Students qualify for the Michigan Community College Guarantee by meeting requirements related to income, residency, graduation status and enrollment timeline.
For many Michigan families, affordability is one of the biggest barriers to college. This program helps remove that barrier — but only for students who meet specific criteria designed to ensure access for those who need it most.
The quick answer
Students qualify for the Michigan Community College Guarantee if they complete the FAFSA, meet income guidelines, are Michigan residents, have a recent high school diploma or equivalency, and enroll full time within 15 months of high school graduation.
Key takeaways
- FAFSA is required: Eligibility is determined through financial information submitted in the application.
- Income-based program: Family income must meet approved guidelines.
- Residency matters: Students must be Michigan residents for a set period.
- Timing is important: Students must enroll within 15 months of graduating high school.
Who qualifies for the Michigan Community College Guarantee?
Students must:
- Complete the FAFSA
- Meet approved family income guidelines
- Be a Michigan resident since July 1 of the prior calendar year
- Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident or approved refugee
- Have a high school diploma or equivalency earned in 2023 or later
- Enroll full time within 15 months of high school graduation
Family income
Family income eligibility will be determined through a student’s submission of FAFSA. The FAFSA application evaluates an applicant’s household income, assets and size to determine the level of aid received from the Michigan Community College Guarantee.
Michigan residency
Community college students must show proof of Michigan residency since July 1 of the previous calendar year. Michigan residency will be confirmed through an applicant’s submission of FAFSA.
For dependent students, the applicant’s parent or guardian must be able to show proof of Michigan residency since July 1 of the previous calendar year.
Along with Michigan residency, each applicant must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident or approved refugee.
High school graduation
Applicants must provide a high school diploma or proof of completion of high school for aid eligibility.
Importantly, a certificate of high school equivalency earned in the year 2023 or later confirms eligibility for the Michigan Community College Guarantee.
Enrollment
Finally, approved applicants must be enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student in their community college to be eligible for financial aid. The deadline for full-time enrollment is 15 months after the applicant’s high school graduation.
By following these four criteria, Michigan community college students can get closer to a college degree without the added financial pressure.
Find out if you qualify for the Michigan Community College Guarantee and more frequently asked questions at the community college guarantee website.
Frequently asked questions
Do all students qualify for the Michigan Community College Guarantee?
No. Students must meet income, residency and enrollment requirements to be eligible.
How is income eligibility determined?
Income is evaluated through the FAFSA based on household earnings, assets and family size.
Do I need to live in Michigan to qualify?
Yes. Students (or their parents, if dependent) must have established Michigan residency by July 1 of the previous year.
Can I qualify if I wait to enroll after graduation?
Students must enroll full time within 15 months of graduating high school to be eligible.
This content is sponsored by Wayne County Community College District. Learn more about community college for your child at Metro Parent’s Community College Hub.
