TCSG to USG Transfer StudyPreliminary Results from Pilot Survey

Research & Policy AnalysisUniversity System of Georgia

Board of Regents

Trends on TCSG Transfer Students

• A large numbers of students transfer into USG institutions from TCSG institutions each year

• Largest percentages of TCSG transfers are located in State Colleges, State Universities and Two-Year Colleges.

2006

-07

2007

-08

2008

-09

2009

-10

2010

-11

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-12

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-07

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-08

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-09

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-10

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-11

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-12

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-07

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-08

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-09

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-10

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-11

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-12

2006

-07

2007

-08

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-09

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-10

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-11

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-12

2006

-07

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-12

Research Universities Regional Universities State Universities State Colleges Two-Year Colleges

0

2500

5000

7500

10000

12500

15000

17500

20000

222 211

292 346387

66 59104 141

160

927 1013

15311722 2044

468

559

2552

2862 3005

11781187

194195 204

% of Transfers In From TCSG

Figure 1: Number of Students that Transfer into USG by Receiving Institution Type: Total and TCSG Transfers

Note: All but two institutions moved from the Two-Year to State College category starting in 2009-2010. No data was available on TCSG transfers in 2008-09.

Articulation Agreement• 27 General Education courses which transfer between TCSG

and USG.– Encourage pursuit of baccalaureate degree opportunities

• Questions of interest– Which courses transfer most frequently?– How do students perform in subject-specific follow up

courses?– How do TCSG transfers compare to non-transfers?– Are there differences across TCSG sending

institutions?

Pilot Survey• Five Participating Institutions

– Kennesaw, Georgia Highlands, Valdosta, Clayton, Columbus

• Record course-taking behavior of TCSG transfer students. – Start with students that transferred into USG in Fall 2012– Follow for 1 year

• Data provided– Course name and grade received in each transfer course– Course name and grade received in subject-specific follow-up

course– Average grade received by peers in follow-up course

Data Overview• For this study, we focused on:

• 544 students that transferred 1,086 courses from TCSG to USG

Cohort N Dates of Observation

1 211 Fall 2012 to Fall 2013

2 102 Spring 2013 to Spring 2014

3 39 Summer 2013 to Summer 2014*

4 192 Fall 2013 to Fall 2014*

*Incomplete Data

Receiving Institution

Clayton ColumbusGeorgia

Highlands Kennesaw Valdosta

Sending Instituti

on

Albany Technical College 1 3Athens Technical College 7 2Atlanta Technical College 1 1 3Augusta Technical College 2Central Georgia Technical College 1Chattahoochee Technical College 23 321 9Columbus Technical College 15Georgia Northwestern Technical College 2 15Georgia Piedmont Technical College 7Gwinnett Technical College 15 2Lanier Technical College 1Middle Georgia Technical College 2 1Okefenokee Technical College 1Savannah Technical College 2Southeastern Technical College 1 1Southern Crescent Technical College 2Southwest Georgia Technical College 12 19West Georgia Technical College 5 1Wiregrass Georgia Technical College 66Total 1 20 27 389 107

Take-Away

• TCSG transfer students:– Perform worse in follow-up courses than in transfer

courses• Likely due to higher difficulty level of follow-up courses

– Are more likely to withdraw from follow-up courses. – Those that remain in class perform better than their

classmates.• Suggests differential attachment to courses which could

be driven by characteristics of transfer students.

Finding 1:TCSG transfer students transfer anywhere from 1-6 articulated courses. The average is 1.95. The number of courses transferred varies only slightly by sending institution.

1 2 3 4 5 60

50

100

150

200

250

300

245

168

71

3617

7

Num

ber

of S

tude

nts

Figure 2: Number of Articulated Courses Transferred In

Number of Courses

Albany T

echnica

l Colle

ge

Athens T

echnica

l Colle

ge

Atlanta

Tech

nical C

ollege

Augusta

Tech

nical C

ollege

Centra

l Geo

rgia T

echnica

l Colle

ge

Chattah

oochee

Tech

nical C

ollege

Columbus Tech

nical C

ollege

Georgi

a North

western

Tech

nical C

ollege

Georgi

a Pied

mont Tech

nical C

ollege

Gwinnett Te

chnica

l Colle

ge

Lanier

Tech

nical C

ollege

Middle Geo

rgia T

echnica

l Colle

ge

Okefen

okee T

echnica

l Colle

ge

Sava

nnah Te

chnica

l Colle

ge

Southea

stern

Tech

nical C

ollege

Southern

Crescen

t Tech

nical C

ollege

Southwest

Georgi

a Tech

nical C

ollege

West

Georgi

a Tech

nical C

ollege

Wire

grass

Georgi

a Tech

nical C

ollege

0

1

2

3

Figure 3: Average Number of Articulated Courses, by Sending Institution

Num

ber

of C

ours

es

Finding 2:Among the articulated courses, Math (1111/1113) and English (1101/1102) are the most often transferred.

