MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – With a new option for free community college in Michigan through the Community College Guarantee program, four univesities outside of the program are hoping to open more affordable access to this level of education.
NMU, Michigan Tech, Lake Superior State, and Ferris State are located in some of Michigan’s most rural areas. For decades, these schools have functioned as the community college for residents in their respective locations. For example, high schoolers living in Marquette or Alger Counties would be directed to Northern for an associate’s degree.
While this means the universities can provide students with two-year degrees, it also means residents in these areas looking at community college education are likely to attend those universities at a higher cost.
NMU President Dr. Chris Olsen says this can create a clear funding barrier to students who would rather utilize the free state program.
“We’re worried about the fact that there may be students out there who would like to go to school, but maybe can’t afford the tuition. If they had access to that state program, they might be able to be in school,” he said.
NMU recently launched a Direct Admission program with Bay College. It’s example of how some of the U.P.’s institutions are fighting to get students involved in a higher education, but the region’s requirements of travel can still stand in the way.
“This is not at all a criticism of Bay or Gogebic because they do fantastic work, it’s just that it’s hard to get there. Even if students can, they’re not elligible for the same guarantee, because they don’t live in that district,” said Olsen.
Olsen says an endgame is uncertain at the moment. Following this week’s election however, these universities hope discussions of the legislation can soon drive plans further.
