Building on the success of its innovative Bearcat Pathway community college transfer program, Willamette University has partnered with Clackamas Community College to create a streamlined process for students to continue their education at Willamette after completing a two-year degree.
Under the program, Clackamas students will have access to dedicated advising from Willamette staff to assist in the transfer process. Community college students often face challenges when transferring to a four-year institution due to credit transfer complexities, unfamiliarity with navigating university systems, and limited access to resources. The Bearcat Pathway streamlines the process with dedicated support for transferring credits, applying for financial aid, and other common challenges. The program also designates clear courses of study for Clackamas students interested in some of Willamette’s most powerful degree programs such as Business, Computer Science, Data Science, and Psychology.
“Willamette has always welcomed transfer students from community colleges and our campus community has benefitted from the perspectives they bring. Still, we know that some Clackamas students looking to transfer to a four-year institution may not consider Willamette because they are unsure of whether credits will transfer or about financial aid,” said Willamette University President Steve Thorsett. “The Bearcat Pathway removes those barriers and stands alongside students before they even apply to Willamette to ensure they know what classes they need to take and have support along the way.”
Willamette continues to lead the way in providing pathways toward success for community college students with agreements between Willamette and two of the region’s leading community colleges — with additional partnerships in the works. Since partnering with Chemeketa Community College in a first-of-its-kind transfer program, the Bearcat Pathway has already helped 18 community college students navigate the transfer process to Willamette. In addition, Willamette has tripled its transfer enrollment from Chemeketa since starting the program.
The new pathway is available to current Clackamas students hoping to transfer to Willamette University in the fall of 2027 and continues to be open to current Chemeketa students.
Mariana Tapia Gutierrez is an incoming student who transferred to Willamette with the help of the Bearcat Pathway. “The Bearcat Pathway program made my transfer process smooth by showing me exactly which classes to take for my major, so I don’t feel left behind,” Gutierrez said. “I’m excited to start my classes, make new friends and memories, and see everything Willamette has to offer.”
Transfer students looking to continue their educational journey at Willamette through the Bearcat Pathway can submit their application at any time. Interested students are invited to apply to the Bearcat Pathway.
Learn more about Willamette University’s transfer admissions pathways.
