Good news for all the recent high school graduates of Michigan! The state has announced a new program, the ‘community college guarantee’ that’ll cover your college tuition fees, starting this fall. That’s right, your dream of going to college just got a little easier.
The folks in Michigan have included this program within their School Aid Budget, ensuring that higher education becomes accessible to more and more students. The initiative waives tuition fees for a degree or skills certificate from an in-the-district community college or tribal college. Is this a big deal? You bet your boots it is!
So, who’s eligible for this fantastic opportunity? Those who completed their high school in Michigan from 2023 onwards can benefit from this program. The other criteria require applicants to be Michigan residents since July 1 of the previous year and US citizens, permanent residents, or approved refugees. In addition, you have to enroll in a full-time college within 15 months of your graduation and complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
But what does the term ‘guarantee’ cover, you ask? Besides tuition, it takes care of fees for your college degree or skills certificate, and it also includes a $1,000 Michigan Achievement Bonus award for Pell Grant-eligible students, which can help cover additional costs.
“Hang on a minute,” we hear you ask. “What if I’m not an in-district student? Do I still qualify?” Absolutely, yes. But the scholarship and fees will equal that of an in-district student, meaning you might have to pay a small annual balance.
Who’s behind this great initiative? Well, it’s none other than Michigan’s Governor Gretchen Whitmer. She first proposed the Community College Guarantee in her 2024 State of the State address. And in July, she announced the program would kick off this fall. The program is taxpayer-funded through the School Aid Budget and is predicted to save more than 18,000 students up to $4,800 per year.
The most fantastic part is that eligible students can renew their scholarship for up to three years at a community college or tribal college. So, if you meet the criteria mentioned above, you’re in for an exciting, less financial burden, and bright future ahead.
