MI Guarantee (Free or Reduced Tuition)

Free or Reduced Tuition

On June 27, 2024, Governor Whitmer and the Michigan Legislature passed the Fiscal Year 2025 budget, including the MI Community College Guarantee a tuition-free skill certificate or associate degree, for recent high school graduates at their local community college.

The Michigan Community College Guarantee replaces the Michigan Achievement Scholarship for Community Colleges.

2025 high school graduates must enroll at MCC by Fall 2026

What is the MI Guarantee?

• Free in-district tuition, contact hours, and mandatory fees
• No income or high school GPA requirements
• Skill Certificate or Degree
• Online or In-Person
• Students who qualify for the Federal Pell Grant can receive an added $1,000 to help cover added costs like books & supplies
• Renewable annually
• Community College Guarantee: In-District versus Out-of-District: What’s the difference?
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=705P46BzIMA&t=3s

Eligibility

• Complete the FAFSA
• Be a Michigan resident since July 1 of the previous calendar year. [Dependent students’ your parent(s) must also be a Michigan resident since July 1 of the previous calendar year (FAFSA)]
• Earn a high school diploma, certificate of completion, or high school equivalency certificate, from a Michigan high school in 2023 or after
• Enroll in college full-time, within 15 months of graduation
• Students are not eligible if they’re in default on a federal student loan

What are my next steps?  

• Get Your 2024/2025 FAFSA filled out
• Apply to MCC
• Register for classes as a full-time student
• Financial Aid will apply the MI Guarantee
• See the Michigan Community College Guarantee page for more details
• Not sure if you’re ready? Consider our FREE Kick Off Program
• Renewal Requirements:
  • Complete the FAFSA annually
  • Continue to live in Michigan
  • Continue to enroll in college full time.
  • Continue to earn credits and meet your college’s Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy