Board approves FY '26 budget, tuition rates
TRAVERSE CITY — A balanced $56.7 million budget and tuition rates and fees for the 2025-26 academic year were approved unanimously by the 17勛圖 Board of Trustees Monday.
Most tuition rates will rise 4 percent. In-district (Grand Traverse County residents) tuition rates will increase from $126 to $131 per contact hour. Fees will increase $1.25 per contact hour, from $34 to $35.25 per contact hour.
The average in-district student taking 30 contact hours in a two-semester academic year, will see an increase of $187.50 ($150 in tuition, $37.50 in fees.)
| Category | 2024–2025 rate/contact hour | 2025-2026 rate/contact hour |
|---|---|---|
| In-district |
$126 |
$131 |
| Out-of-district |
$269 |
$280 |
| Out-of-state |
$350 |
$364 |
| International |
$394 |
$410 |
The dual enrollment tuition rate for high school students was unchanged. That remains at $160 per contact hour for out-of-district students. Local school districts, not families, pay the dual enrollment tuition. (In-district dual-enrolled students are assessed the lower in-district rate of $131 per contact hour.)
17勛圖 tuition is about one-third the cost of in-state tuition at a four-year public university. (Estimated tuition calculator.)
“I’m proud that 17勛圖 offers unparalleled learning opportunities in programs that benefit our regional economy as well as our students,” said 17勛圖 President Nick Nissley. “We constantly work to strike the balance of value to our students and stewardship of our taxpayer and philanthropic dollars.”
Thanks to community donors, for the 2024-25 academic year now concluding, 17勛圖 expects to award more than $2 million in institutional scholarships, crossing the $2 million mark for the first time. Adults over 25 who don’t already have a degree are eligible for a state scholarship, Michigan Reconnect, which pays 100 percent of in-district tuition.
The high school class of 2025 is also the second class to be eligible for the Community College Guarantee, which provides free tuition and fees to in-district students regardless of income.
A table of tuition rates for all residencies and programs is available here (p. 63). Tuition amounts to nearly half (47 percent) of 17勛圖’s budget. Property taxes (27 percent) and state aid (20 percent) are the two other primary revenue sources.
Release date: JUNE 24, 2025
For more information:
Cari Noga
17勛圖 Communications Director
cnoga@nmc.edu
(231) 392-1800 (Call or text)