Michigan: The tuition-free community college program, Michigan Reconnect, has been expanded to students 21 and older

With a shortage of workers in many professions affecting people with disabilities, especially fields related to health care and education, the Michigan Community College system could help fill in the gaps. For at least this year, the Michigan budget will allow an additional 350,000 Michiganders to take advantage of tuition-free college.

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According to an article in the Detroit Free Press, “Michigan budget expands tuition-free community college program for more residents” by Arpan Lobo, 7/24/23, “…the 2023-24 fiscal year budget expands the Michigan Reconnect program to residents 21 and older. “

“…Lawmakers have earmarked an additional $70 million in the proposed budget heading to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s desk for the Reconnect program, but the funds are a one-time allocation. The program, launched in 2021, has provided scholarships for qualifying Michigan residents 25 and older without postsecondary degrees or certifications to attend an in-district community college or tribal college tuition-free, or cover the in-district rate for students attending a school outside of their resident district. The state also offers a Short-Term Training Program to cover up to $1,500 in tuition costs for skills training programs with similar eligibility guidelines.”

This is part of the Whitmer administration’s “Sixty by 30” goal of having  60% of Michigan residents obtain a college degree or skills certification by 2030. According to Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist, about 50.5% of residents have either education level currently.

The Michigan Reconnect scholarship program is currently open to students 25 and older. “The spending plan was bolstered by a $9.2 billion surplus in the state’s coffers thanks to increased federal funding in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, as well as boosted infrastructure spending by the feds” and will be used to include students 21 and older.

Community colleges allow people who may not be interested in or able to afford obtaining degrees available in 4-year colleges, but need 2-year associate degrees or a certification program to improve their employment opportunities. The legislature is currently looking at ways to permanently fund this program. 

Offerings at our local community college, Washtenaw Community College (WCC), include programs in nursing, physical therapy, and early childhood education. I'm sure there are many more that can be explored on the website.

See the Michigan Reconnect Program website to apply 

From the website:

If you’re 25 or older [21 or older for this fiscal year], and you’ve been thinking about going back to school to pursue your associate degree or a skills certificate, now might be the time. This page has tools to help you apply for Michigan Reconnect, find your in-district community college, and more.
To be eligible, you must:

    •    Be at least 25 years old when you apply [21 or older this year]
    •    Have lived in Michigan for a year or more
    •    Have a high school diploma or equivalent
    •    Have not yet completed a college degree (associate or bachelor's)

If you do not have a high school diploma or equivalent, visit Michigan.gov/LearnMoreEarnMore to get started. 

Michigan Reconnect provides free in-district tuition, mandatory fees, and contact hours for accepted and eligible applicants to pursue a Pell-eligible associate degree or skill certificate at any of Michigan's public community colleges. 

Have questions before you apply? Visit our Frequently Asked Questions to learn more about the program and what it offers.

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This is an article from the Detroit Free Press on more opportunities for free tuition from the Michigan university system: “How to access free tuition at Michigan colleges” by Jenna Prestininzi, 3/15/23.