National University opens guaranteed transfer for California Community College graduates

The logo of National University/ File: Yahoo Finance

According to Edsource, the initiative, first reported by Inside Higher Education, marks a significant expansion of transfer opportunities for students seeking a bachelor’s degree. Under the new pathway, eligible California Community College students will be guaranteed admission to National University, with all previously earned credits accepted toward their degree.

The program is designed to reduce common barriers in the transfer process, such as lost credits and limited university capacity. While existing transfer systems already connect community colleges with the University of California and California State University systems, those institutions cannot accommodate every qualified student. Researchers from the RP Group, a nonprofit focused on community college outcomes, note that California’s community colleges enroll far more students than UC and CSU campuses can absorb.

National University’s fully online model is expected to particularly benefit rural and nontraditional students, who often need flexible scheduling to balance work, family, or other responsibilities. By guaranteeing credit transfers and offering reduced tuition, the university aims to make completing a four-year degree more accessible.

National University President Mark Milliron emphasized the importance of meeting students where they are. He said the partnership is meant to provide a supportive alternative for those who may not thrive in more traditional, highly structured campus environments designed primarily for recent high school graduates.

Education leaders say the new pathway could expand bachelor’s degree attainment across the state, offering a practical solution for students who might otherwise struggle to continue their education after community college.