1111

/L

1112

1101

1102

2130

1111

2111

2112

1112

1111

1113

1127

1101

1131

PSY

1101

ECO

N 1

101

SPC

1101

SOC

1101

POLS

110

1

CHEM

115

1/L

ARTS

110

1

HU

MN

110

1

PHYS

111

1

BIOL ENGL HIST MATH Other

0.0%

5.0%

10.0%

15.0%

20.0%

Figure 4: Breakdown of Transfer Courses from TCSG to USG by Course Number

Finding 3 (see Table 1):

a) On average, TCSG transfer students earn lower grades in follow-up courses than in transfer courses – Not unexpected given that follow-up courses are often

higher-level classes (see Appendix Table 1).

– English and Math: Follow-up course performance is typically 0.2-0.3 points lower. Largest difference for Psychology and Sociology courses, however note small sample size.

b) Transfer students have high withdrawal rates in some subjects. – Math: 20% withdrew from follow-up course– English: 10% withdrew from follow-up course

c) Those that remain in the follow-up course earn higher grades than their classmates.

– Math and English: Transfer students earn grades 0.3 points higher than average classmate.

Finding 4 explores whether these behaviors are specific to transfer students.

Finding 3 (see Table 1):

Table 1: Average Performance in Transfer and Follow-Up Course, by Transfer CourseA=4, B=3, 2=C, 1=D, 0=F

_________________Follow-Up Course_________________Transfer Course

Grade Student Grade Class Average* % of Withdrawals NTransfer CourseARTS 1101 4.0 4.0 3.0 50.0% 2

BIOL 3.0 2.5 2.2 14.3% 211111/L 3.1 2.6 2.2 10.5% 191112 3.0 1.0 2.0 50.0% 2

CHEM 1151/L 3.4 3.3 2.7 0.0% 12

ECON 1101 3.0 2.6 2.5 24.0% 25

ENGL 3.2 2.9 2.6 10.7% 4311101 3.2 2.9 2.6 10.5% 2091102 3.2 2.9 2.8 10.2% 1862130 2.9 3.0 2.1 13.9% 36

HIST 2.9 2.9 2.6 10.7% 1211111 2.9 2.9 2.6 15.4% 521112 3.2 2.8 3.1 15.4% 132111 3.0 3.1 2.7 6.5% 312112 2.8 2.8 2.5 4.0% 25

HUMN 1101 2.0 4.0 2.2 0.0% 2

Table 1: Average Performance in Transfer and Follow-Up Course, by Transfer Course (continued)A=4, B=3, 2=C, 1=D, 0=F

______________________Follow-Up Course______________Transfer Course

Grade Student Grade Class Average* % of Withdrawals NTransfer CourseMATH 2.9 2.7 2.4 19.2% 343

1101 3.3 2.2 2.3 18.2% 111111 2.9 2.7 2.4 20.1% 2191113 2.7 2.5 2.4 20.0% 751127 2.9 3.0 2.5 16.7% 301131 2.8 3.3 2.6 0.0% 8

PHYS 1111 3.0 4.0 3.0 0.0% 1

POLS 1101 2.9 2.8 2.3 9.1% 11

PSY 1101 3.4 2.6 2.6 9.5% 42

SOC 1101 3.7 2.9 2.8 13.3% 15

SPC 1101 3.2 2.9 2.8 15.0% 20

*There are some inconsistencies across schools with respect to whether WF grades are included/excluded from the calculation of class average. Interpret with caution.

• We compared the performance of students in the TCSG Pilot Study to non-transfer students using additional institutional data.

