Could college really be free? At Mid, it might be.
Michigan offers programs that can cover tuition and mandatory fees for eligible students. Whether you're a recent high school graduate, an adult returning to college, or somewhere in between, you may have options.
Which one sounds like you?
You may qualify for the Michigan Community College Guarantee, which can provide tuition-free college at Mid for eligible in-district students and significant financial assistance for eligible students who live outside the district. Some students may also qualify for an additional $1,000 toward expenses such as textbooks and transportation.
Michigan Reconnect may help you earn a degree at Mid tuition-free. Reconnect is available to eligible Michigan residents age 21 and older, with additional requirements.
That's okay. Reconnect and the Community College Guarantee aren't the only ways to make college more affordable. Financial aid and other state programs may also help.
Free isn't the only way to make college affordable.
Tuition-free programs can make a huge difference, but they're not the only way to lower your college costs. You may also qualify for federal or state financial aid, scholarships, or other assistance.
So… what's actually covered?
For eligible students, tuition-free opportunities can cover qualifying tuition and mandatory fees. Some may also provide additional assistance for expenses such as books and transportation. Eligibility and coverage vary.
Depending on your situation, you may need to plan for other college costs.
- Books & Supplies
- Transportation
- Technology
- Personal Expenses
- Housing & Food
- Other costs not covered by financial aid
Two ways Michigan is making college more affordable.
Community College Guarantee
For recent Michigan high school graduates.
Tuition-free opportunity!
- In-district eligible students can attend tuition-free, while eligible out-of-district students receive significant financial assistance.
- Plus, eligible Pell Grant recipients may receive an additional $1,000 for expenses.
Michigan Reconnect
For eligible Michigan adults.
Go back to college without the tuition bill.
- Reconnect can cover remaining in-district tuition and mandatory fees after other state and federal aid is applied for eligible students.
More than 1,200 Mid students are already attending tuition-free at Mid.
More than 800 Mid students are attending through Michigan Reconnect, while more than 480 recent high school graduates are using the Community College Guarantee. Change your future with Reconnect! Aaron used Reconnect to complete a degree, expand his skill set, and prepare for career advancement.
Frequently Asked Questions
You might be wondering...
For eligible students, these opportunities can cover qualifying tuition and mandatory fees. The amount covered and other costs you may have depend on your individual financial aid eligibility and situation.
Yes. The FAFSA is an important part of determining eligibility for many forms of financial aid and is required for programs such as the Community College Guarantee and Michigan Reconnect. Get started on the FAFSA today at studentaid.gov.
You may still qualify. The Community College Guarantee provides significant financial assistance to eligible out-of-district students, although the amount you pay can differ from an in-district student.
You may qualify for Michigan Reconnect if you meet the eligibility requirements.
You may still qualify for federal or state financial aid, scholarships, or other assistance.
It depends on the program and the type of aid you receive.
Michigan Reconnect and the Community College Guarantee (CCG) can be used for programs that are approved for federal Title IV financial aid. They cannot be used for Tech Center or non-credit trainings.
The Michigan Achievement Skills Scholarship may help cover eligible non-credit options. For 2026–2027, eligible Mid trainings include Medical Assistant (MA.TC), Phlebotomy, Dental Assistant, Certified Nurse Aide (CNA), and Community Health Worker.
The Skills Scholarship and CCG are both part of the Michigan Achievement Scholarship and cannot be used during the same semester.
The Community College Guarantee requires that you be enrolled in 12 credits each semester.
Michigan Reconnect requires that you earn 12 credits each academic year (fall, winter, and summer semesters).
Complete the FAFSA, as you may still qualify for federal or state financial aid, scholarships, or other assistance to cover these expenses. If not, you will need to evaluate your resources and plan for your current and future needs.
Yes. You can use eligible tuition-free programs during the summer.
If you're using the Community College Guarantee (CCG), you must still meet the full-time enrollment requirement of 12 credits.
If you plan to use CCG or Michigan Reconnect at Mid during the summer, you also cannot use federal financial aid at another college during the same summer semester.
Your next step could cost less than you think.
Whether you're ready to apply or just want to find out what you qualify for, we're here to help.
Other ways to pay for college.
The State of Michigan offers a variety of scholarships and grants for students. The State of Michigan provides a wide range of scholarships and grants to support students pursuing higher education. Explore the individual opportunities to learn more and find out which ones you may qualify for.
The Fostering Futures Scholarship, a State of Michigan program, provides scholarships to young adults who have experienced foster care. The State of Michigan works with individuals, community organizations, and businesses to encourage charitable contributions that go towards Fostering Futures Scholarship funds.
Fostering Futures Scholarships Information
As of July 1, 2010, the Department of Civil Rights processes Michigan Indian Tuition Waiver applications. Contact the following agencies to learn more
- MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL RIGHTS Lansing, MI (517) 241-7748
- INTER-TRIBAL COUNCIL OF MICHIGAN, INC. 2956 Ashmun St., Suite A, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783 (800) 562-4957
The Tuition Incentive Program (TIP) is an incentive program that encourages eligible students to complete high school by providing tuition assistance for the first two years of college and beyond. To meet the financial eligibility requirement, a student must have (or have had) Medicaid coverage for 24 months within a 36-consecutive-month period as identified by the Michigan Department of Human Services (DHS).
TIP Phase 1 is accepted at Mid Michigan College and provides reimbursement at the in-district rate up to the annual (30 semester credits) and program maximum (80 semester credits) for eligible students. Only those persons not residing in any community college district or those where the chosen program of study is not offered, the out-of-district rate may be authorized. If you are receiving in-district TIP but live out-of-district where your chosen program of study is not offered at your resident community college district, submit a TIP out-of-district appeal form so we may look further into your situation. Learn more about TIP.
MESP offers families many benefits in saving for future college education costs including flexibility in using the saved funds, a broad choice of investments, low minimum contributions, a State of Michigan matching grant, and much more.
Michigan Education Savings Program
The MET program is designed to help students and their families save for a future college education through the pre-purchase of undergraduate tuition at any Michigan public university or college for a child residing in Michigan.
Michigan Education Trust
T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® MICHIGAN links education, compensation and commitment to improving the quality of early education. T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® MICHIGAN is a statewide scholarship program designed to help child care center teaching staff, preschool teachers, family child care providers, group home owners, center directors, early childhood professionals and administrators meet their professional development goals, while continuing their current employment in regulated early childhood and school age care settings T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® MICHIGAN addresses two major challenges in the early education and care field – low wages and high turnover. The scholarship helps increase compensation and the retention of skilled teachers. The education level of child care providers is one of the most critical indicators of the quality of a child’s experiences in child care.
T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Michigan Scholarship
