California cannot produce the educated population our workforce and high-tech industries demand without significantly increasing the number of community college students transferring to universities. A strong transfer system is crucial not just for employers who need educated workers, but also for students seeking a clear and affordable path to earning a bachelor's degree as their best bet toward reaching the middle class and experiencing upward economic mobility in this economy. Concerns about the cost of college and state funding for higher education demand that our college leaders and policymakers eliminate the transfer maze and improve the transfer pathway for students. Doing so ensures that college remains accessible and affordable while simultaneously making the best use of taxpayer dollars. This report highlights the critical role transfer plays in producing college graduates and providing economic opportunity, and the unnecessary barriers that impede transfer for far too many Californians, resulting in high costs to students and the state. [This report was written with extensive contributions by Michele Siqueiros, Audrey Dow, and Jessie Ryan.]