A study of students who had transferred from a community college in Michigan to two senior institutions in the state between 1973 and 1979 was conducted in order to determine why students attended a community college; the point at which they decided to obtain a baccalaureate degree; and their experiences after transfer. The study also sought to relate students' background characteristics and the factors influencing their college choices to their academic experiences at the four-year college and their educational outcomes. Study findings, based on survey responses from 362 students, included the following: (1) the major reasons for attending the community college were convenient location, low costs, ability to work while attending classes, and flexibility of course times; (2) the major reason students transferred to the state regional university was that it allowed them to integrate their studies with work and family obligations, while students transferred to the major research university because of the prestige of the institution and the reputation of their academic programs of study; (3) respondents from families that were better educated and of a higher socioeconomic status were more likely to choose the major research university and to successfully obtain a bachelor's degree; and (4) a greater percentage of students who transferred prior to obtaining an associate degree attained a bachelor's degree than those who transferred with an associate degree. The survey instrument is appended. (HB)