A study was conducted to compare the academic persistence, performance, and degree attainment of three groups of students who were enrolled in a baccalaureate degree program at Arizona State University, the University of Arizona or Northern Arizona University between 1976 and 1980. The study groups were defined in terms of the students' postsecondary educational backgrounds. One group had, in 1976, already completed 24 to 36 credit hours at the same university. The second group had transferred to a state university in Fall 1976 after completing the equivalent of one year at a community college. The third group had transferred in Fall 1977 after completing the equivalent of two years at a community college. Student records maintained at the universities were examined to provide a demographic profile of each group and to facilitate a semester-by-semester comparison of the grade point averages, retention rates, college credits earned, and graduation rates for each group during their enrollment at the universities. Data were analyzed by high school class rank, university departmental enrollment, and, where applicable, by community college attended. The study report details methodology and limitations; profiles the groups by sex, age, and ethnicity; presents findings for each university; and recommends ways of avoiding the problems encountered in conducting the study. A literature review is appended. (JP)