Michigan high school graduates can attend a local community college tuition-free through the Community College Guarantee program. Students receive up to $4,800 per year. This program is through MILEAP https://www.michigan.gov/mileap

Are there special education programs through community colleges?

There are great two-year programs where you can jumpstart your career in special education. Michigan’s community colleges offer degrees in:

• Paraeducators
• Special Education Teachers
• Social Worker Counseling
• Sign Language Interpreting
• Early Childhood Interventionist
• Physical Therapy Assistant 

People passionate about helping individuals with disabilities (Birth to 26 Years) and working with other professionals within the field will enjoy Michigan special education.

What does the Community College Guarantee do?

The Michigan Community College Guarantee covers the cost of in-district tuition and mandatory fees. Students can enroll in a community college or tribal college. 

View the MILEAP explainer video about In-district vs. Out-of-district: Here 

Will the program cover other school costs? 

Yes. Those who qualify for the federal Pell Grant can receive an additional $1,000 from the state to help cover additional college costs, such as books and supplies. 

Who is eligible?

Student requirements include:

• FAFSA–complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This federal form helps schools determine what scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study options students are qualified for. 
• Residency—be a Michigan resident since July 1 of the previous calendar year. If the student is a dependent, their parent must also be a state resident. 
• Graduate—earn a diploma, certificate of completion, or high school equivalency certificate in 2023 or after. 
• Enroll–be enrolled full-time in a community college within 15 months of graduating high school. 

To renew the yearly scholarship, specific criteria will need to be met. 

Does the program cover any community college in the state? 

The program covers in-district tuition for students to attend their local community college.

For example, one credit hour at Washtenaw Community College costs $99 for in-district students and $181 for out-of-district students. 

Students can choose to attend a community college in an area other than where they currently live. However, they may have out-of-pocket costs covering the difference between in-district and out-of-district tuition.

Are there other programs to attend a community college tuition-free? 

Yes. The state also offers the Michigan Reconnect program. This program allows adults 25 and older to attend community college tuition-free. For a limited time, those 21 and older are also eligible for the program. 

You can find the program’s requirements here.

Some private colleges and universities also offer tuition-free guarantees for students who meet specific requirements. 

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About OPTIMISE

OPTIMISE attracts, prepares, and retains diverse and qualified personnel to help advance individuals with disabilities (Birth to 26 years). 

The OPTIMISE Task Force, Core Team, and Action Teams work with many partners, including Michigan’s leading education organizations and legislature, to reduce barriers and align licensing for special educators. This work also includes working with all levels of education to accomplish this goal.

OPTIMISE promotes ten professions within Michigan’s special education field, their funding options, and steps to jumpstart a career in special education. 

Join a great group of dedicated people who help individuals with disabilities excel.

Go to: OPTIMISE.education