In this episode of TransferTALK, Jay speaks with Drew Melendres, Co-Founder of DegreeSight, to explore the common needs of transfer students—and how institutions must evolve to meet them. Drew’s experience spans years of working with non-traditional learners and transfer populations. He brings both data and intuition to the conversation, offering insight into how the recruitment landscape has changed—and where it’s headed.
If you’re curious about the shared patterns and decision factors that define today’s transfer students, this episode is a must-listen. Take notes—because the test is coming.
A Prognosticator’s View of Enrollment Trends
Drew Melendres doesn’t just reflect on past experience—he projects future outcomes. In this conversation, he shares how enrollment strategies must shift to serve the modern learner. That includes understanding the common needs of transfer students, such as:
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Timely and transparent credit evaluations
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Flexible start dates and pathways
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Personalized advising for complex life situations
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A culture that sees them as assets, not outliers
Drew challenges institutions to stop viewing transfers as “exceptions” and start building systems that welcome them as the new majority.
Why Transfer Support Can’t Be an Afterthought
Many colleges still rely on outdated models built for first-time, full-time freshmen. But today’s students are more likely to transfer, stop out, and re-enter higher ed at different points in life. When schools ignore the common needs of transfer students, they create friction and enrollment loss.
Jay and Drew unpack what must change—from marketing language to credit policies—to build environments that foster true transfer student success.
How DegreeSight Helps Meet These Needs
DegreeSight provides the strategy and tools needed to operationalize transfer-friendliness. Our transfer credit evaluation platform is designed to reduce delays and confusion. Our consulting services help schools build seamless pathways across enrollment, advising, and registrar teams.
To dive deeper into data-driven transfer trends, explore these resources from the National Student Clearinghouse.
The common needs of transfer students are clear. What’s unclear is whether institutions will do what’s required to meet them. With insights from Drew Melendres, this episode offers a roadmap for those ready to lead—not lag—on transfer strategy.