Can a university education really be free? The answer is a resounding yes!
Michigan just became one of 30 states to offer free college tuition to students. Michigan began exploring this concept of free college tuition a few years ago during COVID. It started with the Frontliners for the Future program, which offered free college tuition to all individuals, regardless of age, who were frontliners and forced to work during the pandemic. This included agricultural workers, fast food workers, pizza delivery people, and a whole host of others. While it covered a wide range of industries, it did not cover all of them.
Then came Michigan Reconnect, which was free tuition for anyone 25 or older who wanted to attend a community college. In both cases, they only had to complete 12 credits per year, meaning that part-time students could qualify. Additionally, these, like all the others, are “last dollar” programs, meaning that students who were eligible for other forms of financial aid had to access them first, and then the remaining balance was paid through those programs.
To continue on that path, last year the state offered Reconnect 21, which is free college tuition for anyone 21 and older. Then more recently came the Michigan Achievement Scholarship (MAS), which is aimed at recent high school graduates who are attending college, university or vocational school. It offers:
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Up to $2,750 per year for community college students
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Up to $4,000 per year for students at private colleges and universities
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Up to $5,500 per year for students attending a public university or a four-year community college
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Up to $2,000 per year for students in a vocational training program
The latest effort is the Community College Guarantee (CCG), which is part of the MAS specific to community colleges and covers the cost of tuition for all Michigan high school students working toward an associate degree or certificate at a state community college. Students with “higher financial need” receive $1,000 for other costs such as food, housing, transportation and child care. The CCG could save more than 18,000 students about $4,820 in tuition annually.
In Monroe, residents who live outside Monroe County are also eligible for the Community College Guarantee to attend MCCC. However, it only covers the cost of in-county tuition.
To be eligible, students must:
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Be a resident of Michigan since July 1 of the preceding calendar year. For dependent students, the parent(s) must also meet this requirement.
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Complete the Free Financial Aid Application (FAFSA) form
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Have completed high school or earned an equivalent high school diploma in 2023 or 2024
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Enroll in a full-time program at MCCC within 15 months of completing your high school diploma.
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Learn about MCCC’s Satisfactory Academic Progress policy.
Additional eligibility requirements may apply. Students are not eligible if they are in default on a federal student loan. Free community college programs are often called “promise programs.” While the programs significantly reduce costs, they often do not cover other expenses such as room and board, transportation, and book costs.
The average cost of a bachelor’s degree ranges from $25,707 to more than $218,000, according to the Education Data Initiative. The price varies depending on whether a student lives on campus and the type of institution he or she attends. Many students must take out loans to pay for college. The burden of those loans can often determine the type of careers students pursue and their opportunities after graduation. A study by the Federal Trade Commission found that offering free community college increased enrollment by 26 percent and the number of degrees completed by 20 percent.
To be eligible for the CCG, students must be a recent high school graduate, complete the FAFSA, and be enrolled full-time at a community college such as MCCC. Out-of-county students will receive a reduction in their tuition by the amount of the scholarships. While part-time students are not eligible for the CCG, they are eligible for the Reconnect programs.
Everyone knows that education is transformative, whether it’s technical/vocational or more liberal arts focused. The cost of college continues to spiral out of control and all of these programs give students the opportunity to earn a degree that has economic value. While these free programs provide access, the focus is on success. After all, it’s all about student success.
— Kojo Quartey is the president of Monroe County Community College and an economist.
This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Free College Coming to Michigan
