August 26, 2026
Adults 21 to 24 are jumping at the chance to earn a college degree from NMC, submitting more than half of total applications to Michigan Reconnect last week, when it opened to their age group.
Michigan Reconnect, the state scholarship that last year awarded $1.3 million to 513 adult NMC students who didn’t previously have a degree or certificate, is again open to students 21 and older. Application activity last week indicated that there’s a strong demand for the opportunity.
Students 21 to 24 submitted 32 applications, more than half of NMC’s 57 total Reconnect applicants last week, when the online application was updated.The state introduced Michigan Reconnect in 2021, as part of its goal to increase economic competitiveness. Until this fall, age eligibility for the free, in-district tuition scholarship had been 25 for all but 15 months.
Reconnect graduates and current students strongly recommend the program.
“I was looking for a new career path and was ready to start something new. Michigan Reconnect has helped me pay for my entire degree, so it has been a huge help,” said Jacob Holcomb (above), a Reconnect recipient currently enrolled in Water Quality & Environmental Technology.
“I often struggle asking for help,” said Hannah Ramsby (right), a Reconnect recipient and 2024 culinary graduate. “The money is there to help. I love that it is helping those who may think that they’re too old to go to school or don’t deserve it.”
A study by the American Educational Research Association published in 2025 found that Michigan Reconnect increased adult enrollment at Michigan’s 31 community and tribal colleges by about 38 percent. That puts NMC’s first week applications ahead of pace.
In-district tuition is the rate charged to Grand Traverse County residents, who also pay a property tax to support NMC. Out-of-district residents’ tuition is discounted by that amount, currently $136/contact hour for general academic programs.
The change was funded by a $25 million appropriation in the 2026-27 Michigan state budget, adopted in July. Learn more about the scholarship and eligibility.