UNI recognized for transfer student success nine years in a row

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa - For the ninth year in a row, the University of Northern Iowa has been recognized for its commitment to helping community college students seamlessly transfer and earn bachelor's degrees. UNI once again made Phi Theta Kappa's Transfer Honor Roll, a nationally known indicator of transfer excellence.

Only 275 four-year colleges and universities made the list this year. To earn a coveted spot, institutions are evaluated using data from the National Student Clearinghouse along with information collected through PTK Connect, Phi Theta Kappa's online platform connecting the nation's top community college students with transfer opportunities.

"UNI continues to be a place where all students have the opportunity to succeed," said Terri Crumley, director of admissions at UNI. "Our transfer students are a vital part of our campus community, and we work hard to ensure they feel welcomed and supported so they can thrive as students and throughout their careers."

Last year, UNI welcomed more than 800 new transfer students. About one-third of the student body consists of transfers, and nearly 500 transfer students earned their degrees in spring 2026.

One major benefit for community college students who are interested in transferring to UNI is UNI@IACC. Through this program, place-bound students with an associate's degree from an Iowa community college can earn a bachelor's degree from UNI via online coursework. Future Ready Awards cover the difference between UNI and community college tuition, making this an affordable pathway.

Another key to UNI's transfer-friendly nature is UNIFI, which is the university's general education curriculum. Because of UNIFI, students who have earned an AA or AS degree have already satisfied all their general education requirements.

UNI offers pre-transfer advising to answer student questions early in the process. There are transfer-specific visit days twice a year and dedicated orientation days just for transfer students who have committed to UNI. There are also transfer living communities and peer support to help students adjust to their new home with ease.

The Transfer Honor Roll assesses how students are supported through their entire journey at a four-year institution, from admission through graduation. Specifically, the Honor Roll looks at five dimensions that have been proven to impact 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

"This recognition is about much more than transfer agreements," said Lynn Tincher-Ladner, president and CEO of Phi Theta Kappa. "Successful transfer happens when institutions intentionally design policies, practices, and campus cultures that help students thrive after they arrive. These colleges have demonstrated that transfer student success is not accidental. It is a strategic priority."