Friday, Apr 29, 2022
University named to Phi Theta Kappa's 2022 Transfer Honor Roll
by Rachel Stengel '14, '20
Rider University was once again recognized for creating pathways that lead to success for community college transfer students. Named to Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society's annual Transfer Honor Roll, Rider was among only 171 institutions nationwide to receive the accolade and one of only six in the state.
The distinction is determined by 40 key metrics related to the support and success of transfer students, including college cost and financial aid, campus life for transfer students, admission practices and bachelor’s degree completion.
“This award is so important because it is based on what students tell us they need from their transfer experience,” says Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner, president and CEO of Phi Theta Kappa. “We are honored to recognize the colleges and universities working exceptionally hard to create stronger pathways to bachelor’s degree completion for all students.”
The University offers guaranteed transfer agreements with many community colleges, including some that are major-specific. Prior to enrollment, Rider pairs transfer students with personal counselors who navigate them through the admissions process and offer advisement following acceptance. Additional support includes an unofficial credit evaluation, even before transfer students apply.
"We are incredibly proud to once again be recognized for our commitment to transfer students," says Jennifer Cook, associate director of admission. "Being a transfer friendly school is important to us because our transfer students are very diverse and add a wealth of valuable contributions to our University community. We strive to ensure that their transition to Rider, from application through graduation is seamless."
Being a transfer friendly school is important to us because our transfer students are very diverse and add a wealth of valuable contributions to our University community.
At Rider, 99% of all students receive University-funded scholarships and financial aid, and transfer students with a 3.5 GPA or higher earn transfer scholarships worth nearly 50% of tuition. In addition, Phi Theta Kappa members who are graduating from community colleges can compete for one of three Transfer Trustee Scholarships. These full-tuition scholarships are applicable for two years of full-time study, awarded in the fall semester.
“To be selected for Rider University’s prestigious Transfer Trustee Scholarship is such an honor and a blessing,” says junior Bri Barone, a 2021 scholarship recipient. “My family and I were unsure of how we were going to afford college but thanks to this scholarship, I can continue my studies with minimal worry about finances and their ability to impede my educational goals.”
Colleges were selected to the Transfer Honor Roll based on their Transfer Friendliness Rating, which is determined by the Transfer Profile they create in PTK Connect, Phi Theta Kappa’s online tool that helps students find colleges, career pathways and more.
“Rider has been an incredible destination to build my knowledge and prepare me for a career in teaching,” says Barone, a secondary education and English double major. “The professors truly work hard to develop you into a strong professional and there’s plenty of support given by the University to help any student reach their goals. Truly, I’m very lucky.”
Phi Theta Kappa is the premier honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders. The society is made up of more than 3.5 million members and nearly 1,300 chapters in 11 nations, with approximately 240,000 active members in the nation’s colleges.