51�� honored as top transfer-friendly destination for fifth consecutive year

Cutler Hall overlooks 51��'s College Green.

51�� and OHIO Online have once again been highlighted among the top transfer-friendly colleges and universities in the nation by the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (PTK) 2024 Transfer Honor Roll, which recognizes the development and support of pathways created for the success of community college transfer students.

“I am delighted to see 51�� and OHIO Online recognized for their leadership in supporting transfer students who are such an important part of the Bobcat community,” said 51�� President Lori Stewart Gonzalez. “OHIO is forever committed to providing world-class educational experiences for all students, and I am proud of our team who work tirelessly and creatively to make those experiences a reality for our transfer students.”

Institutions selected for the honor roll were evaluated based on 40 key metrics related to the support and success of transfer students, including cost and financial aid, campus life for transfer students, admission practices and bachelor’s degree completion. The Transfer Honor Roll is based on analysis from the National Student Clearinghouse and on data submitted through an institution’s profile on , PTK’s virtual tool that assists students in finding their colleges, career pathways and more. Colleges are given a Transfer Friendliness Rating once they complete their PTK Connect profile, and the honor roll is chosen from among the top 25 percent highest-rated colleges.

A history of transfer-friendly excellence

This marks the fifth year in a row 51�� has been recognized, and the eighth time overall since 2016. OHIO Online has now been recognized for the second year in a row. This year, 228 colleges and universities made the list along with nine other universities from Ohio recognized as well. OHIO was one of only two public universities from the state of Ohio recognized on the honor roll.

“Continuing to be recognized in both the traditional on-campus and online spaces is a testament to the University’s commitment to uplifting the endeavors of transfer students in the state, the region and throughout the nation,” said Vice President for Enrollment Management Candace J. Boeninger. “We are proud to build pathways and nurture relationships with strong community college partners, and our dedicated teams are always working together to facilitate seamless transfer experiences that lead to successful outcomes.”

Fostering online and on-campus success

OHIO offers a myriad of transfer pathways for students to get the OHIO experience whether on-campus or online. To begin the process of transferring to OHIO, a student must have completed at least nine semester hours or 12 quarter hours at a regionally accredited institution. Then the student decides their desired start date, reviews cost and aid information, submits a transfer application and requests transcripts from their prior institution(s) be sent to OHIO.

In addition to the Athens and regional campuses, OHIO Online offers transfer students a top-tier education with the flexibility to earn a variety of certificates and degrees in a way that meets each student’s individual needs. OHIO Online is ranked among the top online colleges in the nation

“The goal of most students attending community college is a bachelor’s degree, but few do because of financial barriers and the complexities of the transfer process,” Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner, president and CEO of Phi Theta Kappa, said in a release. “We are proud to recognize the exceptional colleges and universities that go above and beyond to create accessible pathways to bachelor’s degree completion for community college transfer students.”

Established in 1918, Phi Theta Kappa is the oldest, largest and most prestigious honors society recognizing students pursuing two-year degrees, with almost 1,300 chapters in 11 countries.

More than 4.3 million students have been inducted since PTK was established, with approximately 240,000 active members on college campuses across the nation.

All 2024 Transfer Honor Roll recipients can be viewed on To learn more about transferring to OHIO, visit the Undergraduate Admissions transfer web page.

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