NMC hails budget providing access to free community college for eligible students

New budget would create access to free community college tuition, fees, for thousands in Benzie County if Nov. 5 ballot proposals pass

TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) hailed the state budget signed last week by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer that creates access to free community college for eligible students across Northern Michigan. The new budget would provide free community college tuition and fees for more than 6,000 Benzie County residents if county residents vote to join the NMC 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 would be eligible for a free community college education if voters support joining the NMC district on the November ballot.

In addition, under the Community College Guarantee included in the budget, 2023 and 2024 Benzie County high school graduates would be eligible for free tuition if voters support joining the NMC district.

“We would like to thank Gov. Whitmer and the Legislature for passing a budget that opens the door to a free community college education for eligible students across Northern Michigan and across the state,” said Nick Nissley, Northwestern Michigan College president. “This new budget makes possible a free community college education for thousands in Benzie County should voters approve our proposals in November. A solid community college education provides the foundation for success and good-paying and rewarding careers, including jobs in the skilled trades and the modern economy.”

Benzie County is currently not part of the NMC district, which means local residents pay more than twice the tuition rate than in-district students to attend the same classes and job training programs offered at NMC. If passed, the proposals 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 proposals would also provide Benzie County residents increased access to specialized certificates, associate degree programs and bachelor’s degree programs. In addition, the proposals 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.

The proposals would also support 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.

 

Release date: July 30, 2024

For more information:

Cari Noga
NMC Communications Director
cnoga@nmc.edu
(231) 392-1800 (Call or text)

 

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