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. 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
What are my next steps?
Select your student type below to see your next steps!
Already applied and accepted for the Michigan Reconnect Program…check your application status here!
Michigan Reconnect for New MCC Students
Next steps for students NEW to MCC!
Apply to Michigan Reconnect
Apply to Muskegon Community College
Complete the Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- If you plan to start Winter 2023, complete 2022/2023
- If you plan to start Summer 2023, complete 2022/2023
- If you plan to start Fall 2023, complete 2023/2024
Questions regarding your FAFSA or Financial Aid, please contact the Financial Aid Office at 231-777-0228 or fa@muskegoncc.edu
Submit official high school or college transcripts to Muskegon Community College
Contact your high school or prior college and let them know you need your official transcript sent directly to MCC – admissions@muskegoncc.edu
Course Placement or Placement Test
- Course Placement or Placement Test
- Call Testing Services (231)777-0394 to schedule a time if needed.
- Note: Each course states its prerequisite which can be found in the course catalog. This will let you know what is needed before you can take the course.
- Placement Testing is recommended not required. Only Nursing and Respiratory Therapy students are required to take the Placement test. Please speak to a counselor if you have further questions.
- Note: Each course states its prerequisite which can be found in the course catalog. This will let you know what is needed before you can take the course.
- Placement Testing is recommended not required. Only Nursing and Respiratory Therapy students are required to take the Placement test. Please speak to a counselor if you have further questions.
Orientation
Complete mandatory Orientation
Log into your MyMCC
Learn how here.
Make an appointment to meet with a counselor
Counselors will help you select classes for your appropriate semester and answer questions regarding your program
Please visit counseling for more information
Michigan Reconnect for Returning MCC Students
Next steps for Returning students to MCC!
Apply to Michigan Reconnect
Michigan Reconnect Application
- If you have not taken classes in the past 3 years, please reapply to Muskegon Community College
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- If you are between 21 and 24 years old, you must complete the 2024/2025 FAFSA and enroll at MCC by August 26, 2024. After this date, the benefit expires.
- If you are 25 or older and plan to start Fall 2024 or later, complete the 2024/2025 FAFSA
Questions regarding your FAFSA or Financial Aid, please contact the Financial Aid Office at 231-777-0228 or fa@muskegoncc.edu
Submit official high school or college transcripts to Muskegon Community College
Contact your high school or prior college and let them know you need your official transcript sent directly to MCC – admissions@muskegoncc.edu
Course Placement or Placement Test
Call Testing Services (231)777-0394 to schedule a time if needed.
- Note: Each course states its prerequisite which can be found in the course catalog. This will let you know what is needed before you can take the course.
- Placement Testing is recommended not required. Only Nursing and Respiratory Therapy students are required to take the Placement test. Please speak to a counselor if you have further questions.
Complete mandatory Orientation
Log into your MyMCC
Learn how here.
Make an appointment to meet with a counselor
Counselors will help you select classes for your appropriate semester and answer questions regarding your program
Please visit counseling for more information
Michigan Reconnect for Current MCC Students
Next steps for Currently Enrolled MCC Students:
Apply to Michigan Reconnect
Complete the Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- If you plan to start Winter 2023, complete 2022/2023
- If you plan to start Summer 2023, complete 2022/2023
- If you plan to start Fall 2023, complete 2023/2024
Make an appointment to meet with a counselor
Counselors will help you select classes for your appropriate semester and answer questions regarding your program
Please visit counseling for more information
Maintaining Eligibility
Michigan Reconnect scholarship recipients must:
- Continue to be a resident of this state.
- Maintain enrollment in your program of study and earn a minimum of 12 credits towards your program of study, once you’ve begun an academic year.
- New participants who start on a Fall semester must meet this criterion by the end of the academic year.
- New participants who start on a Winter/Spring or Summer semester must meet this criterion by the end of the following academic year.
- Meet satisfactory academic progress (SAP) at your institution or maintain a minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA since becoming a Michigan Reconnect participant.
- Submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
More questions?
For questions regarding the application process or for technical support while completing the application, please contact the state’s customer care center at (517) 636-7000. Click here to view more helpful information for the Michigan Reconnect Program.
For more information on the Michigan Reconnect program at Muskegon Community College, please contact TeeJay Shorter via email at shortert1@michigan.gov
