By Cynthia Hubert

November 12, 2024

Sacramento State is expanding opportunities for community college transfer students by welcoming applicants earlier in their academic journeys.

Traditionally, the University has accepted upper-division transfer students who have at least 60 semester units. Sac State, however, is accepting for the Spring 2025 semester students with fewer units as long as they meet minimum requirements for admission. 

The expanded admissions will help Sac State grow its enrollment while helping community college students reach their degree and career goals earlier, said Brian Henley, the University’s director of Admissions and Outreach. 

“We’re thrilled to welcome a new group of transfer students to Sacramento State,” Henley said. “By expanding our admissions criteria to include lower-division transfers, we are giving students a head start on achieving their academic and professional goals.”

“We are here to serve students when they are ready to transfer, and that doesn’t necessarily mean only those who have completed an associate’s degree,” Henley said. “We’re ready for you when you are ready for us.”

The deadline for spring semester enrollment is Nov. 22. Prospective students can review requirements and submit their applications online.

After a brief period of declining enrollment attributed to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, Sac State’s enrollment grew by more than 700 students to 30,883 for the Fall 2024 semester thanks to targeted outreach toward non-traditional students and transfers. 

About half of the University’s scholars are transfer students, said Henley, with nearly 45% graduating within two years of coming to campus.

Students who earn their degrees in a timely manner can save money and reduce debt from college expenses, and they can launch their careers more quickly, increasing their lifetime earnings and financial security.

A recent report by the Public Policy Institute of California indicates that people with four-year college degrees earn higher wages, are more likely to have jobs that offer benefits including health insurance, and have more opportunities for flexible work schedules. Overall, they have greater long-term financial stability than those without degrees, the report shows.

Shiva Pillai, Sac State’s interim senior associate vice president for Enrollment Management, said community college students who transfer to the University earlier will have more time to benefit from its positive campus environment while establishing connections and a sense of belonging. 

“This early integration at Sac State supports higher retention, as students spend more of their college experience with us, benefiting from a strong network of social and academic resources that foster long-term success,” Pillai said. 

“Ultimately, opening doors to lower division transfers allows us to provide expanded access, support, and opportunities, helping a broader range of students achieve a four-year degree.”