University of Dubuque Recognized for Exemplary Transfer Pathways

DUBUQUE, Iowa - The University of Dubuque has been named to Phi Theta Kappa's 2025 Transfer Honor Roll in recognition of excellence in developing and supporting dynamic, innovative pathways for community college transfer students.

"At the University of Dubuque, we strive to make the transfer process seamless," said Melissa Gunnelson, MAC, associate dean of graduate and transfer admission at UD. "Our emphasis on personalized attention and added support helps transfer students prepare for a smooth transition to UD."

The Transfer Honor Roll recognizes the importance of creating strong transfer pathways that lead to excellence and success among community college transfer students. Among those pathways at UD is a longstanding partnership with Northeast Iowa Community College.

"For many years, Northeast Iowa Community College and the University of Dubuque have cultivated a strong and successful partnership, creating a smooth and supportive transfer pathway for NICC graduates. Thanks to this collaboration, students have seamlessly continued their academic journeys at UD, thriving as high-achieving scholars and earning their four-year degrees as they prepare to launch meaningful and successful careers," said Amy Gaffney, EdD, vice president of student services at NICC.

Recently, UD amplified its commitment to transfer students by working with Iowa's community colleges to establish a new transfer pathway to degree completion. Community Reach 99 has removed detours and roadblocks students commonly face when they are wanting to complete their undergraduate degree. Additionally, through UD's Community Reach 99, tuition for eligible transfer-major graduates, before federal and state aid, will be less than an Iowa public university. Academic courses that students have taken will transfer and they could graduate in two years or less.

Degree completions can be achieved through one of the following degree completion tracks: biology, business, chemistry, communication, criminal justice, mathematics, psychology, sociology, and theatre. An associate of science degree in biology or chemistry can also lead to a bachelor of science in medical science or biomedical science in two years.

"Our focus for transfer students is to keep the process seamless and affordable," Gunnelson said. "With the implementation of Community Reach 99, students who complete their associate of arts or associate of science degree at an Iowa community college will have a pathway to complete their bachelor's degree at the University of Dubuque at a net tuition rate which is less than an in-state public school, further removing barriers to completing their undergraduate degree."

Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) named 251 colleges and universities to the Transfer Honor Roll this year. The honor roll 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. The Transfer Honor Roll was based on analysis from the National Student Clearinghouse and on data submitted through the four-year institution's profile on PTK Connect, Phi Theta Kappa's online tool designed to help students find their best-fit colleges and career pathways.

Colleges completing the PTK Connect profile are given a Transfer Friendliness Rating. The Honor Roll is chosen from among the Top 25 percent highest-rated colleges.

About Phi Theta Kappa
Phi Theta Kappa is the first 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 4.4 million members and nearly 1,250 chapters in 11 countries, with approximately 220,000 active members in the nation's colleges. Learn more at ptk.org.