Michigan expands tuition-free access to community colleges, boosting higher education equality

From kindergarten to college, students and teachers are headed back to school this month.

Even though experts estimate that within a few years, 75% of jobs will demand more than a high school diploma, only 49% of Michigan adults have any education beyond 12th grade. 

To address the problem, the state has expanded Michigan Reconnect, providing tuition-free access to community colleges for anyone over 21.

What is Michigan Reconnect?

The Michigan Reconnect scholarship is a state-funded initiative that helps Michiganders, 25 or older, who haven’t earned college degrees. It offers free tuition at any community college, helping students gain the skills needed to advance in their careers. This year, the minimum age was temporarily decreased to 21. 

“It’s a limited window,” says Matt Miller, Vice President of Student Services and Advancement at Mid Michigan College. “If you're 21 to 24, you can use Reconnect and get free tuition, but you have to start this fall.”

The program is available at all Michigan community colleges including Delta College. Delta offers regular information sessions throughout the year plus one-on-one appointments are available. The next general information session is from noon to 1 p.m. Wed., Sept. 23. Click here to register. The application deadline is Fri., Nov. 15.

Michigan Reconnect covers the cost of in-district tuition, meaning students pay nothing for classes if they attend a community college in their local area. For those attending an out-of-district college, the program still offers assistance, covering the in-district portion of the tuition, with students only responsible for the remaining balance.

“People who live out-district, of course, just then pay the difference in the tuition, but they still get a ton of it covered, and it's still a great deal,” says Miller.

What programs does Michigan Reconnect cover?

• Non-traditional learning paths

While many students use their scholarships to attain a traditional associate degree, there are more flexible paths available. Miller mentions there has been a lot of focus on “laddered degrees” in the past few years.

“If you want to get a one-year certificate and then turn that into a two-year associate's degree, that's great. Then that associate's degree oftentimes will transfer to a university so you can get a four-year degree.”

The Michigan Reconnect program also recognizes the need for non-traditional options for a successful career. 

“Whatever you need, we can help you get where you want to go,” says Miller. “Each student's going to be different, and their path is going to be different. Their end goal, whether it be a job or a transfer or whatever, will be different, too.”

• Certificate programs

Certificates are a great choice for students looking to learn specific skills in a shorter period. Many community colleges provide certificate programs in areas such as healthcare, information technology, business administration, and advanced manufacturing. These programs often take less time to complete than earning an associate’s degree and can quickly prepare students for jobs in high-demand fields.

• Skilled trades

Michigan's economy depends heavily on manufacturing and construction, which currently need more skilled workers. Reconnect focuses on providing scholarships for training in trades such as welding, plumbing, electrical work, and HVAC technology. 

Courtney JeromeThe state hopes to expand the number of adults who have an education beyond high school through Michigan Reconnect and other programs.To be eligible for Michigan Reconnect, applicants only need to meet the following criteria:

• Be at least 25 years of age. (21 if applying for 2024 fall classes)
• Apply and enroll in a community or tribal college.
• Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
• Have lived in Michigan since July 1 of the previous calendar year.
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent or certificate of completion.
• Have not yet completed a college degree.

The application process is straightforward and can be completed online, making it easier for busy adults juggling work, family, and other responsibilities.

What does Michigan Reconnect cover?

Reconnect will ensure that when you get your semester bill from the community college, the following items will be covered:

• In-district tuition (If you are an out-of-district student you are responsible for the difference)
• Mandatory fees (fees charged to all students per semester or per hour)
• Contact hours (extra charges for specific courses and programs)

Michigan Reconnect is a last-dollar program. This means that any federal Pell Grant funds received are used to cover your tuition and fees first, with Reconnect covering the remainder. If you do not qualify for a Pell Grant, Reconnect will cover the full cost of tuition, mandatory fees, and contact hours.

Courtney JeromeFor students who meet the qualificiations, Michigan Reconnect will pick up tuition at community colleges such as Mid Michigan College in Mount Pleasant.Does Michigan Reconnect offer help beyond tuition?

Understanding that tuition is just one of many educational obstacles, Michigan Reconnect also provides support services to help students succeed. These services include academic advising, career counseling, and access to resources such as childcare and transportation assistance.

The goal is to build a comprehensive support system that addresses the challenges adult learners face.

“We understand the program, and we have a lot of beyond just classroom stuff. If you're worried about taking a math class, that's fine. We've got a lot of help there,” says Miller.

“If you blow a tire during the semester, come to us. We can help you fix your tire. If you need help with food, we've got a food pantry on campus.”

Are there other state programs to help students?

The Michigan Reconnect program is part of Michigan's broader "Sixty by 30" attainment goal, which is working to increase the percentage of adults with postsecondary education to 60% by 2030. 

The initiative focuses on three key areas: 

• Closing the skills gap that threatens business success and state economic prosperity.
• Expanding access to education and training for better job opportunities and wages.
• Enhancing Michigan's competitiveness for economic growth.

“We're just happy the states recognize the important role community colleges play in workforce development and upper mobility for Michiganders,” says Miller. “We're happy to help with that, and we're here and ready to serve.”