Grand Rapids – – October 16, 2026 -- Students who earn an associate degree at Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) will be guaranteed admission to Western Michigan University (WMU) and an annual scholarship of $1,000 to $4,500 if they are eligible, under a new partnership called the Bronco Bound Guarantee.
Leaders from both schools will formalize the agreement at a signing ceremony at 3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, at GRCC's Applied Technology Center, Secchia Piazza, on the main campus in Grand Rapids.
Admission, fee waiver and scholarship money are built in
Qualifying GRCC students will have their WMU application fee waived and will be considered for scholarships automatically. Eligible students are guaranteed the annual award of $1,000 to $4,500.
Credits are mapped so they don't disappear
Students get dedicated transfer advising and recommended academic plans. Those who finish an associate degree through an approved transfer guide or program agreement will have their defined credits applied to the matching WMU degree requirements.
Students get Bronco perks before they enroll
Before admission, eligible students receive early access to university resources and campus experiences. These include free admission to WMU sporting events, excluding hockey.
A no-cost reverse transfer can add the associate degree
Students who continue at WMU can have eligible university credits transferred back to GRCC at no cost, which can help them earn the associate degree.
WMU President Russ Kavalhuna, who previously led a community college, said the goal is for students to arrive at Western "knowing they belong here." GRCC President Dr. Kathryn A. Rogalski described the agreement as a shared commitment to making higher education more accessible, affordable and connected.
Both schools commit to ongoing work
After the ceremony, WMU will take part in at least one transfer-focused event each semester. Both institutions will also review student enrollment and achievement data to strengthen the partnership.