Metro State University joins 250 other colleges and universities in being named to the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society's 2025 Transfer Honor Roll in recognition of the dynamic pathways they have created to support transfer students.
The Transfer 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 for transfer, admission practices, and bachelor’s degree completion. The Transfer Honor Roll was based on analysis from the National Student Clearinghouse, and on data submitted through the four-year institution’s profile on PTK Connect, Phi Theta Kappa’s online tool designed to help students find their best-fit colleges and career pathways.
Colleges completing the PTK Connect profile are given a Transfer Friendliness Rating. The Honor Roll is chosen from among the top 25 percent highest-rated colleges.
“Metro State University was named to Phi Theta Kappa’s transfer honor roll for the second year in a row," says Director of Undergraduate Recruitment Paul Kienberger. "This is a huge accomplishment for the university as students from community colleges across the country look for supportive, dynamic, and innovative pathways to complete their bachelor’s degree.
"I’d like to personally recognize Brian Heuer who championed our application to Phi Theta Kappa this year and Alayna Petersen who championed our application in 2024 when Metro State was recognized for the first time. The application process is intense and involves a lot of research and collaboration with departments across the university. Thank you to everyone across campus that helped us receive this award for two consecutive years!"
The Transfer Honor Roll recognizes the importance of creating strong transfer pathways that lead to excellence and success among community college transfer students, and this year’s winners had exceptional outcomes, and several of these included:
• Average percent of transfer in undergraduate population – 56%
• Average bachelor’s degree completion rate among transfers – 75%
• Average credit transferred toward a degree major and/or plan – 81%
• Average percent of transfer students receiving merit-based financial aid – 74%
“I’m proud of the transfer outcomes we’re seeing at these Honor Roll colleges,” said Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner, President and CEO of Phi Theta Kappa. “These colleges are doing more than just opening doors—they’re walking students through them. Their commitment to creating clear, supportive pathways demonstrates what’s possible when student success is truly the priority.”
###
About Phi Theta Kappa
Phi Theta Kappa is the first honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders. The Society is made up of more than 4.4 million members and nearly 1,250 chapters in 11 countries, with approximately 220,000 active members in the nation’s colleges. Learn more at ptk.org.