Local Transfer Enrollments on All-Time Increase at SDSU

“These investments are part of SDSU’s commitment to provide more opportunities for students attending our local community colleges.”

The number of new transfer students attending San Diego State University has nearly doubled since 2011, with rapid growth among students from local community colleges. 

Specifically, the recent growth in local transfer student enrollments at SDSU is credited to two main priorities: the university has enhanced support for transfer students, and both the university and the California State University system have dedicated financial support to improve enrollments at the local level. 

Most recently, the CSU Office of the Chancellor provided enrollment growth funding at a 2.2% increase. SDSU opted to invest those funds in support for transfer students – with a priority for students attending local community colleges. 
Those efforts yielded an additional 583 more local transfer students attending SDSU in Fall 2019, when compared with Fall 2018 – including students like Southwestern Community College transfer student Rodizza Baytan.

Baytan said SDSU has long been “my dream school, not because of location” but because she could see herself being successful on the campus. 

“I chose SDSU because I knew I would flourish in my education due to the support system,” she said, noting specifically the support of counselor Susan Alvarado. “The guidance I would receive from her at my community college campus and here at the SDSU campus has always been so welcoming.”    Baytan said she appreciates the immersive academic and co-curricular support, all of which are preparing her for a career in public relations. 

“There are so many opportunities when studying at SDSU, like events and guest speakers that go hand-in-hand with your education,” Baytan said. “Some of my classes have events that we are required to attend to network and better understand our learning objectives. Providing opportunities for networking in classes gives students something to look forward to, and it makes it fun and beneficial for our careers after SDSU.” 
New transfer student enrollments at SDSU were fewer than 2,200 in Fall 2011, compared with more than 4,100 transfer students this fall – a record number for SDSU. 

Sandra Temores-Valdez, Interim Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs - Enrollment, said SDSU has spent the last year enhancing existing partnerships with local community colleges. In addition to the funding support, the university’s Prospective Student Services area has provided dedicated admissions and recruitment support throughout the admission cycle.

“These investments are part of SDSU’s commitment to provide more opportunities for students attending our local community colleges,” Temores-Valdez said. “Given these efforts, we are excited to welcome this fall to SDSU a strong and well-prepared transfer class.” 

Susan Meyer, who was born and raised in San Diego, said, “I never saw myself at a university” prior to gaining admission at SDSU. She is now a psychology major and her aspiration is to become a mental health professional. 

“I have been really proactive when it comes to attending meetings of my choice to help guide me in the right path,” said Meyer, who began her studies at Grossmont College. She has most appreciated SDSU’s test preparation and information related to graduate studies. 

“I truly believe that pursuing higher education is important to achieve your goals,” Meyer said. “SDSU provides resources for all students and endless opportunities. It is also a welcoming campus and provided the easiest transition from community college to a four-year institution.”