January 28, 2026
St. John’s University has entered into a unique partnership with Stella and Charles Guttman Community College in Manhattan, NY, that will accelerate the transfer process for Guttman graduates eager to pursue bachelor’s degrees at St. John’s.
The articulation agreement, signed by representatives of both institutions on January 21, fast-tracks the transfer of qualified Guttman graduates into one of three bachelor’s degree programs at St. John’s—biology, offered at St. John’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences; interdisciplinary business, offered at The Peter J. Tobin College of Business; and health and human services, offered at The Lesley H. and William L. Collins College of Professional Studies.
The five-year agreement allows for a seamless transfer in which Guttman students receive recognition for completed coursework toward the corresponding programs at St. John’s, allowing them to build on their academic foundation while minimizing duplication of coursework. They also receive a direct guide to their program of interest at St. John’s, admission criteria, and updates on how their courses are transferring.
The partnership, which begins immediately, underscores both institutions’ commitment to expanding transfer pathways and meeting the demand for skilled professionals in competitive academic and career fields.
“Guttman students benefit from this transparency and enter our programs academically prepared,” said Melissa Mirabella, Associate Director, Transfer Student Services at St. John’s. “We look forward to building on this partnership through campus visits and transfer admission presentations in the upcoming months.”
Founded in 2011, Guttman Community College is the newest two-year college in the City University of New York system. It was named best community college in America by the college evaluation site Niche.com in 2020. It was also named the top community college in New York State by the financial website WalletHub in 2025.
Guttman’s most popular majors include business, human services, and liberal arts. The school is located in midtown Manhattan, across from Bryant Park and the New York Public Library.
Paul Reifenheiser, Ph.D. ’96M.A. has been Guttman’s Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs since July 2024. He earned a master’s degree in English from St. John’s College in 1996.
“These articulation agreements create pathways for students who want to experience both the largest urban public university in the country and a private pillar of our city’s educational ecosystem—St. John’s,” Dr. Reifenheiser said. “Guttman and St. John’s share a commitment to opening opportunities to a diverse group of students, especially those from New York City. I know our students will gain an education at both schools rooted in respect, dignity, and care.”
Guttman graduates are also eligible for St. John’s transfer student scholarships, including the University’s Transfer Distinction Award of $23,000 annually and University Transfer Merit Scholarships of up to $26,000.
Other transfer scholarships include service scholarships for children of active, retired, or deceased police officers, firefighters, and members of the military; as well as Phi Theta Kappa scholarships of $4,000.
St. John’s was recently named to the international honor society Phi Theta Kappa’s2025 Transfer Honor Roll for its work in recruiting and welcoming students who have earned associate’s degrees from community colleges.