CMU recognized for transfer student success

Central Michigan University was one of five Michigan universities named to a list of 275 schools that provide excellent support for transfer students. Two state colleges were also named to the list.

The Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society named CMU to its 2026 Transfer Honor Roll. The organization evaluates the support higher education institutions provide using 40 metrics.

“Being named to the Phi Theta Kappa 2026 Transfer Honor Roll reflects Central Michigan University's unwavering commitment to putting students first by creating accessible transfer pathways, fostering meaningful partnerships and providing the support transfer students need to thrive from enrollment through graduation,” said James Larson, director of transfer outreach and community college relations with CMU’s Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

Phi Theta Kappa’s honor roll schools were recognized for, as a group, demonstrating transfer student support through several key metrics:

• 77 percent of transfer students completed bachelor’s degrees
• 88 percent of transferred credits were applied toward a degree
• 76 percent of transfer students received merit-based financial aid
• 56 percent of undergraduate students at member institutions were transfer students

Schools were assessed across five key areas, including transfer student success outcomes, credit mobility and degree applicability, financial support, recruitment and admissions practices, and campus engagement and transfer student support.

“Recognition matters because it shines a light on what works,” said Heather Yush, Senior Director of College Relations for Phi Theta Kappa. “When colleges are recognized for transfer excellence, they create powerful examples that inspire other institutions to strengthen their own transfer pathways. Ultimately, that means more students earn the bachelor’s degrees they set out to achieve.”

This is the second year in a row that Phi Theta Kappa recognized CMU. This year, 1,117 colleges and universities across the country completed their organizational profile.