The state’s popular Michigan Reconnect program offering free in-district tuition to eligible students age 25 and older without a degree expanded its eligibility requirements this fall to allow applicants ages 21 to 24 to apply for the program.
The updated guidelines are effective as of October for Michigan students, including current KCC students. More information, including a link to the Michigan Reconnect application, is available on the KCC website at kellogg.edu/reconnect.
In February 2021, the state’s Michigan Reconnect program began providing free in-district community college tuition to eligible students age 25 and older without a college degree.
Prospective students can apply to the program and, if accepted, start classes tuition-free. Current students can apply now and, if eligible, could receive a disbursement from the state to assist with relevant costs associated with their class registration.
Nikki Jewell, dean of Enrollment Services and Financial Aid at KCC, said the College is thrilled to announce the expansion of the Michigan Reconnect program to include eligible students aged 21 to 24.
“This initiative is a testament to our commitment to providing accessible education and opportunities to learners of all ages,” Jewell said. “This expansion will open doors for even more individuals to pursue their dreams and career aspirations.”
The program covers the cost of tuition up to the in-district rate per credit hour, as well as the cost of mandatory fees for eligible students to pursue select associate degree or certificate programs at any public community college in Michigan.
For the Spring 2024 semester at KCC, that’s a total savings of $158.25 per credit hour. With most degrees consisting of 60 credit hours or more, the program saves students several thousands of dollars over the course of their degree.
Students who reside outside of KCC’s tax district can receive Michigan Reconnect benefits at KCC, but they would be responsible for paying the difference between the in-district rate and out-of-district rate. Using Michigan Reconnect, the standard out-of-district tuition rate of $239.50 per credit hour would drop to $81.25, representing a 66% rate reduction.
Eligible students must:
- Be at least 21 years old when they apply
- Have lived in Michigan for a year or more
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Have not yet completed a college degree (associate or bachelor’s)
The Michigan Reconnect expansion is temporary, and applications at this time are only anticipated to be open until Nov. 15, 2024.
For more information, including answers to frequently asked questions about the program, visit the state’s Michigan Reconnect web page at michigan.gov/reconnect/community-college.
More information about using Michigan Reconnect funds at KCC is available on the KCC website at kellogg.edu/reconnect.
KCC scholarships also available
Another option for new, returning and graduating/transferring KCC students – Reconnect-eligible or no – to fund their education is via a KCC Foundation scholarship.
Scholarship opportunities are available for new, returning and graduating/transferring KCC students and include the following:
- Gold Key Scholarships and Board of Trustees Scholarships for graduating high school students who plan on attending KCC
- Field of Study/General Scholarships for new and returning KCC students
- Transfer Scholarships for students graduating from KCC with an associate degree who plan to transfer to an accredited college or university
Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. Friday, March 1.
The KCC Foundation awarded nearly 730 scholarships totaling more than $696,000 in 2023. Scholarship funds resulting from the current application period will be awarded for use in Fall 2024 and Spring 2025.
Specific criteria and application guidelines for each scholarship program are available on the scholarship website at kellogg.edu/kccscholarships.
This article first appeared in the January 2024 issue of Scene Magazine.