July 23, 2026
SIU Carbondale continues to earn national honors for assisting transfer students
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Southern Illinois University Carbondale is once again earning national recognition 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.
This marks the fourth consecutive year that SIU Carbondale is listed on Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society in its 2026 Transfer Honor Roll. The recognition celebrates excellence in the development and support of dynamic and innovative pathways for community college transfer students.
SIU Carbondale is among 275 four-year public and private colleges and universities to make the list — one of 24 public and private institutions in Illinois selected, and one of just 6 public colleges and universities in the state to achieve the honor.
The honor roll “evaluates how well institutions support transfer students from admission through graduation,” according to the organization. Colleges are assessed across five dimensions shown to influence transfer success:
- Transfer student success outcomes.
- Credit mobility and degree applicability.
- Financial support for transfer students.
- Recruitment and admissions practices.
- Campus engagement and support for transfer students
Reflects SIU’s commitment to transfer students’ success
Wendell Williams, vice chancellor for enrollment management, said the honor reflects SIU’s continued commitment to student success and engagement, a pillar of SIU’s Imagine 2030 strategic plan.
“Transfer students, because of our past success, have come to expect us to be there and we will continue to do everything possible to live up to those expectations,” he said.
Williams noted the university’s commitment 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 hold a dual honor from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions for Higher Education: 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, said transfer students “are an essential part of the SIU Carbondale community, bringing diverse experiences, perspectives, and academic backgrounds that enrich our student body.” Transfer students are presently projected to comprise approximately one-third of SIU Carbondale’s incoming 2026 fall semester class, she said.
“SIU is committed to ensuring transfer students not only make a smooth transition but also thrive academically, personally and professionally,” Rawls said.
Empowering transfer students
Rawls noted that essential components including comprehensive advisement, personalized support services, generous transfer scholarships, and clear academic pathways, “empowers transfer students to build upon their previous educational achievements and complete their degrees with confidence.”
“Our faculty and staff recognize the unique needs of transfer students and work collaboratively to ensure credits transfer efficiently, students remain on track for graduation, and meaningful opportunities for engagement are available from day one,” she said.
Whether transferring from a community college or another four-year institution, initiatives such as Saluki Step Ahead, Saluki Transfer Commitment and other robust merit-based scholarship programs “provides transfer students with the resources and support they need to thrive,” Rawls said.
This commitment to student success is reflected in their academic achievements, leadership on campus, participation in research and student organizations, and strong career outcomes after graduation,” she said.