GRCC and WMU Partner to Guarantee Transfer to Bachelor's Degree

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Oct. 16, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- On October 16, 2023, at 3 p.m., Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) and Western Michigan University (WMU) will formalize a partnership called the Bronco Bound Guarantee. This agreement aims to provide GRCC students with a more straightforward path to earning a bachelor's degree at WMU.

GRCC, established in 1914 as Michigan's first community college, has partnered with WMU to offer a direct route to higher education. Under the Bronco Bound Guarantee, students who earn an associate degree at GRCC will be guaranteed admission to WMU. Additionally, eligible students will receive an annual scholarship ranging from $1,000 to $4,500.

The partnership is designed to reduce the uncertainty often associated with transferring from a community college to a four-year university.

The Bronco Bound Guarantee includes several benefits for GRCC students. These include a waived application fee, automatic scholarship consideration, and guaranteed annual awards. Students will also have access to dedicated transfer advising and recommended academic plans to ensure the most efficient use of their credits. Those who complete an associate degree through an approved transfer guide or program agreement will have their defined credits apply toward the corresponding WMU degree requirements, avoiding the frustration of losing credits along the way.

Prior to admission, eligible students will enjoy early access to university resources and campus experiences, including free admission to WMU sporting events, excluding hockey. The partnership also recognizes the importance of completing a GRCC credential. Through a no-cost reverse transfer process, students who continue their education at WMU can have eligible university credits transferred back to GRCC to help them earn an associate degree.

Both institutions will continue to work together beyond the signing ceremony. WMU will participate in at least one transfer-focused event each semester, and both institutions will review student enrollment and achievement data to strengthen the partnership. For GRCC students, Bronco Bound means the journey toward a bachelor's degree can begin with greater confidence, knowing their next opportunity is already within reach.

At Western Michigan University, nine out of 10 graduates are employed quickly, working in their field in jobs they like. WMU is a public research university, offering a range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs to more than 17,000 students.