Release Date: 
Tuesday, May 25, 2021

Learn more about free tuition for students 25 and older through Michigan Reconnect

Michigan Reconnect graphic

HFC is proud to support Michigan Reconnect, a new scholarship program that allows people to attend the College tuition-free.

Michigan Reconnect pays the tuition and other mandatory fees for applicants to attend HFC, provided they are in-district. Books and course fees are not included. Out-of-district students will need to pay the difference between in-district and out-of-district tuition and fees. Financial aid may be available to assist.

“This program is a great opportunity for students in Michigan because so many qualify,” said Jeremy Guc, Supervisor of Admissions and Recruiting.

Requirements to apply

Applicants can use the Michigan Reconnect scholarship to either pursue an associate degree or a certificate program. To be eligible, applicants must:

  • Be a minimum of 25 years old when applying
  • Have lived in Michigan for one year or more
  • Have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED)
  • Have not yet completed any form of college degree (associate degree or bachelor’s degree)
  • Be a United States citizen or eligible non-citizen (must be eligible to complete the FAFSA)
  • If applicants do not have a high school diploma or equivalent, visit Michigan.gov/LearnMoreEarnMore to get started.

Michigan Reconnect is part of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Sixty by 30 initiative, which aims to increase the number of Michigan citizens with a post-secondary credential to 60% by 2030 to meet the demand for skilled workers.

To apply for Michigan Reconnect

To apply for the Michigan Reconnect scholarship, you most complete the following four steps:

  1. Apply online to Michigan Reconnect: The application takes less than five minutes to complete and can even be done on a mobile phone. If you are having difficulties on your mobile device, it is recommended to use a different browser or computer.
  2. Apply to HFC: If you’re already a student at HFC, then this step is completed. If you’re not, remember your tuition is free if you’re in-district. If you’re not, MI-Reconnect only pays part of the tuition.
  3. Submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) This is financial aid provided by the federal government.
  4. Enroll in an eligible program and start classes. You must be enrolled in classes at HFC at least half-time (six credits minimum) and stay enrolled continuously through graduation.

Getting more information

To attend an upcoming information session, select the session that fits your schedule. Information is also available on the College’s Michigan Reconnect website.

If you prefer to start by speaking to someone at HFC, call 313-845-9600. You may also reach out to one of our HFC Michigan Reconnect team members:

“Michigan Reconnect is designed to give adult students the boost they need to earn a college degree and move toward their educational and career goals, no matter what they are,” said Guc. “At HFC, Michigan Reconnect students can pursue programs in a wide variety of areas, including Business, Health Careers, Engineering Technology, Skilled Trades, Liberal Arts, and more. Some programs are designed to give students skills that will help them gain access to careers within a year or year two, while others are set up to help students transfer to a four-year university.”

If applicants are still not sure about their eligibility for the Michigan Reconnect scholarship, call 517-636-7000. Guc is available to answer questions and provide more information at jguc@hfcc.edu.