SOURCE: State of Michigan
Expanded program provides tuition-free pathway to associate degrees and skills certificates
Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced on Aug. 26 that Michigan residents ages 21–24
can now apply for Michigan Reconnect, expanding the tuition-free community college program to all eligible adults age
21 and older.
The program expansion gives thousands of previously ineligible adults a new opportunity
to earn an associate degree or skills certificate at their local community or Tribal
college.
“Every Michigander deserves a fair shot at building a future, and we’re making sure
that money doesn’t stand in the way,” said Whitmer. “Now thousands more adults ages
21 through 24 can benefit as we work toward our state’s Sixty by 30 goal. Michigan Reconnect is one of the biggest investments made to help Michigan
residents afford the education and training they need to get ahead. Let’s keep working
together to make Michigan a place where more people can learn, earn, and succeed.”
Tuition-free education
Launched in 2021, Michigan Reconnect helps adults without a college degree enroll
in or return to school for little to no cost. Students attending their local community
college can enroll tuition-free, and students attending an out-of-district college
can receive substantial tuition assistance toward an associate degree or skills certificate.
To date, nearly 20,000 Michiganders have graduated.
The program’s expansion is made possible by a $25 million ongoing investment included
in the bipartisan Fiscal Year 2027 education budget, lowering the eligibility age
from 25 to 21.
Increasing earning potential
For students, the benefits extend beyond tuition assistance. Earning a degree or skills
certificate can open new career opportunities, increase earning potential, and build
a stronger foundation for long-term financial security.
The Michigan Center for Data and Analytics reports that Reconnect graduates earn a median wage of more than $13,000 above their
pre-Reconnect wages.
“One year after graduation, median wage among Reconnectors increased $13,400 compared
with pre-Reconnect wages,” said Scott Powell, chief data officer for the State of
Michigan and director of MCDA. “By year two, the group’s median wage increased by
$16,300, representing an overall increase of 48 percent. Additionally, Reconnect graduates
earned a median of $16,500 more one year after graduation than similar workers with
a high school diploma."
Expanding opportunity
During the program’s previous temporary expansion, which ended in December 2024, nearly
35,000 adults ages 21–24 applied for the scholarship, with more than 18,600 enrolling
in a community or Tribal college.
The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) encouraged newly eligible Michiganders to take advantage of the expanded opportunity
and apply for Michigan Reconnect.
“Michigan Reconnect has shown us what is possible when we remove financial barriers
and give more Michiganders the opportunity to pursue a postsecondary credential,”
said Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, executive director of MiLEAP. “Expanding eligibility
now means even more Michiganders can take the next step toward a credential, a high-wage
career, and greater economic stability. We encourage all adults ages 21 and older
to learn more and apply for Michigan Reconnect today.”
Support beyond tuition
“Like so many students, I graduated high school and wanted to go to college,” said
Reconnect graduate Kendrik Myers. “I tried to go full time, part time and ended up
not going because I couldn’t make the money work. I found Michigan Reconnect, and
that not only took care of the financial end, but it also provided me with a support
system that really helped me. Now I have a career, and I’m a manager because of the
things I learned and applied from my education. I think it is great that even more
adults will have this opportunity.”
Michigan Reconnect Navigators provide free, one-on-one support to students throughout their education, including
help applying for financial aid, setting career goals, selecting programs of study,
and more.
How to get started
Not already enrolled in a college program? Begin here:
1. Apply for the Michigan Reconnect Scholarship at michigan.gov/Reconnect. The application
takes about five minutes to complete.
2. Apply to a Michigan community or tribal college.
3. File a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Already enrolled students should contact their college’s Financial Aid Office for
additional information on applying the Reconnect Scholarship to their tuition bill
and filing a FAFSA.
Learn more about earning a degree or certificate tuition-free through Michigan Reconnect
at Michigan.gov/Reconnect.
About OCC
Oakland Community College (OCC) has empowered individuals through education since 1965. Serving more than 20,000 students annually, OCC offers 80+ degree and certificate programs, workforce training and community education programs with flexible class options, low tuition, robust services, and top transfer opportunities. Ranked Michigan’s top online college and seventh nationally by Newsweek’s America’s Top Online Colleges 2025, OCC delivers education that drives opportunity, workforce growth and community impact. Learn more at oaklandcc.edu.
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