Elmhurst University launches direct admission program to enhance transfer student support

Elmhurst University has enhanced its status as one of the nation’s most transfer-friendly universities by earning a spot — for the sixth year in a row — on Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society’s 2025 Transfer Honor Roll; and also by becoming one of the first in the country to offer direct admission to eligible members of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the international honor society for community college students.

The university was named to Phi Theta Kappa’s 2025 Transfer Honor Roll in recognition of the outstanding programs it has created to support students transferring to Elmhurst from area community colleges.

The Transfer Honor Roll designation is determined by 40 criteria related to the support and success of transfer students, including college costs and financial aid, quality of campus life for transfer students, admission practices and bachelor’s degree completion rates.

In addition, Elmhurst recently partnered with Phi Theta Kappa to offer direct admission to transfer students through PTK Connect, a college planning tool built specifically for community college honor students.

More than 70% of PTK members transfer to a four-year college or university. With PTK’s direct admission option, that number is expected to grow as students receive proactive admission offers from participating colleges without having to submit a traditional application.

Direct admission eliminates the stress and anxiety of the college search process by providing students with not only an admission offer but also scholarship award information.

Elmhurst is currently accepting direct admission applications for the spring and fall of 2026. Elmhurst University enrolls more than 500 new transfer students each year, mostly from the Chicago area’s 12 community colleges.

“It’s a privilege for Elmhurst University to be at the forefront of efforts to streamline admission for eligible Phi Theta Kappa members,” said Kristina Black, director for academic partnerships and transfer admission. “We’re so proud to augment our support for transfer students by taking this next step to increase their access to scholarships, advanced degrees and a successful future.”