EducationSaturday, November 7
NMU's president wants Michigan's free community college program opened to rural universities
The Daily Marquette team
If you're eyeing an associate degree in Marquette or Alger County, this one's about your tuition. NMU President Dr. Chris Olsen joined other rural university presidents in calling for access to the Community College Guarantee, which gives free tuition to community college students who live in the college's district. NMU, Michigan Tech, Lake Superior State and Ferris State have served as community colleges in their areas for decades, but their associate-degree students don't get the guarantee.
Four universities awarded 5% of Michigan's 2024 associate degrees
5%of 2024 Michigan associate degrees came from the four universities
Source: The Mining Journal
View as table
| Value | |
|---|---|
| of 2024 Michigan associate degrees came from the four universities | 5% |
Cost is the hurdle. Four-year schools don't bill associate-degree credits separately, so Bridge Michigan's reporting found 30 credit hours could cost upwards of 3 times more than at a community college. Olsen said NMU is potentially willing to be flexible on tuition.
- Guarantee began: fall 2024, under Gov. Gretchen Whitmer
- NMU's district: Marquette and Alger Counties
- Next step: more talks with the legislature, Olsen said
245associate degrees NMU awarded in 2024
Those students didn't get the Community College Guarantee. Bridge Michigan counted them among more than 1,000 across the four universities.
Source: The Mining Journal
Sources: The Mining Journal, WZMQ 19 News