Choosing a higher ed institution is rarely just an academic decision. For many learners, it comes at a moment of transition, balancing work, family, finances, and long-term goals. At Carlow University, enrollment counselor Kali Aughenbaugh works closely with students navigating those decisions, helping them see what’s possible without losing sight of the lives they’re already living.
Kali’s perspective is shaped by experience. A graduate student at Carlow herself, she understands the realities adult and transfer students face and brings that understanding into every conversation. She approaches her work with flexibility, honesty, and connection, all of which define Carlow’s admissions experience as a whole. In this Q&A, Kali shares what drew her to Carlow, how she supports students, and why now can be the right time to take the next step.
What brought you to Carlow, and what made it feel like the right fit?
I came to Carlow right after I graduated in 2022. I was looking at different areas within higher education because I really enjoyed my own college experience, especially being at a smaller school. I wanted to bring that same kind of experience into my work.
Carlow felt like the perfect fit. I was deciding between a few schools, some closer to my hometown in the Harrisburg area, but Carlow was in Pittsburgh and I had always dreamed of living in a city. When I got the call, I said yes immediately. Now I’m living in the city and absolutely loving it.
How does living in Pittsburgh shape the way you talk to students about Carlow?
I love the city of Pittsburgh. It’s such a great place for young people or anyone looking to start something new. There’s so much to do. Great food, great people, and such a great energy.
Coming from a small farm town, the city was a big change. Things are open later, there’s always something happening, and people are incredibly friendly. When I talk to students, I love sharing that you can have a true city experience while still being part of a close-knit campus community.
You primarily work with adult and/or transfer students. What is that experience like?
It’s interesting because sometimes they’re a little older than me, but I really recognize that everyone comes from a different pathway and a different life situation. I’m also a graduate student at Carlow, so I understand firsthand how much balancing school, work, and family really takes.
Many of our students are part of the “sandwich generation,” caring for their own children while also supporting parents or other family members. I try to be very sensitive to that and reassure students that choosing Carlow won’t take away from their priorities. It’s meant to advance them. We’re flexible with part-time study or taking time away when needed.
How does Carlow’s approach to transfer students differ from other institutions?
We focus on community over size. Carlow is a tight-knit environment where students are truly supported. We look at applications holistically and take the time to understand each student’s story.
That matters. A conversation or a phone call or a follow-up email can reveal things that aren’t on paper and help us connect students to the right resources. My goal is always to understand who students are, what they want, and where they’re trying to go.
Is there a student experience that has really stayed with you?
Working with students in the Surgical Technology program has been incredibly meaningful. I’ve been involved since the program started in fall 2023, and I watched students come in unsure and nervous about a field they hadn’t known much about before.
Seeing them later help recruit new students and then learning that every one of them passed with 100% success, was such a full-circle moment.
Why is now a good time to transfer to Carlow?
Carlow is a PA-TRAC school, which means students can transfer in with up to 90 credits, which is 30 more than most private universities. That’s a huge savings in time and money. Students with an associate degree can also have certain general education requirements waived.
At the same time, Carlow has a strong history of academic excellence. Our nursing program just marked 75 years, we’ve just been re-accredited, and our programs in healthcare, business, education, and communications are really gaining momentum.
Thinking of transferring to Carlow? With career-connected programs in high-demand fields and hands-on learning opportunities like internships and clinicals, Carlow prepares students not only to finish their degrees, but to make an impact. Ready to Become a Celtic?