College More Affordable Than Ever for Michigan Students

Registration for fall courses at Mid Michigan College is going on now and there are more options than ever before to help students offset their educational investment.

“Two out of three Mid students attend tuition-free,” said Beth Binder, Director of Admissions at Mid. “From financial aid to the Michigan Achievement Scholarship and Michigan Reconnect, Mid is more budget-friendly than ever for students of any age who are looking to begin or continue their education.”

Financial aid funding is provided by the state and federal government and includes grants, loans, and other specialized types of financial assistance.

The Michigan Achievement Scholarship is available to high school graduates, and eligible students can receive up to $2,750 per year at Mid for up to three years.

Michigan Reconnect covers tuition and fees after financial aid funds have been awarded—significantly offsetting these costs for students. Michigan Reconnect is typically available to students 25 years of age and up, but for a limited time students 21 and up are eligible, but 21-24 year old students must attend the fall 2024 semester to take advantage of Michigan Reconnect funding.

Reconnect is available to adults who have a high school diploma but not yet completed a college degree and now wish to pursue an associate degree or skills certificate. The scholarship remains available even if someone previously enrolled in college, as was the case for Aaron Peever.

Peever initially dual enrolled at Mid during high school but eventually stopped attending in 2008. He entered the workforce without a clear path to build a career. Instead, he shifted through various jobs while thoughts of earning a degree lingered.

When he landed at Rite-Hite, a global manufacturer that builds loading dock levelers and snow removal systems in Clare, he realized a career path in front of him—and that path required an associate degree. Rite-Hite, as a company that fosters personal and professional growth for their employees, proved pivotal in encouraging Peever to reconnect with Mid.

“Finally, I was doing something that I loved with a team I truly enjoyed getting to be a part of,” he said. “At that point I could see a future and was at a company I wanted to grow with.”

Peever met with staff at Mid who helped him select a pathway, establish a timeline and secure financial aid, including Reconnect.

To determine eligibility for the Michigan Achievement and Reconnect scholarships, among other resources, students must complete the FAFSA at studentaid.gov. Mid’s Financial Aid team is available to help all students complete the FAFSA for the upcoming academic year.

“We know the FAFSA has been challenging this year, and we want students to know that we’re here to help,” shared Michelle McNier, Director of Financial Aid at Mid. “There’s still plenty of time to apply for and receive funding!”

Fall courses start Monday, August 26.

Prospective students can apply to Mid online at midmich.edu/apply or contact Admissions at admissions@midmich.edu or (989) 386-6661 to receive help with getting started.

Current or returning students should contact their Mid Mentor for assistance.