APU Expands Transfer Pathway for California Community College Students

Azusa Pacific University recently announced it will offer guaranteed admission to California community college students who graduate with an Associate in Arts for Transfer (AA-T) or an Associate in Science for Transfer (AS-T), as well as accepting a minimum of 60 units transferred, assuring these students enter the university with a junior standing. The new Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) pathway represents a partnership between the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities (AICCU), of which APU is a member, and the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office.

“Azusa Pacific University is dedicated to helping local community college students transfer and graduate with a bachelor’s degree,” said President Jon R. Wallace, DBA. “This pathway will increase access and affordability enabling more students to reach their goals and succeed. In addition, our university benefits from the diverse backgrounds and experiences that community college transfer students bring.”

Students from partnering community colleges receive priority admission to an APU program or major that is similar to the ADT. Degree preparation requirements are streamlined, making the transition pathway to APU clear for community college students interested in transferring. Transfer students are guaranteed completion of their bachelor’s degree in no more than 68 units when they follow the academic guidelines.

Azusa Pacific further carries out its commitment to transfer students by providing guidance during the application and admission process. This includes academic planning, a summary of transfer credits, advisement from a faculty member in the student's major, and assistance with the financial aid process.

Azusa Pacific awards three unique scholarships to transfer students with eligible GPAs: the Transfer I Scholarship at $12,000 per year, the Transfer II Scholarship at $10,000 per year, and the Transfer Award at $7,000 per year.

Ki Yeon Kim, a music performance major who transferred from El Camino Community College in spring 2017, found that transferring to a private university was more affordable than she thought. “My worry turned into surprise when I received financial aid and many scholarships, making it possible to attend APU and work toward my dream of becoming a cello instructor,” Kim said.

Azusa Pacific continues their support of transfer students once they arrive on campus through a new transfer program created by the Office of Campus Life. The program offers a transfer advisory board composed of faculty and staff, transfer student success workshops, and weekly social gatherings.

“Our goal is for every transfer student to smoothly transition into the APU community and make the most of their experience,” said Rhianna Pierre, assistant director of commuter life. “The transfer program serves as a pipeline for transfer students to feel connected and supported across APU’s campus."

California’s independent, nonprofit colleges and universities enroll about 8,500 transfer students annually, and, with this partnership with the California Community Colleges, hope to increase that number to ensure all students can find a place at a California institution. AICCU institutions serve nearly 189,500 undergraduate students, who reflect the rich diversity of the state.

Learn more about APU’s ADT pathway.