MI Reconnect (Free or Reduced Tuition)

The Michigan Reconnect* program helps pay for Michiganders 21 or older, who do not have a college degree but would like to earn a certificate or an associate degree at a community college. To qualify for Michigan Reconnect, you must be at least 21 years old when you apply, have lived in Michigan for a year or more, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and have not yet completed a college degree (associate or bachelor’s).

*There is no deadline to apply for MI Reconnect for students age 25 and older.

*Students age 21 to 24 must enroll in community college by summer semester 2025 and submit the Michigan Reconnect application by December 31, 2024 to qualify. The priority deadline to apply is November 15, 2024. If you have questions about how to apply, contact the Customer Care Center at 888-447-2687 or email MiStudentAid@Michigan.gov and a representative will help.

TRUE Stories about REAL Students:  Katie, Robert, Adera, Sarah, and Ashley

What does MI Reconnect cover?

The program only covers tuition and mandatory fees at the in-county rate for an occupational certificate or an associate degree. This is a last dollar scholarship which means it covers cost after all other financial aid is applied. This program does NOT cover cost such as books, course fees, or class materials. Students who live outside of Muskegon County will still be able to receive the MI Reconnect scholarship, but their certificate or associate degree will not be tuition-free. The students will pay the difference between the in-county and out-of-county rate.

What does in-district mean?

In-district students are those who reside within Muskegon County and pay property taxes to support MCC. All Michigan residents contribute to all community colleges within the state by paying state taxes which help supplement student tuition. Since MCC is partially funded by taxpayers, different tuition rates exist for students who are resident, non-resident and out-of-state.

Am I Eligible?

To be eligible for the Reconnect program, you must meet all of the following criteria:

• 21 years or older when you apply
• Be a Michigan resident for at least the past 1 year
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent (ex: GED)
• Have not yet earned an associate or bachelor’s degree
• Be eligible to complete the FAFSA
  • Previously earned a certificate but have NOT yet earned an associate or bachelor’s degree, you are eligible to apply for this program
• Currently enrolled in an associate degree program or occupational certificate program but have NOT completed either, you are eligible to apply for this program
• ex: Be either a US citizen or an eligible non-citizen, based on federal financial aid requirements