Personal attention: Personalized enrollment specialists, advisors, and financial assistance professionals.
  • Smaller class sizes: Promote a more active learning environment.
  • Active community: Plenty of opportunities to engage and be involved.
Young woman stands between two men giving two thumbs up in front of the Central Texas College sign. The men are carrying camera equipment.
Summer, a former student at Texas A&M University–Central Texas, worked with the marketing team on promotional projects. A marketing student at the time, she is now building her own marketing career.

The College Dream

There’s a certain mystique to college life.

Straight out of high school, the dream used to be heading off to college to experience “the best years of your life.” For many, it’s a time when they make lifelong friends, discover their purpose, and enjoy the chance to live independently for the first time.

Fun? … Or maybe a little intimidating?

It’s a story that’s becoming ever more prevalent. The traditional college experience isn’t for everyone. In fact, what’s known as the “traditional” college experience really isn’t all that traditional anymore. The idea of student mobility and moving from one institution to the next to meet needs is becoming the norm.

see what it takes to transfer

Summer’s Journey to a Bachelor’s Degree

Take Summer, for instance. She wanted the traditional experience and set out for college right out of high school. It didn’t take her long, however, to determine that college life wasn’t all it was cracked up to be and she wanted out.

Like so many others, Summer left the “traditional” college experience and looked for alternatives. She returned home and took classes at the local community college, eventually transferring those credits to A&M–Central Texas to complete her bachelor’s degree.

For Summer, and many others like her, the opportunity to pursue her degree on her terms was, in a sense, genius.

Summer completed her marketing degree, taking advantage of the opportunities offered by the university. She was instrumental in starting a student marketing group and eventually worked with the university’s marketing team on promotional materials. Now, she is building a marketing career of her own.

Benefits of Going from Community College to A&M–Central Texas

The community college to university pathway is paved with benefits that you may not get from large institutions. Not the least of these is affordability.

Community colleges are designed to cater to local clientele and provide an affordable option for students seeking degrees or credentials. These programs help them stand out in the marketplace and pursue new career opportunities.

Students who transfer to Texas A&M University–Central Texas continue to benefit from that student-centered approach. They retain the cost savings and earn a bachelor’s degree at a fraction of what they would pay at other universities.

The A&M–Central Texas Advantage

A&M–Central Texas was established in 2009 as an upper-level university, working closely with regional community college partners to cater specifically to transfer students.

What this means for you:

  • Every bachelor’s degree student at A&M–Central Texas is a transfer student.
  • A&M–Central Texas specializes in the transfer process.
  • A&M–Central Texas has more than 2,600 pathways that show how your credits will transfer to a bachelor’s degree program.
  • Personal enrollment specialists, financial aid advisors, and class advisors will work closely with you to make sure you understand the process.
  • The pricing structure at A&M–Central Texas minimizes your out-of-pocket expense, keeping student debt low.
  • The merit transfer scholarship is applied automatically to your account if you qualify.
  • Transfer Central is an opportunity for community college students to start the transfer process while they are still working on their associate degree.

Next Steps to a College Degree

Few accomplishments will be more important or beneficial to you than earning your bachelor’s degree. Whether you’re interested in beginning a career, advancing in your current position, or self-improvement, education makes life better.

If you started college years ago, but dropped out for some reason, don’t let those credits go to waste. Find out how they may apply toward a bachelor’s degree. It never hurts to ask a few questions, and who knows, you may find that earning your degree is easier and more affordable than you think.

What program interests you?

Jonathan Petty is the Director of Marketing and Communications at Texas A&M University–Central Texas. He has 25 years experience in higher education.

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