Hero image

Paying for College

Paying for college can seem overwhelming, but you’ve made a smart choice.

17³Ô¹Ï tuition averages one-third that of a four-year college or university. Plus, more than $1.8 million in 17³Ô¹Ï scholarships is available every year, and you’re automatically matched when you apply.

  • Community College Guarantee

    Free in-district tuition for 2024 and 2025 high school grads!

    Learn more

  • Michigan Reconnect

    Free or reduced tuition for students 25 and older!

    Learn more

Types of Financial Aid

Federal & State Aid & Scholarships

Graphic showing a dollar sign and graduation cap

Money you usually don't have to pay back

Work-study

Photo of two students with laptops

Money you earn to help pay for educational expenses

Loans

Photo of a glass jar marked "college" containing loose change

Money you have to pay back

 

Financial Aid Process

Apply for aid

  • Federal grants and loans — Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at .
  • State grants and scholarships — Complete the FAFSA, create an account at and note you are coming to 17³Ô¹Ï.
  • 17³Ô¹Ï scholarships — 17³Ô¹Ï students receive more than $1.8 million in scholarships each year. Apply for 17³Ô¹Ï scholarships and search the database of external scholarships at .

Check your email

for instructions and, if needed, a link to 17³Ô¹Ï’s verification system.

Accept aid

  • View and accept aid in 17³Ô¹Ï Self-Service, under Financial Aid, upon email notification. Note that many grants and scholarships are automatically accepted for you. Review financial aid terms and conditions.
  • Unsure about whether you should accept loans? Contact us!
  • Complete post-acceptance tasks as directed: Upload scholarship thank you notes to the scholarship system and complete the master promissory note & entrance counseling for loans on .

Review account

  • Review your Account Summary in 17³Ô¹Ï Self-Service under Student Billing the day after you make registration and other changes (most updates happen in 1–3 days).
  • Remember that the Pell Grant and most State of Michigan aid adjusts based on enrollment and may have enrolled credit minimums.

Complete

Repeat

  • Continue to monitor your email and account regularly.
  • Contact us if you are considering withdrawing from courses.
  • Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress.
  • Repeat the same steps each year. 17³Ô¹Ï’s aid year is Fall, Spring, Summer.

 

State aid estimates

In 2024–25, most 17³Ô¹Ï students who received from state programs like the Community College Guarantee had their tuition and fees fully covered. Find examples here.

Free, 1:1 assistance completing your FAFSA. Schedule an appointment:

For students experiencing hardships during their time at 17³Ô¹Ï.

Contact Us

Important Dates

ACADEMIC CALENDAR
FAFSA
REGISTRATION
PAYMENTS DUE