The new MI Reconnect program and LCC -- everything you need to know

On February 2, the Governor announced the new MI Reconnect program, which means adults 25 years or older, with no earned college degree and other requirements, may qualify to only pay for course fees and books (no tuition) or pay reduced tuition, course fees and books.

For Lansing-area residents, this could mean earning a college degree or certificate with free or reduced tuition at Lansing Community College (LCC) beginning the summer 2021 semester, which begins May 17 with registration opening March 29. There is no deadline to apply for this program and students may start at LCC in the summer or fall 2021 semester or spring 2022 semester and beyond.

 >> Who qualifies for free* tuition?

In-district residents 25 years of age or older without a college degree an opportunity to attend community college tuition-free*. To qualify for free tuition* applicants must live in-district for LCC, have been a Michigan resident for more than one year, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and apply to LCC. 

To be considered an in-district resident, you must reside within the one of the following 15 school districts:

Bath, Dansville, DeWitt, East Lansing, Grand Ledge, Haslett, Holt, Dimondale, Lansing, Leslie, Mason, Okemos, Stockbridge, Waverly, Webberville or Williamston.

Residents within these school districts pay property taxes to support LCC’s budget and therefore are considered in-district.

*The student will still be responsible for course fees and books.

>> What if I don’t live in-district? What does reduced tuition mean?

Reduced tuition means the MI Reconnect program will pay for tuition at the in-district rate; the student is responsible for the remaining tuition balance (difference between in-district and out-of-district/in-state tuition rate), course fees and books.

>> What do I have to do to apply for the MI Reconnect Program?

Full details are available at lcc.edu/reconnect and LCC staff are ready to help guide you through the LCC admissions process with this program. Below is a brief list of things to do to apply for the program and get started at LCC.

-Apply to the MI Reconnect program on the State of Michigan webpage, michigan.gov/reconnect.

-Apply for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at fafsa.gov

• To attend LCC during the summer 2021 semesters, complete the 2021 FAFSA
• To attend LCC during the fall 2021 or spring 2022 semester, complete the 2022 FAFSA
•  

-Apply to LCC and complete the admissions steps

-Register for classes and set up a payment plan with the LCC Student Finance Office for payment of course fees

>> I attended LCC in the past and still have an outstanding balance -- do I still owe that?

The LCC Student Finance Office is going to work with students on an individual basis to work out a forgiveness of the debt or settlement. Once you apply or reapply to LCC, be sure to contact the Student Finance Office to set up a payment plan for the new courses as well as discuss your previous outstanding balance.

>> LCC offer face-to-face classes and online classes

Some programs’ classes are only offered face-to-face while others are still completely online. Below are some programs you may want to consider depending on your preference.

Some programs with face-to-face class options:

-Phlebotomy

-Massage Therapy

-Neurodiagnostic Technology

-Emergency Medical Services

-Aviation Maintenance

-Welding

-Fire Science

-Law Enforcement

-Molecular Biotechnology

Contact the admissions team to learn about more face-to-face class or program offerings.

Some programs with online class options:

-Digital Forensics/Criminal Justice

-IT 

-Paralegal

-Early Education and Childhood Development

-Marketing/Communications

-Business

-Human Services

Questions related to LCC and the Michigan Reconnect Program? Call 517-483-1200, option 7 or email MichiganReconnect@lcc.edu. Visit lcc.edu/reconnect for all program details.

About Lansing Community College
Lansing Community College is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and equal education for all persons regardless of race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, creed, ancestry, height, weight, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, familial status, marital status, military status, veteran’s status, or other status as protected by law, or genetic information that is unrelated to the person’s ability to perform the duties of a particular job or position or that is unrelated to the person’s ability to participate in educational programs, courses, services or activities offered by the college. 

The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies: Equal Opportunity Officer, Washington Court Place, 309 N. Washington Square Lansing, MI 48933, 517-483-1730; Employee Coordinator 504/ADA, Administration Building, 610 N. Capitol Ave. Lansing, MI 48933, 517-483-1875; Student Coordinator 504/ADA, Gannon Building, 411 N. Grand Ave. Lansing, MI 48933, 517-483-1885; Sarah Velez, Human Resource Manager/Title IX Coordinator, Administration Building, 610 N. Capitol Ave. Lansing, MI 48933, 517-483-1874; Christine Thompson, Student Title IX Coordinator, Gannon Building, 411 N. Grand Ave. Lansing, MI 48933, 517-483-1261.

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