How To Get Free College in Michigan

Every year, Michigan high school graduates begin pursuing higher education, both in the state and out of it. However, many students have to alter their college degree plans due to the rising cost of tuition.

The state of Michigan has begun establishing grant programs that help Michigander students earn associate degrees and beyond. Some schools offer plans beyond state initiatives that allow eligible students to work towards bachelor's degrees without college tuition. Another great option is to attend a tuition-free online college in Michigan.

Is Community College Free in Michigan?

Community colleges offer free education for qualified residents. The Michigan Reconnect program was signed into law by Governor Gretchen Whitmer in 2021 and allows students aged 25 or older without a college degree to apply at any accredited community college or tribal college in Michigan without worrying about tuition costs.

This free community college program requires a brief online application, filling out your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form, and enrollment in an eligible degree program or skill certificate program.

Students must qualify for in-district tuition to receive a full tuition waiver. You will be eligible for a large discount if you attend a community college outside your residency district. However, you will still need to pay a portion of your tuition.

Who Qualifies for Free College in Michigan?

The Michigan Reconnect scholarship has multiple eligibility requirements. For students to qualify for this free tuition program, students must meet the following criteria:

• they must be above the age of 21
• they must have been a Michigan resident for a year or more before applying
• they must have earned a high school diploma or completed a GED program
• they must not have completed a college degree program, either an associate's or a bachelor's degree

What Is the Michigan Tuition Grant?

The Michigan Tuition Grant is designed to provide financial aid to students who display financial need after filing their Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Unlike the Michigan Reconnect program, this program can be applied to any qualifying undergraduate school, not limited to community colleges. Eligible students can be awarded up to $3000 per academic year.

This program has restrictions on how the funds can be used. The grant can only be applied to tuition and mandatory fees, such as application fees. The grant also has a limited time of use, 10 full-time semesters.

Who Is Eligible?

Schools can receive $5 million per academic year and must decide which students are eligible as they allocate funds. Michigan residents are eligible for the Michigan Tuition Grant provided they meet multiple criteria, including:

• financial need demonstrated by their FAFSA form
• at least half-time enrollment
• possession of a high school diploma or a GED
• Michigan residency dating back to July 1st of the previous year for independent students, the parents of dependent students must meet the same requirement
• maintaining satisfactory academic progress as defined by your school, usually with a minimum GPA
• students can't be enrolled in theology, divinity, or religious education program
• no debt on federal student loans

Eligible Institutions

All non-profit, private, and public universities qualify for the Michigan Tuition Grant. This includes universities and community colleges throughout the state. Schools must be selected as a priority school on your FAFSA documentation, and you need to contact MI Student Aid if you plan to switch your priority school or transfer.

How To Apply

Filling out your FAFSA forms will automatically apply you for the Michigan Tuition Grant. The first school listed on your FAFSA will be considered your priority school. Therefore, you must complete your form accurately.

What Is the Michigan Promise Zone Scholarship?

The Michigan Promise Zone scholarship is a privately funded scholarship fund for different areas across the state. The Kalamazoo Promise was the first of these programs when it was offered in 2005, and now there are 13 total zones. These zones allow students to work toward an associate's degree, but some programs offer students opportunities to earn a bachelor's.

Who Is Eligible?

Students must be residents of the Promise Zone they want funding from. Additionally, they must graduate from a high school within the boundaries of their promise zone. Students must be eligible for the federal Pell Grant and attend a degree or certificate program in Michigan.

Eligible Institutions

Students must apply for these funds at any qualified institution, usually non-profit community colleges or universities. Each Promise Zone has unique requirements for fund usage as well as amounts. Check your Promise Zone's requirements if you plan to use one of these scholarships.

How To Apply

Promise Zones are designed to cover all students who live in and graduate from a high school within the zone. The application process will vary from zone to zone, but most apply for funds automatically based on the results of a student's FAFSA form and any other need-based grants or scholarships.

Tips for Making College Affordable

Michigan Reconnect, The Michigan Tuition Grant, and Promise Zones are all good ways for eligible students to reduce their tuition costs. However, these are only some paths to a more affordable college education.

Some other steps you can take to reduce your tuition costs include:

• starting with a community college before transferring
• using CLEP testing to test out of certain courses
• applying for private scholarships and grants in addition to federal or state programs
• attend an in-district school
• find a tuition-free college

Tuition-Free Colleges in Michigan

Tuition-free colleges provide learning opportunities for students without charging tuition. These schools usually charge fees around examinations or offer reimbursements for students who complete programs while meeting GPA and other academic requirements.

Some of the best tuition-free colleges in Michigan include:

• The University of Michigan - Dearborn
• Wayne State University
• Western Michigan University
• Lake Superior State University
• Ferris State University

Individual University Programs

In addition to federal and state programs, many schools have unique programs to help accepted students reduce their tuition costs. Some of these programs include:

• The Grand Valley Pledge at Grand Valley State University
• NMU Tuition Advantage at Northern Michigan University
• Eastern Tuition Advantage at Eastern Michigan University
• The Cardinal Commitment at Saginaw Valley State University
• The U-M Go Blue Guarantee at The University of Michigan