GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — It seems every year the cost of college keeps going up but now, every recent high school graduate in Michigan can attend community college tuition-free thanks to the new state budget.
Many students at Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) are just learning that going to college just got a whole lot cheaper.
GRCC student Christian Greiner said, “I don’t want to go to Ferris right now because it costs too much. For my family I just feel it would be more financially responsible if I went to community college first.”
GRCC incoming Freshman Shyana Thomas said, “I feel like there will be a lot of weight lifted off a lot of people's shoulders.”
Those shoulders include her own. Shyana says this is a big help for her, and she knows many others will also benefit.
Shyana Thomas said, “Even though community college is, like, the cheaper way and the way to get started, there's still some people who still can't afford it. So I feel like having it be worth tuition-free, that could have more students come and go to school and do what they want to do in their career.”
With the start of school just around the corner, GRCC will have to work quickly to put the program into motion.
David DeBoer, GRCC executive director of Financial Aid, said, “It's a short time frame, but we'll get it done. In fact, all the community colleges are working very quickly along with the state to get things ready for this fall semester.”
The state says the program applies to all in-district community colleges and will save students up to $4,800 a year.
“Now with this community college guarantee, it takes the issue of price away. So students are going to get an incredibly high quality education for essentially no charge for tuition and fees,” said DeBoer.
Not only will traditional students be covered but also the trade programs are covered.
DeBoer said, “The programs that GRCC offers at their M Tech Center and Godfrey ... many of those programs are covered by the Michigan guarantee.”
It’s not too late to take advantage. Classes start at GRCC on Aug. 26, and enrollment is still open.
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