In order to lower the cost of higher education, many states are making an effort to design credit systems that allow easier transfers. By doing this, they save students money by preventing them from having to retake courses they have already completed at other academic institutions.
A new report released by Gerald L. Zahorchak, Pennsylvania education secretary, describes a new statewide system in Pennsylvania has been designed to help maximize the number of credits students can transfer and have the courses count towards a degree. The authors of the report stated that in 2009, students who transferred credits towards a degree saved almost $35.4 million.
The report also found a 15 percent increase in the number of students transferring from Pennsylvania community colleges to schools in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.
"Our new transfer system has made college more accessible to thousands of students while helping to reduce the cost of earning a degree," said Zahorchak. He added that "the new system was essential because many students earn credits at multiple institutions over many years as they work toward a degree."
The average salaries for those who have earned bachelors degrees range from $44,113 to $86,836 per year, according to PayScale.com, a research company.
