Tuition-free community college starts this fall in Michigan

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Starting this fall, recent Michigan high school graduates will be able to attend community college tuition-free.

Costs impacting a person’s decision to continue their education right after high school is something colleges know well.

“Some people think about a gap year because they don’t know what to do next and it’s really the money that’s keeping them away,” said David DeBoer, executive director for financial aid at Grand Rapids Community College.

Now in Michigan, that barrier may be broken down for thousands of people.

Through the fiscal year 2025 state budget , Michigan high school graduates in the class of 2023 and later can earn an associate degree or skilled certificate at their local community college tuition-free.

“It should cover most, if not all of the costs, for a student who is in-district at a community college, whether that’s here at GRCC, Kalamazoo Valley, Muskegon,” DeBoer said.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said it’s expected to save more than 18,000 students up to $4,820 each year.

“This Michigan Guarantee takes that money piece out of the equation so that they can make a decision that’s more for themselves and their goals in life, as opposed to worrying whether or not they can pay the bill,” DeBoer said.

In 2021, a similar program named Michigan Reconnect was launched. It was originally designed to help people 25 and older pursue an associate degree or a certificate, but the eligibility age was temporarily lowered to 21 in October 2023.

DeBoer said that caused GRCC to see a significant increase in the number of people in that age group interested in attending college. He anticipates this latest effort will eventually create similar results.

“I say eventually because it’s still new,” DeBoer said. “So we’re still learning the rules, the promotion is just now getting out.”

Monday, News 8 caught up with a student who now attends Grand Valley State University but began her college career at GRCC.

“I got all my (general education classes) done and I saved a lot of money,” said Vienna Koenigsknecht, a former GRCC student.

Koenigsknecht said she’s happy to see other students have one less thing to worry about.

“I know people from my high school didn’t go to college because it’s a money thing and money’s hard this time of life. So, I think it’s really cool that everybody gets the fair opportunity to go,” Koenigsknecht said.

To qualify for the program, you must complete the FAFSA form, among other requirements . DeBoer said it’s not too late to enroll.

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