New program makes community college free for new students
MONROE — Students who enroll in community college this semester may find themselves tuition free through Michigan's Community College Guarantee program, according to a recent release.
For Monroe County citizens this means that residents who graduated from high school in 2023 and 2024 may be eligible for free tuition fees at Monroe County Community College.
To be eligible, students must be a Michigan resident since July 1, 2023, have a complete FAFSA, graduate from Michigan high school, and enroll in college full time within 15 months of their high school graduation. It also extends to those who earned a high school equivalency certificate in 2023 or after.
The program covers anything not already covered by federal or state grants or scholarships.
Subscribe Now: For all the latest local developments, breaking news and high school sports content.
"Our mission at MCCC is to improve people's lives by providing high-quality, educational opportunities that are accessible and affordable, and, of course, free is as affordable as you can get," said MCCC director of marketing and communications Joe Verkennes. "The Community College is an exciting opportunity to help recent college graduates earn an associate degree or skill certificate that will improve their career trajectory without having to pay tuition and fees or take on any debt."
Additionally, students who qualify for a Federal Pell Grant can receive a $1,000 Michigan Achievement Bonus award. Estimated in-district annual tuition and fees for 2024 for a student who attends MCCC for Fall and Winter semesters are $3,384.48.
— Contact reporter Connor Veenstra at CVeenstra@gannett.com
This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Incoming students to Monroe County Community College get free tuition
