The State University System of Florida and FSW celebrate National Transfer Student Week, recognizing students who earn bachelor’s degrees through Florida’s 2+2 transfer pathway.
FORT MYERS, Fla. — Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) is highlighting the success of students who begin their education at FSW and continue on to bachelor’s degree programs through Florida’s 2+2 Targeted Pathway Program and other specialized initiatives.
This week, the State University System of Florida celebrated National Transfer Student Week, recognizing the achievements of students who begin at a Florida College System (FCS) institution and go on to earn bachelor’s degrees across Florida’s 12 public universities through the state’s nation-leading 2+2 Targeted Pathway program. Under the 2+2 Targeted Pathway program, students who earn an Associate in Arts (AA) degree can transfer 60-credit hours toward a bachelor’s degree program at a public state university. Students complete the first two years of their education at a state college, then apply those credits toward the final two years of a bachelor’s degree, saving time and money along the way.
“Florida’s 2+2 Targeted Pathway Program creates tremendous opportunities for students to continue their education and achieve their goals. Through partnerships like Destination FGCU, as well as our own bachelor’s degree programs, FSW is focused not only on helping students reach graduation, but also on preparing them to thrive in the next phase of their education,” said Dr. Christy Gilfert, interim vice president of Student Affairs at FSW. “It’s exciting to see the achievements of transfer students recognized statewide, and we’re proud to be part of a higher education system where collaboration between institutions makes a meaningful difference in student outcomes.”
System Chancellor Ray Rodrigues said the program also reflects the strength of collaboration across Florida’s higher education institutions.
“Florida continues to set the standard for student success through the impact of our 2+2 articulation system; it is one of the strongest examples of how Florida’s higher education institutions work together to put students first,” said Rodrigues. “Clear pathways from the Florida College System to public universities reduce barriers and help students earn high-value degrees. National Transfer Student Week celebrates transfer students’ success and their lasting impact on universities, communities, and the workforce.”
The System’s three-year graduation rate for Florida College System AA transfer students has reached a record 66%, highlighting the success of transfer students across Florida’s public universities.
Regional and Statewide Partnerships
FSW maintains close regional pathways, including Destination FGCU with Florida Gulf Coast University. It also participates in specialized initiatives such as FAMU Ignite with Florida A&M University and the FUSE Transfer Program with the University of South Florida, which build on Florida’s traditional 2+2 transfer model. These highly structured pathways help students make informed academic choices and prepare them to complete their bachelor’s degrees.
“Transfer opportunities are an important part of how FSW supports student success,” said FSW President Jeff Allbritten. “By working closely with our university partners, we are helping students navigate the transition to the next stage of their education and expand their options for the future. Whether students continue their education at FSW or transfer to another institution, we want them to leave with a strong educational foundation that prepares them for continued success.”
Transfer Success by the Numbers
Last fall, more than 55,000 students who earned an AA degree from a Florida College System institution enrolled at a System institution, demonstrating the continued strength of Florida’s transfer pathways. More than 860 FSW students who earned an AA in 2025 transferred to continue their education, reflecting FSW’s strong commitment to student success and seamless transfer opportunities.
For more information, visit www.fsw.edu/advising/transferadvising.