You won’t believe what’s happening right here in Michigan! The state government just gave a big break to recent high school graduates. The new policy, known as the ‘Community College Guarantee‘, is all set to kick in this fall, and it could just change the lives of students forever. Let’s figure out how all of this works.
So, here’s the deal – If you have graduated high school in Michigan from 2023 onwards, you are eligible for this guarantee. What’s even better is that there are absolutely no income requirements to qualify. This guarantee covers tuition and fees for a degree or skills certificate from a community college or tribal college in the district.
But, that’s not all. If you are an eligible student and you’ve also scored the Pell Grant, you get an additional $1,000 Michigan Achievement Bonus award that can be used for further educational expenses. Seems pretty cool, right?
So, what exactly do you have to do to qualify apart from being a recent graduate? Here you go:
- Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- Be a Michigan resident since at least July 1 of the previous year
- You must be a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident, or an approved refugee
- Enroll full-time in college within 15 months of graduation.
Now, what if you didn’t study within the district of the college? Don’t worry. You’re still eligible. But, your scholarship and fees will only cover as much as that of an in-district student. So, you might need to pay a little bit yourself.
The Community College Guarantee is going to rescue over 18,000 students by saving them up to $4,800 a year. And yes, you heard it right. This is all paid for by the state government through the School Aid Budget.
The best part? If you’re eligible, you won’t just get this for one year. You can renew your scholarship for up to three years at a community college or tribal college.
So, if you’re a recent high school grad in Michigan, there’s nothing to hold you back now. College is yours for the taking. Don’t let this community college guarantee pass you by!