(FLINT, Mich., July 25, 2024) — Everyone without a college credential can go to community college for free in the state of Michigan. You read that correctly – for FREE. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has signed an education budget that expanded state aid for Michiganders to attend community college. The Michigan Achievement Scholarship Community College Guarantee ensures every high school graduate can earn an associate’s degree or skills certificate from an in-district community college tuition-free.
The initiative is a last-dollar scholarship that will be applied after federal Pell and other state, and institutional financial aid packages have been calculated and applied.
“The Community College Guarantee will save more than 18,000 students up to $4,800 per year, regardless of family income,” said Dr. Michelle Nelson, director of Student Success Services at Mott Community College.
Nelson added: “It is part of the commitment that Governor Whitmer has made to enable eligible Michiganders to earn a college credential completely free.”
“This is wonderful news for families like mine who want their children to be able to earn a college degree,” said Jessica Stewart.
Her son Jay’ln graduated from Carman-Ainsworth High School in 2023 and is now a student at MCC.
Other funding initiatives available to prospective students to help pay for community college in the State of Michigan, include Michigan Reconnect, Tuition Incentive Program (TIP), Michigan Achievement Scholarship Minimum Awards and the Michigan Promise Zones.
Beginning in the Fall Semester 2024, students who graduated from a Michigan high school in 2023 and beyond are eligible for the Community College Guarantee, which covers in-district tuition and fees. Students must be enrolled full time within 15 months of their high school graduation to receive the funds. Qualifying students can renew the Community College Guarantee for up to three years, or until they earn an associate’s degree.
High school graduates in the class of 2023 must enroll and be registered for the Fall 2024 Semester to receive the benefit. Registration for MCC is open now. Get started at mcc.edu.
For more information about the Community College Guarantee, visit https://www.michigan.gov/
