Bushnell Partners in Oregon Transfer Pathway Initiative

For students looking to transfer from community college to one of Oregon’s private, nonprofit colleges and universities, the process is now easier and clearer.

The Oregon Transfer Pathway Initiative, introduced in October 2026, provides streamlined avenues for community college students to continue their education at these institutions across the state.

With new resources readily available through college advising and enrollment offices, the initiative helps prospective transfer students understand how their existing course credits will carry forward to another institution; what they can expect to pay; and the academic environment that awaits them.

“Transfer students have already invested significant time, effort and resources into their education, and we want to help them build on that progress rather than repeat work they’ve already completed,” said Kacie Gerdrum, dean of admissions at Bushnell University. “At Bushnell, we work to understand each student’s goals and help them determine how their credits, financial aid and academic interests can support a clear path to graduation. This initiative reflects our commitment to making that path more efficient, affordable and personal.”

The Oregon Alliance of Independent Colleges and Universities (OAICU) is leading the program with enthusiastic involvement from its member institutions. They have collaborated on simplifying transfers, including the application of earned credits.

“Oregon educational and policy leaders have been focusing on this effort for many years,” said Brent Wilder, the OAICU president. “Like community colleges, our state’s private, nonprofit colleges and universities foster personalized, close-knit learning environments where transfer students are supported and feel at home.

“Importantly, resources developed for the Oregon Transfer Pathway Initiative make it straightforward to estimate total education expenses. Published tuition rates — or sticker prices — at private institutions often don’t capture the financial aid that sharply diminishes out-of-pocket costs for most students.

At OAICU member institutions, 91% of students received grants, scholarships or other financial aid during the 2024-25 academic year. The average award was nearly $33,000. Further, the private, nonprofit colleges and universities have the shortest average time to bachelor’s degree completion among Oregon’s four-year institutions.

“Serving transfer students well means helping them build on what they have already accomplished and feel connected to their new university,” said Sarah Slater, director of academic services and online learning at Bushnell University. “Through individual academic advising, we help students understand their remaining degree requirements and connect with the resources they need along the way. We want them to know they have people at Bushnell who understand their goals and will support their progress toward graduation.”

Thanks to the transfer initiative, prospective transfer students can better forecast their journey before committing time and money to next steps. For specifics about transferring to Bushnell University, visit bushnell.edu/transfer.