November 5, 2025
A majority of applicants to Michigan’s tuition-free community college program for adults already have college credits and strong academic records, according to a new analysis from the Upjohn Institute for Employment Research, the University of Michigan, University of Illinois, and Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia.
More than half of applicants to the Michigan Reconnect program earned college credits at a Michigan public college or university, and nearly one-third accumulated at least 24 credits, the equivalent of a full year of college. Among those with grade information on record, about two-thirds earned a GPA of 2.0 or higher.
“Our study shows that many Reconnect applicants are already partway to a degree,” said Brad Hershbein, Upjohn Institute senior economist and co-author of the study. “With effective credit transfer and advising, many could complete their credential in a relatively short time.”
The Michigan Reconnect Program, launched in 2021, provides free community college tuition to Michigan residents ages 25 and older without a college degree. Since its start, more than 217,000 people have applied and nearly 10,000 have earned a postsecondary credential.
Re-engaging Adult Learners
The new analysis examines more than 118,000 applicants through April 2023. It finds that many applicants have been disconnected from college for years: 29% had not been enrolled for at least four years. This indicates that Reconnect is reaching adults who left school before completing a degree.
Application rates among the eligible were highest among women, younger adults, Black adults, and those in the southern half of the state.
Most applicants are motivated by specific career goals. However, relatively few expressed interest in business management, STEM, or transportation—fields that offer high wages and are projected to have strong demand within the state.
“While applicants’ interests may change during school years, these initial preferences suggest opportunities for greater career and educational advising to better align students’ educational plans with labor market opportunities,” said Hershbein.
Policy and Practice Implications
The study highlights opportunities to increase completion rates through targeted support. Ensuring prior credits transfer effectively, expanding career and academic advising, and aligning programs with high-demand job fields could help more Reconnect students finish credentials more quickly.
“Many of these students have already cleared major academic hurdles,” Hershbein said. “The next step is making sure they can build on their existing work instead of starting over.”
Experts
