Top 6 Tuition-Free Online Colleges in Michigan

Individuals with bachelor's degrees can earn between $600,000 and $900,000 more over the course of their lifetime, but college degrees are often difficult to afford for many families.

College enrollment rates decline with family income, and students from high-income families are 40% more likely to attend college than those from low-income families.

Thankfully, a number of universities and colleges offer free or greatly reduced tuition prices to qualifying families in Michigan.

Finding free college in Michigan can allow students from any background to gain the skills needed for successful careers in many different fields.

Online Colleges and Universities with Free Courses

Here are some of the best opportunities to get free college in Michigan.

1. Wayne State University

Wayne State University has a program called the Wayne State Guarantee that eliminates all out-of-pocket costs for eligible students.

To qualify, students must be eligible for the Pell Grant, or have a family income of less than $70,000 and assets less than $50,000.

The assistance can be renewed for the four years typically needed to complete a bachelor's degree, as well as a fifth year if students are due to graduate.

To remain eligible, students must be in satisfactory academic standing and studying full time.

2. Grand Valley State University

Grand Valley State University wants to make sure that no one misses out on the benefits of a high-quality college education due to financial limitations.

Qualifying freshmen can receive four years of free tuition while transfer students are eligible for two years of aid.

To qualify the student's family must report less than $50,000 in adjusted gross income on the FAFSA.

The program covers the tuition costs of full-time study as well as any additional charges associated with specific courses.

3. Eastern Michigan University

Incoming freshmen at Eastern Michigan University can apply for the Eastern Tuition Advantage program and receive free undergraduate tuition for full-time study.

Students must hold a 3.0 GPA and have a family income of less than $60,000 to qualify. Qualifying students will receive up to 16 credits at no cost for eight consecutive semesters.

Students must complete a FAFSA application to determine their family's adjusted gross income and eligibility status.

4. Oakland University

Oakland University's Golden Grizzlies Tuition Guarantee means that eligible incoming students can study for free for four years.

The program is based on the expected family contribution reported on the FAFSA. Families that reside in Michigan and have an expected contribution of less than $8,000 are eligible for the program.

Additional scholarship programs are available to help cover living costs during the enrollment period.

5. Ferris State University

Michigan students enrolling at Ferris State University as freshmen can reduce their out-of-pocket costs to zero through the Ferris Pledge.

Students who are enrolling for 12 or more credits and meet the requirements for the Pell Grant are eligible.

Numerous other scholarships such as the Transfer President's Scholarship are also available to help reduce tuition costs.

6. Saginaw Valley State University

Saginaw Valley State University offers one of the most extensive free college programs in the state.

49% of freshmen received grants and scholarships covering the entire cost of tuition.

Students from households that earn less than $70,000 annually are eligible for the program.

As in most cases, students must fill out the FAFSA to determine eligibility. Students who don't qualify can still apply for a wide range of scholarships that can greatly reduce the cost of attendance.

How To Make College Free

Although college tuition can be costly, there are many ways to reduce or eliminate the cost associated with higher education.

In addition to the programs outlined above, students may be able to receive federal grants, academic scholarships, and other types of assistance. There are multiple paths to free college in Michigan.

Apply for Grants

Unlike loans, grants typically do not need to be repaid. Students should make sure they find all grants they are eligible for. Some potential grants for Michigan students include:

• Children of Veterans Tuition Grant
• Dual Enrollment Grant
• Michigan GEAR up
• Police Officer's and Firefighters Survivor Tuition Grant
• Michigan Tuition Grant

Apply for Scholarships

In addition to grants, students should also inquire about scholarship opportunities. Scholarships are a form of financial aid based on different criteria such as academic achievement, industry, or background.

Several Michigan-based scholarships students should explore are:

• Michigan Reconnect Scholarship
• Michigan Competitive Scholarship
• Fostering Futures Scholarship
• Futures for Frontliners Scholarship

In addition to these programs, many schools offer academic achievement scholarships under names such as president's scholarship.

Get Tuition Reimbursement from an Employer

Some employers offer partial or complete reimbursement for tuition costs of their employees. The specific details will depend on the employer in question and additional stipulations may apply.

State or government employees should be particularly aware of potential reimbursement programs.

Look Into Tuition and Fee Waivers

Students should also look into tuition waiver programs they may be eligible for. One such program is the Michigan Indian Tuition Waiver.

Students who are one-fourth or more Native American can be eligible for the tuition waiver.

Find a Free or Low-Cost Degree in Michigan Today

Finances shouldn't stand in the way of a career-changing education. Free college in Michigan can unlock a world of new possibilities for students that qualify for these exciting programs. You may also consider free online colleges in Detroit.

Find a free or affordable online degree program today and work toward a great career today.