BOONE, N.C. — Appalachian State University’s sustained commitment to the success of its transfer student population has been recognized for the 10th consecutive year, marking a decade of the university being named to Phi Theta Kappa’s 2026 Transfer Honor Roll. App State is among 275 higher education institutions nationwide — and the only University of North Carolina System institution — included on the list.

Established in 2016, PTK’s Honor Roll recognizes four-year colleges and universities across the country for developing dynamic and innovative pathways that lead to success among community college transfer students.

Over 2,100 new transfer students have joined the App State community each of the past three academic years, representing nearly 140 community colleges across the nation. Transfer students make up one-fourth of the total undergraduate student population, with 70% of new transfer students coming to the university from community colleges, according to App State Transfer Admissions and Engagement. The degree completion rate for North Carolina community college students who transferred to App State is more than 22% above the national average.

“Transfer students strengthen our university community with their unique viewpoints, a wealth of lived experiences and strong academic foundations,” said Dr. Ashley Colquitt, interim vice provost of enrollment management at App State. “From programs like Aspire Appalachian to ongoing campus engagement, we put the needs of each student at the heart of everything we do, preparing them to innovate, lead and excel long after graduation.”

To determine its honor roll, PTK assessed colleges across five dimensions shown to influence transfer success: student outcomes, credit mobility and degree applicability, financial support for transfer students, recruitment and admissions practices, and campus engagement and support for transfer students.

“This recognition is about much more than transfer agreements,” said Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner, PTK president and CEO. “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.”

Established in 1918, PTK Honor Society recognizes the academic achievement of college students and provides opportunities for its members to grow as scholars and leaders. The society is made up of more than 4.5 million members and nearly 1,200 chapters in 11 countries, with approximately 220,000 active members in the nation’s colleges.

Dedicated to transfer student success

“From the moment a student considers transferring to App State to the day they cross the commencement stage, our Transfer Admissions and Engagement team is dedicated to their success,” said Colquitt. “We tailor our support to ensure a smooth admission process and carry that commitment forward, offering holistic support throughout their entire journey at App State.”

Central to transfer student success at App State is the award-winning Aspire Appalachian Pathway Program, which provides a seamless pathway for students enrolled at partner community colleges to complete their degrees at App State. Qualifying students receive dedicated academic and financial aid advising assistance from both their community college and the university. As of the 2025–26 academic year, App State has established new and renewed Aspire partnerships with 36 NC community colleges.

Dr. Kim Morton, director of transfer recruitment and retention at App State, noted that App State offers comprehensive resources and programming that help students navigate the transfer process, maximize their transfer credits and engage with the App State Community once they arrive at the university.

Those resources and programming include:

• Numerous merit- and need-based scholarship opportunities are available for incoming transfer students who have shown previous academic success and involvement prior to their enrollment at App State. Two examples:
  • One student from each North Carolina community college affiliated with Phi Theta Kappa will receive the Appalachian PTK Scholarship, a one-time award of $1,000.
  • Approximately 150 new transfer students each fall are supported by the Appalachian Excellence Scholarship for Transfer Students, a one-time award of $1,000.
• Faculty Transfer Mentors are App State faculty and staff members who provide academic support to both prospective and new transfer students, helping them understand the curriculum and the remaining required coursework in their area of study.
• Mountain Laurel Hall is a 248-bed residence dedicated for App State transfer students. As a central hub for all App State transfer students, Mountain Laurel Hall offers student success programming, including social connections and academic support.
• The Transfer Student Center, located in Mountain Laurel Hall, provides transfer students a space in which to gather, socialize, study, find support, relax and learn about campus resources. All App State transfer students have access to both Mountain Laurel and its Transfer Student Center, regardless of whether or not they live in the residence hall.
• App State’s transfer admissions counselors assist prospective transfer students by advising for general education and major requirements while they are still attending their community college or previous institution.
• Ease of transferring course credits is facilitated in many ways, such as through App State’s Transfer Equivalency Course Search tool, which helps students determine how the courses they completed at other institutions may transfer to the university.
• App State offers multiple events for transfer students each semester that are designed to help these students connect with their peers and engage with the campus community. These events include Welcome to App events, Transfer Tuesdays every week and National Transfer Student Week in October, as well as Transfer Madness in March.
• Transfer Student Mentors are current App State transfer students who assist incoming transfer students by providing them with information about the university and helping them connect with the App State campus community. TSMs answer questions, help students navigate their first semester on a new campus, assist students with ways to get involved or just meet students for coffee and conversation.
• The university has 400 student clubs and organizations, including a handful that are specifically for transfer students, such as the Transfer Student Organization and App State’s Gamma Nu Chapter of the Tau Sigma Transfer Honor Society.

Learn more about the many ways App State supports transfer students throughout their time as Mountaineers.

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Transfer Admissions & Engagement

Transfer Admissions and Engagement supports transfer students at all stages of their education—from initial inquiry, throughout their transition to Appalachian, and during their academic and social journey. Please let us know how we can assist you.

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Feb. 26, 2025

App State’s Aspire Appalachian program for transfer students has earned recognition as a 2025 myFutureNC Champion for Attainment for its dedication to expanding access, success and completion for adult learners across North Carolina.

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About Transfer Admissions and Engagement

Transfer Admissions and Engagement at Appalachian State University supports undergraduate students through all stages of their transfer journey, including admission counseling, pretransfer advising, credit evaluation and transitional assistance as they begin at App State and through involvement and retention efforts during their App State education. The services and resources provided by Transfer Admissions and Engagement ensure the university’s transfer student population finds academic and social success at App State. Learn more about Transfer Admissions and Engagement at App State at https://transfer.appstate.edu.

About Enrollment Management at App State

Enrollment Management at Appalachian State University supports all incoming and current App State students by collaborating with campus partners to deliver services and resources that promote enrollment and student success. It is committed to increasing college access, reducing student debt and addressing the evolving challenges of higher education. Enrollment Management comprises the Office of Admissions, Office of the Registrar, Office of Transfer Admissions and Engagement and Office of Student Financial Aid and University Scholarships. Learn more at https://em.appstate.edu.

About Appalachian State University

As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, cost-effective education. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.