Michigan Introduces Tuition-Free ‘Community College Guarantee’
Good news for recent high school graduates in Michigan! A new policy known as the ‘Community College Guarantee‘ has been introduced to the School Aid Budget. Starting this fall, you might just qualify for tuition-free community college.
The wonderful part of this guarantee is that it covers not just tuition, but also other academic fees for a degree program or skills certificate from an in-district community college or tribal college. What’s more, it also permits a $1,000 Michigan Achievement Bonus award for Pell Grant-eligible students, which can cover additional expenses.
Here are the requirements to avail this offer:
- Must be a Michigan high school graduate from 2023 and onward.
- Completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- Must have been a Michigan resident since July 1 of the previous year.
- Must hold U.S. citizenship, permanent residency or approved refugee status.
- Must enroll in college full-time within 15 months of graduation.
Confused about the ‘in-district’ term? It refers to students whose homes fall within the local service area of a specific community college. If you live outside the designated service area of the college you want to attend, you will be considered an ‘out-of-district’ student.
If ‘out-of-district’ seems to apply to you, don’t worry! You can still qualify for the guarantee. However, the scholarship and fees will be equal to those for an “in-district” student. Any additional fees will need to be covered by the student.
Here’s a lifesaver: Always remember to select your ‘in-district’ community college as your top choice on the FAFSA form.
This fantastic initiative was proposed in the 2024 State of the State address and has now become a reality. The Community College Guarantee is taxpayer-funded through the School Aid Budget and is expected to save more than 18,000 students up to $4,800 a year.
What’s every better? The scholarship can be renewed by eligible students for up to three years at a community college or tribal college.
So, if you are stepping into college after 2023, this guarantee is definitely one to keep an eye on. It’s a golden chance not just to pursue higher education without heavy financial burdens but also to acquire the necessary skills for a secure future. Enjoy this opportunity and make the most out of it!
Author: STAFF HERE NOVI WRITER
The NOVI STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENovi.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Novi, Oakland County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Motor City Comic Con, Michigan State Fair, and Novi Home and Garden Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Novi Chamber of Commerce and Novi Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in automotive, technology, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Gentherm, Stoneridge, and Daifuku North America. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
