Your GRCC tuition could be covered with the Michigan Community College Guarantee
Did you graduate from a Michigan high school or earn a high school equivalency in 2024 or 2025? If so, you can pursue your dreams and earn a degree or certificate from Grand Rapids Community College with possible tuition assistance from the Michigan Community College Guarantee.
Students from the Class of 2024 and 2025 may be eligible for the Community College Guarantee, which includes:
- In-district tuition based on contact hours and mandatory fees.
- An additional $1,000 bonus living expenses award for students eligible for a Federal Pell Grant.
Eligibility information
To receive the award, you must:
- Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident or approved refugee.
- Be a Michigan resident since July 1 of the previous calendar year. If you are a dependent, then your parent(s) must also be a
- Michigan resident since July 1 of the previous calendar year.
- Graduate from a Michigan high school or earn a high school equivalency certificate in 2024 or after.
Next steps to receive the award
To receive the award, all recent Michigan high school graduates must do the following:
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- Enroll full-time in college within 15 months of your high school graduation.
Michigan Community College Guarantee FAQs
What is the MI Community College Guarantee?
The Michigan Community College Guarantee is part of the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, which is designed to help recent high school graduates receive funds for continuing their education.
The Community College Guarantee was instituted in the Fall of 2024 and is funded by taxpayers through the School Aid Budget.
Who is eligible?
All recent Michigan high school graduates are eligible! You must be a Michigan resident since July 1 of the previous year and have earned a high school diploma or equivalency certificate in 2024 or after. There is no GPA requirement.
What costs are covered?
The award covers in-district tuition costs based on contact hours and mandatory fees. It does not cover books, housing, transportation or other educational expenses.
Students who are eligible for a Federal Pell Grant may receive $1,000, which can be used toward additional costs.
What does in-district mean?
In-district students are those who reside within the Kent Intermediate School District (KISD).
- If you live within the KISD, the Guarantee will cover your tuition based on contact hours (the total number of hours you have in each class) and mandatory fees.
- If you live outside the KISD, the Guarantee will cover up to 40% of your tuition.
Is there a deadline?
You must enroll in a community college within 15 months of your high school graduation.
- If you graduated in the spring of 2024, you must enroll by the fall semester of 2025.
- If you graduated in the spring of 2025, you must enroll by the fall semester of 2026.
Will the award cover multiple years of tuition?
Yes, you can renew the Michigan Community College Guarantee for up to three years at GRCC. To renew your award, you must:
- Complete the FAFSA annually.
- Continue to live in Michigan.
- Enroll in college full time.
- Earn credits that meet GRCC’s Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy.
Pursue your college dreams without the cost
Your dreams shouldn’t have to come with worries about tuition costs or student debt. Take the first step toward your future and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Still have questions about the Michigan Community College Guarantee?
Our team is here to help you every step of the way!