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October is College Month, a time for students, families and adults across Michigan to explore opportunities for education and career training beyond high school.
With several programs helping eligible students reduce or eliminate tuition costs, college may be more accessible than many people realize.
Across Michigan, College Access Networks (CANs) are working to help more people earn a postsecondary credential by 2030. In Mason County, the Mason County College Access Network and Mason County Promise Zone are connecting students and adults with information about financial aid, scholarships and educational pathways to careers.
Three programs offer significant tuition assistance to eligible Mason County students and adults.
Mason County Promise: Since 2018, the Mason County Promise has offered up to 72 credits of tuition coverage for Promise Scholars at West Shore Community College (WSCC). Beginning with the Class of 2027, eligible Mason County graduates can choose between two scholarship pathways.
The Community Scholarship provides up to 72 attempted credits at WSCC, educational expense assistance and a one-time transfer award. The Statewide Scholarship offers a one-time award to attend an eligible postsecondary institution, including a college, university or trade school, that accepts federal financial aid in Michigan. Current high school seniors can learn more and apply at MasonCountyPromise.org.
Michigan Community College Guarantee: Eligible recent high school graduates can receive tuition assistance to attend their in-district community college, potentially allowing them to attend tuition-free.
Michigan Reconnect: Eligible Michigan adults age 21 and older who do not already have a college degree can receive tuition assistance toward an associate degree at their in-district community college.
These programs can make college substantially more affordable. Eligibility is not always tied to family income or high school grade point average.
During October, colleges and universities across Michigan offer application fee waivers, and scholarship applications begin opening.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) has also opened for the 2027-28 academic year. For students attending Mason County high schools, completing the FAFSA is now a graduation requirement.
Completing the FAFSA is an important step toward making college affordable. The application determines eligibility for federal financial aid, helps students access state and institutional aid, and is required for many scholarships.
The 2027-28 FAFSA uses 2025 tax information and is available at StudentAid.gov. Students and families are encouraged to complete the application early and seek assistance from school counselors or college access advisers if needed.
Postsecondary education involves more than earning a college degree. College certificates, associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees and industry-recognized credentials can help people develop skills needed for employment and long-term economic stability.
While a high school diploma remains sufficient for many jobs in Michigan, additional education or training is required for 67% of careers in the state that pay more than $60,000 annually, according to information provided by the Mason County College Access Network.
National estimates also indicate that workers with bachelor’s degrees earn approximately $1.2 million more over their lifetimes than those whose education ends with a high school diploma.
In Mason County, the percentage of high school graduates pursuing postsecondary education has declined from approximately 68% a decade ago to just over 53%, according to the most recent figures cited by college access partners.
Increasing postsecondary educational opportunities can help employers develop a skilled workforce, provide more career options and strengthen the region’s economy. However, students may also select a trade which does not require a bachelor’s degree.
More information about college access resources, financial aid and postsecondary educational opportunities is available at Michigan.gov/MIStudentAid, MasonCountyCAN.org and MasonCountyPromise.org.
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