Transfer students find open doors at some schools.

Nearly one-third of postsecondary students will transfer to another school, according to the U.S. Department of Education. These days, more go directly from a community college to a four-year school.

Since women students are more likely to start at community colleges because they're closer to home and cheaper, they especially benefit from a trend to ease the transfer to four-year schools.

High schools have always been feeders for four-year schools, while community colleges have been seen as schools of last resort for students whose grades or finances keep them from attending a four-year school. That trend is changing. Four-year schools are recognizing community colleges as a pipeline for capable, experienced and serious students.

The forgotten students

Overcoming the attitudes of exclusivity and barriers takes some effort, and identifying the academically excelling students can be challenging.

Solutions come from community college honor societies that identify prospective transfers, scholarship programs at four-year schools specifically for community college transfers and mutually trusting relationships between faculty and staff at both types of schools.

Articulation agreements are one way of making a commitment. They guarantee compatibility between the core curriculum at a community college and the requisite courses at a four-year school. They can also: