October is Michigan College Month, a reminder of the importance of higher education as well as a good time to make sure your financial aid is in order.

According to the Georgetown Center on Education and the Workforce, 70 percent of all jobs in Michigan will require some postsecondary education or training beyond high school in the coming years, and only 30 percent of Michigan jobs will be available to those with a high school diploma or less.

“The need for higher education has never been greater. The good news is that Schoolcraft College offers a wide variety of options and opportunities for students,” said Dr. Cheryl Hawkins, Vice President and Chief Academic Officer.

“We can assist students interested in earning certificates so they may immediately enter the workforce, those who want to obtain skills or credentials for advancement in their careers, and students who want to complete general education requirements to transfer in to a four-year college or university.”

The initial step toward paying for college education is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which helps students access federal grants and loans.

“The FAFSA opened October 1, and we encourage all students to complete it because it is the first step toward applying for federal, state and institutional financial aid,” said Michael Williams, Director of Financial Aid. “The FAFSA is free and easy to complete, and students need to complete it each year.”

New for Michigan residents this year is the Futures for Frontliners program for Michigan workers who provided essential services between April and June 2020. This initiative offers a tuition-free path to community colleges and can help students earn a technical certificate or associate degree starting in the Winter 2021 semester. View the step-by-step checklist (PDF).

Visit the Financial Aid main page or call 734-462-4433 or email finaid@schoolcraft.edu for more information.