NPR Topics: Education
Tyre’k Swanigan dreamed of attending Indiana University but started at a community college to work and transfer later. However, he faced challenges as only 13% of community college students earn bachelor’s degrees within eight years. Transfer students encounter bureaucratic hurdles and may need to take extra classes, leading to time and money loss. Advisers struggle to keep up with degree requirements, and students often juggle jobs and caregiving. Statewide transfer policies can help, and Indiana is making efforts to improve transfer success. Swanigan, determined to earn his bachelor’s degree, faced difficulties but remains committed to achieving his goal….