Distance and Transfer with Dr. Darla Cooper & Dr. Daisy Segovia

Learn how geographic distance shapes transfer outcomes, and what colleges can do about it.  When we talk about student transfer success, conversations often focus on GPA, support services, or articulation agreements. But what if one of the biggest factors is something as simple—and as complex—as distance?

In this episode of the Student Success Podcast, Dr. Darla Cooper and Dr. Daisy Segovia from the research & planning nonprofit, the RP Group, unpack the findings of their latest research on how geographic distance from a public university significantly affects transfer outcomes for community college students. With over one million students tracked across six years, the data tells a powerful story—one that challenges assumptions and calls for policy, funding, and support changes to level the playing field for students in “university deserts.” While it's a study of California colleges, the methodology and findings can be applicable to all states dealing with this issue.

This episode—and the study behind it—reminds us that equity in higher education isn’t just about what’s taught in classrooms or offered in student centers. Sometimes, it’s about how far a student has to go just to get in the door.

0:00: Introduction to the "Why" of the Study
4:43: The Study on Geographic Barriers
11:15: Mapping University Deserts
17:42: Who Lives in University Deserts
27:20: Impact on Transfer Outcomes
38:09: Solutions and Policy Recommendations

For the full text transcript and detailed show notes, visit the episode page.

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