students crossing bridge

Transfer students participate in Earle Bridge crossing tradition

WPI’s Transfer Pathways Open Doors for More STEM Students

Four years after launching a bold effort to become a leading destination for STEM-minded transfer students, WPI is helping more community college students navigate a clear, affordable path to a bachelor's degree and career success.

Four years ago, Worcester Polytechnic Institute set an ambitious goal: to become the premier private university destination for transfer students seeking a seamless pathway to a STEM degree. 

Today, the university’s expanded transfer initiative is showing results: WPI has grown its network of transfer partnerships to eleven institutions and increased transfer student enrollment by 37%, creating more opportunities for students to continue their educational journeys at a nationally recognized STEM university. Underscoring the success on a national level, WPI has been named to Phi Theta Kappa's 2026 Transfer Honor Roll, recognizing institutions that demonstrate excellence in creating and supporting pathways for community college transfer students.   

The effort addresses a challenge faced by students across the country. Research has found that uncertainty around credit transfers, affordability concerns, and the academic and social transition to a new campus can create significant barriers, preventing many students from successfully completing the transfer process.  

At WPI, the objective has been simple: remove the guesswork. 

“Transferring schools can feel overwhelming, especially when students are unsure which credits will transfer or whether they will graduate on time,” said Arne Gericke, dean of undergraduate studies. “Our transfer partnerships provide students with clear directions from day one and help them avoid roadblocks with integrated academic, financial, and career support services from the moment they arrive. Through that work we’re seeing more students successfully make the transition and, more importantly, thrive at WPI.” 

Building Clear Pathways to STEM Degrees 

WPI’s transfer partnerships were specifically created for students pursuing degrees in engineering, science, technology, mathematics, and other high-demand fields. The university currently maintains transfer agreements with: 

Partner Schools

Cape Cod Community College           Connecticut State Community College 
Framingham State University*             Holyoke Community College
Manchester Community College        MassBay Community Community College
Middlesex Community College           Mount Wachusett Community College 
Quinsigamond Community College   Raritan Valley Community College 
Worcester State University*                  *pre-engineering program

Beginning Quote Icon of beginning quote
“If I could package the WPI experience into one word, it would be opportunity, Faculty, staff, and peers recognize the potential we can’t always see within ourselves and then inspire us to take the leap towards new growth. During my time at WPI, I had the amazing opportunity to intern with a startup waste-to-energy company. My internship then turned into a collaboration for my MQP which won the Provost’s Award in chemical engineering, a huge accomplishment and honor.” Beginning Quote Icon of beginning quote
  • Colette Bernier, a transfer student from Quinsigamond Community College

Building Community After Transfer 

Recognizing that a successful transfer experience extends beyond academics, WPI has expanded the resources available to help students navigate both the classroom and campus life. 

Upon enrolling, transfer students are connected with a designated academic advisor, a faculty advisor in their department, and a staff liaison in the Office of Undergraduate Studies. Faculty advisors participate in a professional learning community focused on sharing strategies and resources to support transfer student success. 

The university has also introduced initiatives aimed at helping transfer students build connections early in their time at WPI. Students who choose to live on campus are guaranteed transfer housing, providing opportunities to connect with other transfer students. A semester-long transfer transition program and specialized programming help students become familiar with campus resources and opportunities. Debra Boucher, assistant dean of undergraduate studies who helped develop the program, says it’s working. 

“Transfer students have found a strong sense of belonging at WPI among peers with shared experiences and throughout the wider campus community. They thrive academically, graduate at consistently high rates, and pursue life-shaping opportunities through global projects, co-ops, and research.” 

To ensure those efforts continue to evolve, WPI established a Transfer Student Advisory Board that provides feedback on the student experience and identifies opportunities to strengthen programs and services. 

Transfer students also have immediate access to the Heebner Career Development Center, undergraduate research opportunities, and tuition waivers for two summer undergraduate courses. Qualified students may also pursue graduate study, creating opportunities to continue their education beyond a bachelor’s degree. 

Boucher adds, “Transfer students don’t simply find a pathway to WPI, they find a place to belong, opportunities to thrive, and a community made stronger by their success.” 

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