Fall 2010 is already looking to be extremely popular for students, as the University of California campuses are seeing a huge increase in transfer student applications. This sudden increase has caused the overall applications numbers in California to be at their highest level ever. It may seem odd that applications are up in a time when colleges in the UC system have had to increase fees because of budget troubles in California. People see the value in education and most feel it is the best way to prepare oneself to be successful during an economic recession. In total 134,029 students sent in applications to UC schools in the application period which recently ended at the close of November. Freshmen applications were not the huge catalyst for the growth with only a 2.4% increase, in comparison to transfer applications which had a 17.5% increase across all campuses. Transfer growth illustrates the strength and success in our community college system in California, which is becoming increasingly popular as students look for more affordable ways to earn their degree.
President Obama and Governor Schwarzenegger have both been strong supporters of the community college system, as so many feel it is key to economic success. Some feel that this massive increase in transfer student applications might also be due to the CSU system having to absorb a 20% budget cut last year. This severe budget cut resulted in a reduction in enrollment, and a temporary block on admitting transfer students for the current term. Therefore more students are being forced to look toward the more competitive UC system to further their education and earn a degree. The UC system also adopted policies recently which increased the total number of transfer students that it takes in each year. Overall the continued demand from students looking to go to a California college and earn their degree should continue to rise in the coming years.
Tags: California Universities, college applications, community colleges, UC System, University of California
