For many community college students nationwide, the goal is a four-year degree. But a recent study shows only 14 percent walk away with a bachelor's within six years, partly because of the difficulty associated with transferring college credits.

On Tuesday, Massachusetts officials rolled out a new tool designed to streamline the transfer process.

State officials say the MassTransfer tool will make it easier and cheaper for students to transfer between the state's 28 community colleges, state universities and University of Massachusetts campuses.

Higher Education Commissioner Carlos Santiago says the tool will help students determine which of their community college credits and courses will transfer to a public institution offering a 4-year bachelor's degree.

"[Students] will know exactly which pathways to follow within specific majors," Santiago said during an interview with On Campus.

Students can also use the online portal to figure out the costs of transferring and completing a degree.

“On the website the students will know how much they will save as they go from one institution to another... The costs are different, but they will know that explicitly,” Santiago said.

Related: How Can Community Colleges Improve Transfer Rates?