Walsh Marks Over 50 Years of Community College Partnerships

For over 50 years, Walsh’s partnerships with community colleges have provided students an affordable, accessible education. In 1968, Walsh began offering coursework for upper-division students who had completed two years at community college or a four-year institutions. 

Since that time, Walsh has built community college partnerships to include Henry Ford College, Macomb Community College, Mott Community College, Oakland Community College, Schoolcraft College, St. Clair County Community College, Washtenaw Community College, Wayne County Community College District and many more across Michigan and beyond. At a time when the cost of a college degree is higher than ever, Walsh’s strong relationships with community colleges offer a number of benefits to transfer students.

Walsh accepts up to 91 transfer credits and has built a reputation for providing an easy transfer process.

“Walsh values our community college relationships tremendously,” said Marsha Kelliher, Walsh President and CEO. “Students receive a strong start at community college and seamlessly transfer to Walsh to finish their degree at an internationally ranked, private business school.”

Payton Beigler, who is pursuing a bachelor of science in information technology, planned to transfer to Walsh 18 months before she made the move, and worked with the same advisor throughout the entire process. “My Walsh advisor was so helpful,” said Beigler, “She helped me figure out the classes I would need for my degree path to make my transfer from community college smooth.”

Community college students who transfer to Walsh to finish their bachelor’s degree have the advantage of saving between $35,000-60,000 on tuition, compared to four-year public and private institutions.

For students who do take out loans, Walsh’s 2015 3-year default rate is 3.4%. According to the U.S. Department of Education, the National 2015 3-year default rate is 10.8% and Michigan’s 2015 3-year default rate is 12.2%.*

Walsh also offers many scholarship opportunities including the Community College Excellence Award, available to Michigan community college students with a cumulative grade point average of 3.750 or higher. Select full-tuition scholarships are also available.

College students are busier than ever, often balancing work, family, and other priorities with school. They need a clear, accessible, and flexible pathway to their degree. In addition to online and evening classes, students can also register for classes a full year in advance, helping them schedule school around their hectic lives.