Augustana College has been named to Phi Theta Kappa's 2026 Transfer Honor Roll, which recognizes institutions that excel in supporting transfer students, the college announced.
According to the college, the honor roll recognizes schools for student success, credit mobility and degree applicability, financial support, recruitment and admissions, and campus engagement for transfer students.
Of the 1,117 colleges and universities that completed Phi Theta Kappa's 2026 institutional profile, only 275 received the recognition, the college said.
Transfer students on their experience
Senior physics major Cholo Ferrolino, a transfer from McHenry County Community College, said he chose Augustana after visiting campus, hearing about friends' experiences and learning about transfer scholarship opportunities.
"Being a first-generation student, I really wanted a good major and a good job," Ferrolino said. "I did an in-person visit to Augustana, and going around campus and seeing the people there, everyone seemed so welcoming."
According to the college, Ferrolino has gained hands-on experience in Professor James van Howe's optics lab, earned an Open Quantum Initiative fellowship through the Chicago Quantum Exchange, and helped create a pipeline for Augustana students to take part in national-level quantum physics research. He also serves as president of the Photography Club and historian for the Asian Student Organization.
Sophomore Joshua Hackney, a double major in philosophy and communication studies who transferred from Wake Tech Community College in North Carolina, said Augustana provided the academic depth and faculty relationships he was seeking.
"I was hungry for depth, and I wanted answers," Hackney said. "I really got into philosophy and communications, and I realized at Augustana I could explore the things I'm passionate about while getting the full liberal arts experience."
College response
Rachel Gustafson, Augustana's executive director of admissions, transfer, nursing, health sciences and graduate studies, said the recognition reinforces the college's commitment to transfer students.
"We are proud that Augustana has established itself as a community where transfer students can find a renewed sense of belonging, rigorous academic programs, and comprehensive support," Gustafson said.
Background
According to Phi Theta Kappa, the Transfer Honor Roll is a competitive national recognition program that evaluates four-year institutions across five dimensions of community college transfer student success, with the designation awarded to top-performing schools. The society says it recognizes the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges.