Support for transfer students leads to North Central College's fifth consecutive Phi Theta Kappa Honor Roll recognition

North Central College prides itself on going above and beyond to support transfer students, and as a result the College was named—for the fifth year in a row—to the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Transfer Honor Roll. PTK is a national organization that recognizes regionally accredited four-year degree granting institutions for their commitment and investment to support transfer students.

“Transfer students have a home here at North Central College,” said Nick DeFalco, the College’s director of transfer admission. “Our goal is for transfer students to view North Central as being more than just a ‘transfer-friendly’ institution. We aim to foster an environment where transfer students can thrive in all aspects of the college experience, both inside and outside of the classroom, and whether they live on or off campus.”

For his part, DeFalco won the 2022 National Institute for the Study of Transfer Students (NISTS) Transfer Champion Catalyst Award, which recognizes professionals who are “game-changers” in the field of working with transfer students.

DeFalco has spear-headed the effort among the North Central College admissions team to create a culture of excellence and commitment to the transfer student population. That commitment shows up in ways big and small, and is present throughout their journey at North Central.

On the front end, the College works with numerous local community colleges to create pathways for students to transfer to North Central, including early academic advising opportunities, to help ensure a smooth transition between institutions. In addition, the College has seven guaranteed admission agreements with local community colleges, and offers three full-tuition scholarships for transfer students who qualify for the College’s honors program. All transfer applicants are guaranteed an academic scholarship worth at least $20,000 per academic year (for up to three academic years).

North Central also hosts evening transfer orientation sessions to increase access, as well as virtual financial aid workshops to help students understand the FAFSA process, their award letters, and more.

Once transfer students become part of the North Central community the work does not stop. They continue to work closely with their academic advisors, and the College celebrates transfer students with events like transfer tailgates at on-campus athletic events.

For first-generation college students—meaning students who are the first in their family to attend college—North Central offers its nationally acclaimed Cardinal First program, which provides first-generation students and their families with information, resources and a strong sense of community throughout their time at North Central and beyond.

This level of support helps transfer students exceed their personal best at North Central College. At the College’s 2022 Honors Convocation, 11 of the “Outstanding Major” awards were presented to students who started out as transfers. One of those students was Jacob Domingo of Downers Grove, Ill., who transferred to North Central from the College of DuPage. Domingo was recognized as the 2022 Outstanding Major in Political Science, and was selected as one of two student speakers at the College’s Commencement Ceremony on May 8.

During his Commencement address, Domingo shared, “You do not need to adhere to a rigid standard of what a college student looks like to be part of the North Central College community, you only have to be yourself and have a passion for learning to be welcome here.”

For more information about transfer admission and resources at North Central College, visit our transfer web page.