Southern Wesleyan University Named to Phi Theta Kappa Transfer Honor Roll for Sixth Consecutive Year

Jan 16, 2026 | Academics | Awards and recognitions

CENTRAL, S.C. — Southern Wesleyan University (SWU) has once again been recognized as one of the most transfer-friendly colleges in the nation, earning a place on Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society’s 2025 Transfer Honor Roll for the sixth consecutive year. This distinction honors colleges and universities that develop and support innovative pathways for community college students transferring to complete their bachelor’s degrees.

SWU is among 251 colleges and universities nationwide selected for this recognition, based on excellence in admissions practices, cost of attendance, campus support, recruitment strategies, and verified student outcomes. The Transfer Honor Roll highlights institutions that make transfer success a central part of their mission.

“Transfer students make up a large portion of our incoming student body here at Southern Wesleyan University,” said Caleb Eppling,  AVP of Enrollment Management. “Their admissions experience is very important to us, and we strive to personally address every question or concern that transfer students and their families may have. We are honored to once again be recognized by PTK again for our work with transfer students!”

The Transfer Honor Roll selection is determined by 40 metrics related to the support and success of transfer students, including financial aid, campus engagement, admission processes, and degree completion rates. According to PTK, this year’s honorees demonstrated exceptional outcomes, including:

  • 56% of undergraduates are transfer students
  • 75% bachelor’s degree completion rate among transfer students
  • 81% of prior credits successfully applied toward degree programs
  • 74% of transfer students receive merit-based financial aid

“These colleges are doing more than just opening doors—they’re walking students through them,” said Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner, Phi Theta Kappa President and CEO. “Their commitment to creating clear, supportive pathways demonstrates what’s possible when student success is truly the priority.”

Southern Wesleyan University has been recognized on Phi Theta Kappa’s Transfer Honor Roll each year from 2019 through 2025, a six-year streak that reflects the university’s consistent dedication to student-centered excellence and accessible education.

In addition to its recognition, SWU offers a Phi Theta Kappa Transfer Scholarship, awarding five renewable $1,000-per-year scholarships to PTK members who transfer into SWU’s on-campus programs. These scholarships are stackable with other eligible institutional aid and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to full-time students who submit proof of their PTK membership and complete the admission and financial aid process.

For more information about transfer opportunities and scholarships, visit swu.edu/transfer

About Southern Wesleyan University
Southern Wesleyan University is a Christ-centered, student-focused, faith-filled community that offers inventive learning experiences. The university endeavors to prepare its students to be dedicated scholars and servant-leaders who impact the world for Christ. For details about degree programs, go online to www.swu.edu

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