• We examined transfer and non-transfer students that took the following set of courses:– English: 1101 (initial) and 1102 (follow-up)– Math: 1111/3 (initial) and 1190 (follow-up)

Finding 4 (see Tables 2 and 3):

a) Like transfer students, non-transfers do worse in follow-up courses, although to a slightly smaller degree.• This suggests that it is the higher difficulty level of follow-up

courses that leads to lower grades after transfer, and not lower ability among TCSG transfer students.

b) However, withdrawal rates in follow-up courses are twice as high among transfer students compared to non-transfers.• Transfer students may feel less pressure to continue with course,

or are better at predicting their likelihood of success.

Finding 4 (continued):

c) Demographic and academic characteristics of transfers may contribute to differences in course attachment• Older• More likely to be female• Enroll for more credit hours than non-transfer students.

Despite their higher withdrawal rates, they still earn a higher number of credit hours.

Finding 4 (continued):

Table 2: Comparison of Performance in Follow-Up Courses for Transfer and Non-Transfer StudentsA=4, B=3, 2=C, 1=D, 0=F

Transfer Students Non-Transfer Students

_____________________________English__________________________1101 1102 1101 1102

Avg. Grade 3.2 2.8 3.0 2.9

% of Withdrawals 15.5% 8.2%N 84 24497

______________________________Math__________________________

1111 1190 1111 1190Avg. Grade 3.3 2.5 3.2 2.4

% of Withdrawals 45.0% 15.5%N 20 490

1113 1190 1113 1190Avg. Grade 2.9 2.4 3.0 2.6

% of Withdrawals 36.7% 12.8%N 30 1817

Table 3: Characteristics of Transfer and Non-Transfer Students in First Term of Enrollment

Transfer Students Non-Transfer Students

Age 23.3 22.4

Male 35% 40%

EthnicityBlack 21.7% 29.3%

Hispanic 9.7% 5.8%

White 56.2% 54.7%

Other 12.4% 10.1%

Hours Enrolled 12.4 11.7

Hours Earned 10.2 9.6

N 476 36794

Table 4: Average Performance in Transfer and Follow-Up Course, by TCSG Sending InstitutionA=4, B=3, 2=C, 1=D, 0=F

__________________Follow-Up Course_______________

Sending Institution Transfer Grade Student Grade Class Average % that Withdrew NAlbany Technical College 3.0 2.0 2.5 0.0% 5Athens Technical College 2.6 3.1 2.6 33.3% 12Atlanta Technical College 1.8 1.7 1.9 0.0% 6Augusta Technical College 3.0 4.0 3.0 0.0% 1Central Georgia Technical College 3.0 . 3.0 100.0% 1Chattahoochee Technical College 3.0 2.8 2.6 13.4% 726Columbus Technical College 3.0 3.1 2.5 0.0% 19Georgia Northwestern Technical College 3.4 3.0 2.3 3.7% 27Georgia Piedmont Technical College 2.7 1.8 2.0 33.3% 15Gwinnett Technical College 3.0 2.8 2.9 25.0% 36Lanier Technical College 3.5 2.0 2.5 0.0% 2Middle Georgia Technical College 2.7 3.3 3.0 0.0% 3Okefenokee Technical College 0.0 . 2.0 100.0% 1Savannah Technical College 2.0 0.5 2.0 0.0% 4Southeastern Technical College 3.5 . 2.0 100.0% 2Southern Crescent Technical College 4.0 3.7 3.0 0.0% 3

Southwest Georgia Technical College 3.5 2.9 2.0 14.7% 34West Georgia Technical College 3.4 2.8 2.6 7.7% 26Wiregrass Georgia Technical College 3.1 2.8 2.1 14.6% 123

Finding 5: No strong evidence of differential outcomes across TCSG sending institutions. Withdrawal rates close to 14% at largest institutions.

Questions?

• Future research– Larger sample size– Involve more institutions– Detailed comparison between transfers and non-

transfers

Data Sources• Figure 1: University System of Georgia Undergraduate Student Transfer Report;

SRPT200; Multiple Years• Figures 2-3, Tables 1-4, Appendix Table : TCSG to USG Pilot Survey• Tables 2-3: USG Institutional Data

Appendix Table 1: List of Transfer Courses and Corresponding Follow-Up Courses Taken by Students

