| Title: |
'I'm in a Different Place in Life': A Qualitative Study of Rural Adult Transfer Student Choices |
| Language: |
English |
| Authors: |
Tynsley Gilchrist; Carmen Serrata (ORCID 0000-0001-5565-0746); Mark M. D'Amico; Ryan A. Miller; Cathy D. Howell |
| Source: |
Community College Journal of Research and Practice. 2025 49(4-5):323-340. |
| Availability: |
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals |
| Peer Reviewed: |
Y |
| Page Count: |
18 |
| Publication Date: |
2025 |
| Document Type: |
Journal Articles; Reports - Research |
| Education Level: |
Higher Education; Postsecondary Education; Two Year Colleges; Adult Education |
| Descriptors: |
Community College Students; Adult Students; College Transfer Students; Rural Colleges; Rural Population; Student Motivation; Barriers; College Choice; Student Attitudes; Family Influence; Time Factors (Learning); Student Costs |
| Geographic Terms: |
North Carolina |
| DOI: |
10.1080/10668926.2024.2436390 |
| ISSN: |
1066-8926; 1521-0413 |
| Abstract: |
Rural adult students' intersectional identities inform many of their decisions about college, including the choice to transfer from a community college to a university. This qualitative study sought to understand how rural adult students' social and relational identities shape their transfer plans and choice sets. The study examines the choice process of 12 pre- and post-transfer community college students who identified as adult students and attended a rural-serving institution (RSI) within the North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS). The findings emphasize the importance of students' relational identities as key motivational drivers to pursue higher education. Data analysis revealed the factors students consider as they bind their transfer destination choice sets. Findings from this study have significant practical implications for community colleges and universities as they develop transfer policy and practice. |
| Abstractor: |
As Provided |
| Entry Date: |
2026 |
| Accession Number: |
EJ1498492 |
| Database: |
ERIC |