Misericordia University and LCCC Announce Innovative Transfer Policy

Misericordia University and LCCC Announce Innovative Transfer Policy

NANTICOKE, PA / DALLAS, PA - Luzerne County Community College (LCCC) and Misericordia University (MU) announced a new, innovative transfer policy that formally recognizes the academic value of an associate degree earned at LCCC and significantly simplifies the transfer process for students pursuing a bachelor’s degree at Misericordia University. 

Under the new policy, students who complete an Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS) Degree at LCCC will have Misericordia University’s undergraduate core curriculum requirements waived upon transfer. This means students can move more directly into coursework for their chosen major, reducing both the time and cost associated with earning a four-year degree. 

“This agreement is a powerful statement about the quality and rigor of an LCCC education,” said John Yudichak, president of Luzerne County Community College. “By recognizing the associate degree as a complete and meaningful academic credential, we are helping our graduates save money, avoid unnecessary coursework, and transition more confidently to a bachelor’s degree program.” 

The policy applies to general education and core curriculum requirements only. Students will still complete all required coursework within their major and any prerequisite courses required for degree completion at Misericordia University. Up to 61 credits from LCCC may transfer toward a Misericordia bachelor’s degree, consistent with university transfer credit policies, and eligible courses must be completed with a grade of C or better. 

“Misericordia University has long been committed to making higher education accessible and student-centered,” said Daniel J. Myers, Ph.D., president of Misericordia University. “We value the rigor of our core curriculum. Similarly, we know that LCCC prepares their students to succeed academically should they choose to pursue a bachelor’s or master’s degree in the future.” 

In addition to the benefits for students, the agreement significantly reduces transcript evaluation and processing time, allowing students to receive faster, clearer guidance as they plan their academic pathway. 

This policy is the first of its kind between LCCC and any private college or university. It complements the many existing articulation agreements between the two institutions that outline efficient, major-specific transfer pathways and further enhance the student transfer experience. 

LCCC faculty, staff, and administrators expressed strong enthusiasm for the new policy during recent joint discussions, noting that it will simplify advising conversations and provide students with greater clarity and confidence when considering transfer to Misericordia University. 

The agreement also builds on a long history of collaboration between LCCC and Misericordia University. That partnership dates back to 1999 with the launch of Misericordia’s Expressway accelerated degree program, which—prior to the widespread growth of online learning—was offered on LCCC’s main campus and later expanded to additional LCCC locations and other partner institutions. 

Both institutions expressed gratitude to the faculty, registrar, and provost’s office at Misericordia University, as well as academic leaders and administrators at LCCC, whose collaboration, receptiveness, and encouragement made the policy possible. 

“This policy addresses the two largest barriers that students face as they continue their post-secondary education, time and money. is about putting students first and educating critical thinkers who are highly competent in their chosen career fields,” said Yudichak. “By working together, LCCC and Misericordia University are creating clearer, more affordable, and more efficient pathways to degree completion for our region.”  

The new transfer policy takes effect now, for spring semester 2026, and will be reviewed periodically to ensure it continues to meet the needs of students while maintaining the academic integrity of both institutions. 

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