TCSG Transfer Course

USG Follow-Up Course N

TCSG Transfer Course

USG Follow Up Course N

ARTS 1101 ART 1100 1 ENGL 1102 ENGL 1101 2 ART 1107 1 ENGL 1102 5

ENGL 2010 2BIOL 1111/L BIOL 1010 3 ENGL 2060 3

BIOL 1100 1 ENGL 2110 145BIOL 2651 1 ENGL 2111 10SCI 1102 13 ENGL 2112 7SCI 3360 1 ENGL 2113 5

BIOL 1112 BIOL 1100 1 ENGL 2121 1BIOL 2651 1 ENGL 2132 2

ENGL 2133 1CHEM 1151/L CHEM 1152/L 12 ENGL 2271 1

ENGL 3010 3ECON 1101 ECON 2100 17 ENGL 3500 1

ECON 2106 1ECON 2200 3 ENGL 2130 ENGL 1102 23ECON 2300 4 ENGL 2010 1

ENGL 2060 1ENGL 1101 ENGL 0099 3 ENGL 2110 7

ENGL 1101 7 ENGL 2111 1ENGL 1102 84 ENGL 3010 2ENGL 2010 3 ENGL 3500 1ENGL 2060 3ENGL 2110 89ENGL 2111 10ENGL 2112 5ENGL 2113 2ENGL 2120 1ENGL 2132 1ENGL 2271 1ENGL 3010 3

Appendix Table 1: List of Transfer Courses and Corresponding Follow-Up Courses Taken by Students

TCSG Transfer Course

USG Follow-Up Course N TCSG Transfer Course USG Follow Up Course N

HIST 1111 HIST 1110 2 MATH 1101 MATH 1106 3HIST 1112 1 MATH 1107 5HIST 2111 9 MATH 1112 2HIST 2112 38 MATH 2202 1HIST 3304 1 MATH 1111 MATH 97 1HIST 3333 1 MATH 1101 3HIST 3372 1 MATH 1106 48

HIST 1112 HIST 2111 2 MATH 1107 54HIST 2112 10 MATH 1111 9HIST 4444 1 MATH 1112 20

MATH 1113 24HIST 2111 HIST 1110 15 MATH 1190 20

HIST 1112 1 MATH 1261 7HIST 2111 2 MATH 1401 1HIST 2112 11 MATH 2008 10HIST 3335 1 MATH 2200 3HIST 4444 1 MATH 2202 4

HIST 2112 HIST 1110 13 MATH 2261 3HIST 1111 1 MATH 2262 1HIST 1122 1 MATH 2595 1HIST 2111 3 MATH 2620 8HIST 2112 3 MATH 3161 1HIST 2206 2 STAT 1127 4HIST 3304 1

HIST 3333 1

HUMN 1101 ITDS 1155 1

ITDS 2735 1

Appendix Table 1: List of Transfer Courses and Corresponding Follow-Up Courses Taken by Students

TCSG Transfer CourseUSG Follow-Up Course N TCSG Transfer Course

USG Follow Up Course N

MATH 1113 MATH 1101 1 POLS 1101 POLS 1101 4MATH 1106 16 POLS 2101 1MATH 1107 15 POLS 2240 1MATH 1113 2 POLS 2250 1MATH 1190 30 POLS 3300 2MATH 2125 1 POLS 3360 1MATH 2200 2 POLS 3370 1MATH 2202 5 POLS 3600 1MATH 2261 2MATH 2595 1 PSY 1101 PSY 1101 6

MATH 1127 MATH 1101 2 PSY 2103 5MATH 1106 5 PSY 2210 9MATH 1107 3 PSY 2700 6MATH 1111 1 PSY 3210 1MATH 1113 6 PSY 3305 10MATH 1190 4 PSY 3370 1MATH 1261 1 PSY 3400 1MATH 2008 5 PSY 3410 1MATH 2202 2 PSY 3800 4MATH 3316 1 PSY 4870 1

MATH 1131 MATH 1107 2MATH 2200 1MATH 2202 5

PHYS 1111 PHYS 1112 1

Appendix Table 1: List of Transfer Courses and Corresponding Follow-Up Courses Taken by Students

TCSG Transfer CourseUSG Follow-Up Course N TCSG Transfer Course

USG Follow Up Course N

SOC 1101 SOC 1101 2 SPC 1101 COMM 1109 13

SOC 1160 1 COMM 2135 1

SOC 2105 3 COMM 1100 6

SOC 2201 2SOC 2251 1SOC 2301 1SOC 3117 1SOC 3314 1SOC 3364 1SOC 3650 1SOC 4432 1

Courses highlighted in red are those that we compared performance in for TCSG transfer and non-transfer students.