Michigan Reconnect

The Michigan Reconnect program helps pay for Michiganders 21 or older, who do not have a college degree but would like to earn a certificate or an associate degree at a community college. To qualify for Michigan Reconnect, you must be at least 21 years old when you apply, have lived in Michigan for a year or more, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and have not yet completed a college degree (associate or bachelor’s).

More TRUE Stories about REAL Students: Katie, Robert, Adera, Sarah, and Ashley

What does MI Reconnect cover?

The program only covers tuition and mandatory fees at the in-county rate for an occupational certificate or an associate degree. This is a last dollar scholarship which means it covers cost after all other financial aid is applied. This program does NOT cover cost such as books, course fees, or class materials. Students who live outside of Muskegon County will still be able to receive the MI Reconnect scholarship, but their certificate or associate degree will not be tuition-free. The students will pay the difference between the in-county and out-of-county rate.

Do I qualify as in-county at Muskegon Community College?

To be eligible for in-county rates, you must reside in Muskegon County. If you are not sure, click here and then type your address in the search field and hit enter. The county in which you reside will appear in the upper right corner.

Am I eligible?

To be eligible for the Reconnect program, you must meet all of the following criteria:

21 years or older when you apply
Be a Michigan resident for at least the past 1 year
Have a high school diploma or equivalent (ex: GED)
Have not yet earned an associate or bachelor’s degree
Be eligible to complete the FAFSA
- - ex: Be either a US citizen or an eligible non-citizen, based on federal financial aid requirements
Previously earned a certificate but have NOT yet earned an associate or bachelor’s degree, you are eligible to apply for this program
Currently enrolled in an associate degree program or occupational certificate program but have NOT completed either, you are eligible to apply for this program

What are my next steps?

Select your student type below to see your next steps!

Already applied and accepted for the Michigan Reconnect Program…check your application status here!

Maintaining Eligibility

Michigan Reconnect scholarship recipients must:

Continue to be a resident of this state.
Maintain enrollment in your program of study and earn a minimum of 12 credits towards your program of study, once you’ve begun an academic year.
- New participants who start on a Fall semester must meet this criterion by the end of the academic year.
- New participants who start on a Winter/Spring or Summer semester must meet this criterion by the end of the following academic year.
Meet satisfactory academic progress (SAP) at your institution or maintain a minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA since becoming a Michigan Reconnect participant.
Submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).