August 06, 2025
SIU Carbondale again earns national honors for assisting transfer students
CARBONDALE, Ill. — For a third consecutive year, Southern Illinois University Carbondale is receiving honors for its commitment as one of the nation’s top transfer-friendly institutions by an academic honors society for associate-degree granting colleges and universities.
SIU Carbondale is among 251 public and private colleges and universities listed on Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society’s 2025 Transfer Honor Roll, which recognizes excellence in the development and support of dynamic and innovative pathways for community college transfer students. SIU Carbondale is one of 21 public and private colleges and universities in Illinois on the list.
Wendell Williams, vice chancellor for enrollment management, said the honor bestowed on the top 25% highest-rated colleges reflects SIU’s commitment to student success and engagement, a pillar of the Imagine 2030 strategic plan.
“Three years in a row is a great accomplishment,” Williams said. “As an institution in this region of the country, being named to this honor roll carries special significance. It’s a recognition of our dedication to serving Southern Illinois, the state of Illinois and the surrounding states.”
Williams noted that SIU Carbondale does everything it can to eliminate barriers, save students time and money, and provide seamless pathways to an affordable, high-quality bachelor’s degree at a premier doctoral university.
SIU Carbondale is included on the Carnegie Classification of Institutions for Higher Education’s lists as Research 1: Very High Spending and Doctorate Production and Opportunity Colleges and Universities — Higher Access, Higher Earnings. Earning both designations places SIU Carbondale in rare company — only 21 institutions, or less than 1% — are both R1 and Opportunity.
Josi Rawls, associate director for transfer relations in SIU Carbondale’s undergraduate admissions, noted that more than 1,200 transfer students enrolled in fall 2024, the most in more than five years.
SIU Carbondale remains committed to helping transfer students pursue their educational goals, she said.
“Data shows this population achieves success at a higher-than-average rate, and Phi Theta Kappa members are among the best and brightest transfer students,” Rawls said. “We are proud to be named as one of the top transfer destinations in the country with this PTK Honor Roll recognition.
“As a newly named R1 research institution, with a commitment to access and opportunity, SIU Carbondale offers transfer students the unique chance to be a part of something big,” Rawls said. “Our continuous work to establish transfer credit pathways, expand scholarship opportunities and offer flexible modalities for transfer students will keep SIU Carbondale on the forefront of innovation in this field.”
The honor roll is determined by 40 key metrics related to the support and success of transfer students, including college cost and financial aid, campus life, admission practices and bachelor’s degree completion, according to the organization.