Transfer Playbook 2.0: A Practical Guide for Achieving Excellence in Transfer and Bachelor’s Attainment for Community College Students

National surveys continue to show a significant gap between community college students’ aspirations and their bachelor’s attainment. Only 16 percent of community college students earn a bachelor’s degree within six years of entry—far fewer than the 80 percent who enter college with that goal. Yet, proven models nationwide demonstrate it doesn't have to be this way. The Transfer Playbook 2.0 offers concrete strategies—informed by rigorous quantitative research, dozens of college interviews, and in-depth site visits—to help institutional leaders, faculty, and staff significantly close the gap between student aspirations and bachelor’s degree attainment. Featuring widely adaptable approaches such as prioritizing transfer at the executive level, aligning clear and coherent program pathways with high-quality instruction, and tailoring dedicated transfer advising with comprehensive nonacademic support, this report highlights transformational models from across the country. Thanks to funding from the Belk Center for Community College, Leadership and Research, the College Futures Foundation, the ECMC Foundation, and the Kresge Foundation, the Transfer Playbook 2.0 provides essential guidance to activate the potential of millions of community college students and dramatically improve their chances of achieving life-changing bachelor’s degrees.