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Michigan Reconnect

Get Free Tuition to Earn a Degree or Certificate

OCC, in partnership with the Michigan Reconnect program, can help you qualify for in-demand jobs—tuition free.  The program offers free in-district tuition to qualifying Michigan residents. Increase your earnings and career opportunities by earning an associate degree or certificate. You'll have four years to complete one program of study.

Who qualifies

  • At least 21 years of age at time of application
  • Michigan resident at least one year before start of semester
  • U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen and undocumented students
  • Hold a high school diploma, certificate of completion, or high school equivalency certificate
  • Do not currently hold a college or university degree (Associate or Bachelor)

Complete These Steps to Apply

1) Apply to the Michigan Reconnect scholarship program

2) Complete a Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application

3) Become an OCC student using one of the checklists below:

Thinking about a new career or additional education?

If so, Join us on October 27 for a Back to College with Michigan Reconnect Scholarship session

Michigan Reconnect is expanding to adults 21 and older, making it easier to pursue a college degree or skills certificate tuition-free. Join us to hear stories from current and graduated OCC adult students, learn how you can afford college, and discover the resources available to support you along the way. OCC staff will be available to answer your questions and help you take the next step.

Learn More and Register

Are you a recent high school graduate?

If you graduated high school within the last year, you may be eligible for The Michigan Achievement Scholarship - Community College Guarantee.

Already Started? Here's what you need to know to continue

You are eligible to continue to participate in the Michigan Reconnect scholarship program until you complete your degree or for up to 4 years from the date you began the program. To remain eligible, please complete the following:

  • Maintain at least a 2.0 GPA or Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) while in the program.
  • Earn at least 12 credit hours in your program of study with a passing grade in the academic year (Fall, Winter, Summer).
    • You can receive Reconnect if you are enrolled in at least 1 credit, but you need 12 credits earned in the academic year to maintain continuous enrollment.
  • Submit a FAFSA every year. 
  • Remain a Michigan resident.
  • Have ONE eligible program of study on record.
  • All students attending OCC through Michigan Reconnect are required to follow these policies regardless of whether they are using the PELL Grant, another aid source, or Michigan Reconnect funds as last dollar assistance.
    • This means that the Federal PELL Grant and other State or Institutional tuition specific scholarships must be used first before Reconnect can be applied.

Frequently Asked Questions

Eligibility

Yes, you can use your Reconnect scholarship at Oakland Community College. The Reconnect scholarship will cover the cost of in-district tuition (includes billable contact hours) and the student support fee based on student residency. Out-of-district students will be responsible for the remaining difference between the out of district and in district costs.

No, the program is only available to applicants who have not yet received a college degree.

If you are eligible non-citizen, undocumented or DACA student, you may qualify. You will need to complete a FAFSA and meet all other qualifications.

Note: You will have to obtain an SSN if you do not have one in order to fill out the FAFSA to be considered for Reconnect.

Academic Support & Coverage

  • Over 40 success workshops are available to you 24/7 through the online orientation platform
  • OCC counselors can provide you with guidance and refer you to resources to support you with academic and life needs
  • The Academic Support Center (ASC) provides free tutoring, skills seminars, and study groups across a wide range of subject
  • Oakland County Michigan WORKS! Is offering additional funding to help you pay for books, supplies, and life expenses, as well as childcare scholarships to support your with academic and life needs
  • ACCESS provides accommodations and services to eligible students, to help meet their learning needs
  • Student Engagement provides many ways to get involved, connect with fellow students, and develop both personally and professionally in your time at OCC

The program is restricted in that it does not cover any of the following costs:

  • Textbooks, supplies, or required equipment
  • Follett textbook inclusive access fees and taxes
  • Program and Class fees 
  • Transportation
  • Childcare

By participating in the Reconnect Program you will not be required to complete the SAP appeal to receive the Reconnect scholarship. However, a SAP appeal could allow you to access additional funding sources for costs that Michigan Reconnect does not cover.

Yes, you may change to another financial aid eligible certificate or associate degree program. You may not receive Reconnect funding after earning an associate degree.

Maintaining Eligibility

Enroll in at least 1 credit in an eligible program of study.

If you lose eligibility for continuous enrollment (not completing 12 credits in an academic year), you may be eligible to complete a leave of absence. Please send us an email to receive additional information about the leave of absence process.

Once you lose your scholarship eligibility for not meeting the GPA requirement, not beginning participation on time, or earning an Associate's degree; the award cannot be reinstated.

You are required to complete a FAFSA every year you participate in the program as well as complete verification if required.

Yes, Maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0. Grades earned prior to your participation in the Reconnect program and courses taken that are not part of the program of study are not considered. This is a new opportunity to meet the standard when you start in the program.

Reconnect follows the Federal financial aid rules on repeating coursework. Federal rules allow you to repeat a passed course only one additional time and a failed course multiple times until passed.

Additional Questions?

Contact Financial Aid

Phone: (248) 341-2240
Email: StateProgramsFA@oaklandcc.edu

Service Hours:
Mon - Fri | 8:30am - 5pm (Onsite & Virtual Services)