Dec. 22, 2020, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College is expanding service hours next week to help students enroll in winter semester classes – with no money down.
College specialists will be available virtually from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 28, 29 and 30. They can be reached by calling (616) 234-3300 or emailing here4you@grcc.edu.
By enrolling before Jan. 1, students can also take advantage of a payment plan that requires no money down. Instead, their tuition and fees will be divided into two installments, due in February and March. Those enrolling after Jan. 1 must pay 25% of tuition and fees by Jan. 15, with the rest paid in installments due in February and March.
The first day of Winter 2021 classes is Jan. 11.
“GRCC is a strong option for students of all ages, especially those who delayed their education or who want to gain additional skills to advance in their careers,” said Tina Hoxie, GRCC’s associate provost and dean of Students Affairs. “This is such a busy time of year. We are making it more convenient for students to continue their education affordably at GRCC.”
The college is waiving online class fees for the upcoming semester, a move that will save students $16 per contact hour, or about $50 for a three-credit class offered online. Students would still be responsible for tuition and other universal fees.
These just-in-time assistance opportunities are intended to help students during the pandemic. Many university students, especially those looking to gain general education credits, can benefit from taking classes at GRCC and staying close to home.
GRCC specialists also will be able to assist with questions about the state’s Futures for Frontliners program. They can be reached at a special hotline, (616) 234-3344, between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. Dec. 28, 29 and 30. The Futures for Frontliners program allows people who worked in essential jobs during the state’s spring COVID-19 shutdown to pursue a tuition-free education at their local community college.
State applications to enroll in the program are due Dec. 31, and are available here. Accepted students can enroll in Winter 2021 classes, or they can choose to start during the summer or fall 2021 semesters.
GRCC is offering winter classes in four formats: in-person, online, hybrid, and virtual real-time. The college is also offering loaner laptops and a limited number of Wi-Fi access hotspots to help students access online classes.
Grand Rapids Community College offers learners of all ages opportunities to gain credits for degrees or transfer and in-demand career skills leading to rewarding careers. GRCC was established in 1914 – Michigan’s first community college -- and offers affordable classes on weekdays, evenings, Saturdays and online at locations throughout Kent and Ottawa counties.