By Angelina Jahn
1,154 Michigan residents have been accepted into Grand Rapids Community College through the Michigan Reconnect program.
Of these admitted students, approximately 40 percent are returning to higher education after a few years away, while about 10 percent are returning after 10 or more years.
Michigan Reconnect is a program that offers Michigan residents age 25 and older the opportunity to attend community college tuition-free if they live in a community college district. In order to be eligible for the program, residents must have earned a high school diploma or an equivalent, lived in Michigan for at least a year, and have not previously earned a college degree.
Those applying for the program must also complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). For questions regarding the FAFSA form, potential students may reach out to a GRCC financial aid specialist by calling (616) 234-4030, or by email at financialaid@grcc.edu.
In order to receive free tuition, students must attend a community college within their district. In-District tuition cost for a full time student at GRCC in an academic program comes out to $3,510 for the Fall and Winter semesters, while students outside of the district pay $7,410. Residents of Kent County participating in Michigan Reconnect can attend GRCC for free, while those residing in Ottawa County can have their cost of tuition reduced down to the cost of in-district.
GRCC provides flexibility for students going through the Michigan Reconnect program who may have other obligations, such as jobs or families. It offers both online and in-person classes, as well as hybrid, which combines in person and online learning.
“Michigan Reconnect gives residents an opportunity to return to the classroom and advance in their career or gain new skills in emerging fields,” stated Tina Hoxie, GRCC’s Associate Provost in a press release. “Take that step forward. No one wants to walk this journey on their own. We want students to be successful so our community as a whole is successful, and we will help them along the way.”
