Bellarmine’s annual student demographic report reveals a greater number of students have transferred into the university than ever before.
Summer and fall enrollment for transfer students is 22 percent above the 5-year average. Retention rates for transfer students are at an all-time high, as well.
“I think this increase shows that Bellarmine is making good on its promise to be a more accessible, affordable option for students from all backgrounds,” said Dr. Michael Marshall, Bellarmine’s vice president for Enrollment, Marketing and Communication. “Our strategic plan calls us to be more accessible and we’ve made great strides in becoming so for transfer students.”
Bellarmine has been working closely with regional community colleges to create flexible transfer pathways, like the one unveiled last year for Jefferson Community and Technical College. The 2BU program allows students to start their academic journey at Jefferson and transfer credits to Bellarmine to earn a bachelor or graduate degree. Tuition is reduced for students in the program, who receive other benefits as well. Two 2BU students are awarded full scholarships each year.
This year, Bellarmine’s Office of Military & Veteran Services also announced the expansion of its services with a Center of Excellence for Veteran Student Success, which is attracting more military-affiliated transfers.
Students have found Bellarmine’s recent designation as a NCAA DI university an attractive reason to transfer, too.
Some students, like Hanah Carter, are simply looking for an excellent undergraduate experience.
Carter transferred to Bellarmine after starting her student career in Colorado, then taking some time off from academia to decide what she wanted to do. She’s now an Environmental Science major with plans to study coastal ecology in graduate school. She started the Bellarmine beekeeping club and has been active in the campus sustainability community.
“Bellarmine has been a better fit. It was serendipitous, really, a gift,” she said. “I’ve enjoyed the community and the smaller classrooms. I really like the faculty, they’re very approachable and accessible, and they really want to be invested in students’ lives in a way that’s not often true of big box universities.”
Carter said she actually didn’t know much about Bellarmine when she applied, but the admissions staff was so amiable, warm and helpful, she immediately got a good feeling.
“They were so nice working with me on the different parts of my application,” she said.
Whatever their background, transfer students receive an abundance of support to make the transition easier, said Shelby Sullivan, assistant dean of Undergrad Admissions.
Transfer students are invited to special orientations, where they get one-stop access to all the offices on campus and a thorough introduction to campus programs, services and technology.
Transfer students also get a dedicated academic advisor to ensure they settle into their new studies as seamlessly as possible.
“We work very closely with each student to make sure they’ve got everything they need to feel welcome, comfortable and prepared for a successful transition,” Sullivan said.
For those who are interested in transferring, we host virtual sessions regularly to get you connected and get your questions answered.
Click here to check which credits will transfer, request a transcript review or find answers to all your questions about transferring.