‘Reverse transfer degree’ program helps college students mark milestones

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Is it possible to earn a college degree and not know it?

Officials at the University of Louisville, Jefferson Community and Technical College and 55,000 Degrees say it is. They have collaboratively launched a new program to help transfer students determine if they already have enough credit hours for a JCTC associate degree.

“This program is a big win for everyone,” said UofL President James Ramsey. “We’ve made it easy for our transfer students to figure out if they already qualify, or are close to qualifying, for an associate degree.”

The Reverse Transfer Degree initiative targets scholars who earned at least 15 credit hours from JCTC before transferring to UofL and earning another 45 credit hours. UofL has identified more than 1,300 students who may be eligible for the initiative. Over 100 are expected to receive a reverse associate degree this semester.

“Students who start at Jefferson and transfer are focused on that four-year degree and often don’t realize how close they are to earning the associate,” said Tony Newberry, president of JCTC. “We are pleased that our great partner, UofL, not only recognizes the value of the associate degree but also the hard work it takes to earn one.”

The Reverse Transfer Degree initiative is another way UofL and JCTC are supporting 55,000 Degrees—a plan to add 55,000 more college graduates in the Louisville area by 2020.

“As it turns out, many people have already passed this 60-credit-hour mark. Earning an associate degree is not only a milestone but a motivator for students,” said Mary Gwen Wheeler, executive director of 55,000 Degrees. “Reverse transfers fuel persistence and encourage students to stay in school and finish a four-year degree.”

For details about the program, contact UofL’s Wes Partin, Office of Admissions, at wes.partin@louisville.edu or 502-852-4959.