All Iowa Public Universities, Community Colleges Work Together to Help Students Earn Degrees via Clearinghouse’s Reverse Transfer Service

Partners to Boost College Completion Rates, Support Future Ready Iowa Initiative

Iowa community college students who transfer to one of the state’s three public universities before earning a degree or certificate will find it easier to receive a credential retroactively.

All of Iowa’s four-year and two-year public colleges and universities have agreed to work with the National Student Clearinghouse to offer reverse transfer to increase Iowa’s college degree attainment.

The partnership, which utilizes the Clearinghouse’s Reverse Transfer service, will boost college completion rates and generate a significant increase in the number of community college credentials awarded. This work supports the Future Ready Iowa initiative, which calls for 70 percent of Iowa workers to have education or training beyond high school by 2025.

Reverse transfer is the transfer of credits from a four-year institution to any two-year institution from which a student transferred.

“Helping more Iowans earn postsecondary degrees and credentials is key to getting them the rewarding jobs they deserve and employers the skilled workers they need to grow,” Iowa Department of Education Director Ryan Wise said. “Participation in Reverse Credit Transfer is good for students, since research shows individuals who earn associate degrees finish four-year degrees at higher rates and earn more money.”

Iowa’s 15 community colleges, three public universities, and the Clearinghouse will facilitate the sharing of student course records between the universities and community colleges. To participate, students agree to have their university transcripts sent back to their community colleges, which will determine whether the students’ university courses have met requirements for degrees or other credentials. The state’s three public universities are encouraging students who have transferred in with 30 or more community college credits to participate.

“Nationwide, there are more than 4 million students with some college and no degree, according to our Research Center,” said Michelle Blackwell, national manager of reverse transfer initiatives at the Clearinghouse. “The Clearinghouse’s Reverse Transfer Service and Iowa’s public colleges and universities will ensure that eligible students earn their associate degree and enhance their employment opportunities.”

“The Clearinghouse’s Reverse Transfer service and Iowa’s public colleges and universities will ensure that eligible students earn their associate degree and enhance their employment opportunities.”

Michelle Blackwell
National Manager of Reverse Transfer Initiatives
National Student Clearinghouse

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