Community colleges provide access, preparation and pathways to the four year institution. Transfer students from community colleges are deeply embedded in the higher education system though many have to face the issues of being academically unprepared, varying expectations of the transfer institution, and the stigma of being a transfer student. The study is driven by the following research questions: (1) What is the likelihood of completion for students transferring to a four-year institution from community colleges (2) is there a difference between native students and vertical transfer students in mean completion time? This secondary analysis attained data through the Arkansas Department of Higher Education (ADHE). The 2006 cohort were first time freshmen students (n = 15,327). Descriptive analysis, frequencies, logistic regression, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were conducted. All results were statistically significant at p<0.05. Less than half of the students in the cohort attained a baccalaureate degree within 9 years of beginning college. Through logistic regression the most noteworthy findings were that students who began at a four year university ,women, students who begin in college credit bearing course work, and white students were all more likely to complete. The ANOVA revealed that there was a statistically significant difference between native students and transfer students' mean completion time. Based on the results implications for practice and policy are suggested. Discovering the variables of success for students who attain a two year degree and a qualitative state study discovering why baccalaureate attainment is low are recommendations for future research. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
