Nazareth partners with Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society to develop a direct admission program
Nazareth University is partnering with Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the international honor society, on PTK’s first-ever direct-admissions experience to recognize the academic achievement of students at community colleges. This collaboration expands Nazareth’s commitment to transfer student success by offering direct admission and scholarship opportunities to PTK members across the country.
For the past year, Nazareth’s admissions team has been working behind the scenes to support the development of PTK’s national Direct Admit initiative—one that grants eligible students early admission offers from four-year institutions that recognize their academic success. PTK membership requires a GPA of 3.5 or higher, and Nazareth is building on that distinction by offering guaranteed admission paired with significant scholarship support.
“Nazareth is in its second cycle of running an in-house direct admit program for transfer students, and we’ve already seen promising results,” said Christie Smith, associate vice president of university admissions and enrollment. “Students are responding positively to the clarity and confidence this model provides. Our partnership with PTK will only strengthen our visibility and deepen trust among high-achieving transfer students.”
Currently, 71% of PTK members transfer to a four-year college or university. With direct admissions, that number is expected to grow, as students receive proactive admissions offers from participating colleges without having to submit a traditional application.
"High-achieving community college students deserve the same admissions advantages often reserved for first-time freshmen — clear offers, merit-based financial aid, and a simplified process," said Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner, President and CEO of Phi Theta Kappa. "By launching direct admissions, we're not just connecting students to opportunity — we're delivering it."
This partnership underscores Nazareth’s strategic focus on creating pathways for student success and reducing barriers in the transfer process. The university’s continued investment in access, affordability, and seamless transitions makes it a standout destination for PTK scholars ready to take the next step in their educational journey.
Contact
Julie Long | Chief PR Officer | jlong2@naz.edu | (585) 389-2456 | (585) 781-8186 (cell)
Nazareth University is an inclusive community of inspired learners, educators, and changemakers who for 100 years have been driven by a bold commitment to action, empathy, equity, and leading innovation for the common good. Impact experiences are at the heart of a Nazareth education, preparing each student to discover within themselves the potential to cultivate positive change in their life's work, in any career field, and in a world that is constantly evolving and infinitely interconnected.
Our broad academic offerings present a range of study options typical of larger universities, yet achieved in our supportive campus culture. Nearly 2,100 undergrad and 600 graduate students enroll in degree and certificate programs and engage in collaborative, transformative learning experiences, preparing for the professions and society of today and tomorrow. In a learning community that purposefully integrates liberal arts and professional programs, Nazareth University graduates are able to launch a lifetime of impactful leadership in communities and workplaces near and far.
