Thousands in Benzie County would be eligible for free community college tuition under new state budget
TRAVERSE CITY — More than 6,000 Benzie County residents would be eligible for free community college tuition and fees under the Michigan Reconnect program in the new state budget if county residents vote to join the Northwestern Michigan College district on the Tuesday, Nov. 5 ballot.
Under the state’s budget for the 2025 fiscal year, 6,200 Benzie County residents ages 25 to 54 who do not have an associate or bachelor’s degree will be eligible for a free community college education if voters adopt the proposals on the November ballot. Additionally, under Michigan’s proposed Community College Guarantee, recent Benzie County high school graduates have access to fully covered in-district community college tuition and fees with approval of the ballot proposal in November.
“A solid community college education provides the foundation for success and good-paying and rewarding careers, including jobs in the skilled trades,” said Nick Nissley, Northwestern Michigan College president. “These state programs will create access for thousands of Benzie County residents to take advantage of this unique educational opportunity. We applaud leaders in Lansing for their leadership in making community college more accessible and affordable for Northern Michigan residents.”
If approved by voters on the Nov. 5 ballot, Benzie County would become part of the NMC district, making residents eligible for in-district tuition and, in some cases, free tuition, when coupled with the new state programs. In addition to free tuition, the state is providing $1,000 in financial support to students who qualify for Pell grants.
Benzie County is currently not part of the Northwestern Michigan College district, which means local residents pay more than twice the tuition rate as in-district students to attend the same classes and job training programs offered at NMC. If passed, the proposal would create a 2.033-mill property tax in Benzie County and cost owners of a home with a market value of $250,000 about $21 per month.
If passed, the NMC proposal would also provide Benzie County residents increased access to specialized certificates, associate degree programs and bachelor’s degree programs at the resident base tuition rate of $126 per credit hour, instead of paying $269 per credit hour. In addition, the proposal would invest approximately $2 million per year to establish local offices and facilities in Benzie County to increase access and offer local educational programs in Benzie County.
If passed, the proposal would also support local NMC facilities in Benzie County for students to learn and receive job training and provide services such as high-speed internet and new technology resources. The NMC Board of Trustees would be expanded to include two Benzie County residents and create a Benzie County Advisory Board made up of local residents and leaders.
For more information, visit nmc.edu/benzie.
Release date: July 16, 2024
For more information:
Cari Noga
NMC Communications Director
cnoga@nmc.edu
(231) 392-1800 (Call or text)