Don’t leave money on the table.
File your FAFSA. Fund your future.
What is the FAFSA? The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is an application that students and families need to complete to apply for federal student aid, such as federal grants, work-study funds, and loans. Completing and submitting the FAFSA form is free, and it gives students access to the largest source of financial aid to help pay for higher education.
Do you qualify for FREE tuition at LMC? The only way to know is to file.
If you haven't considered financial aid because you think you won't qualify, take another look. Every year, students leave millions of dollars in grants, scholarships, and aid unclaimed simply because they never applied. Most students receive some form of aid regardless of income, and some programs, like Michigan Reconnect for eligible adults, and the LMC Guarantee for recent high school or GED grads, don't depend on income at all.
Filing early matters. Financial aid is often awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so early filers can receive more aid and priority consideration. Don't wait - file now.
Know Your Options
Types of financial aid
State of Michigan Programs
The State of Michigan offers generous programs to help students finance their education including Michigan Reconnect, which covers tuition for eligible adults, and the Community College Guarantee, which covers 100% of in-district tuition and mandatory fees for recent high school or GED graduates.
Grants
Free money you don't pay back. Grants and waivers are available from federal and state sources. Most are need-based, and eligibility is determined by completing the FAFSA.
Scholarships
Explore LMC scholarships and additional funding opportunities that can further reduce your costs.
Work-Study
Earn while you learn. The Work-Study Program is a federally and institutionally funded program providing employment on campus and with community non-profit organizations - a great way to gain valuable work experience and marketable skills while helping to pay for college.
Loans
A student loan is aid that must be repaid with interest, and it's a serious legal obligation. Before considering a loan, exhaust all other aid types first — grants, scholarships, and work-study — and borrow only what you truly need. Learn more: lakemichigancollege.edu/financial-aid/pay-college/loans
Flex Pay - Flexible Payment Options
Not a loan, just a low-cost way to spread tuition and fee payments over time.
- Automatic payments from your checking account, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express
- No interest, no finance charges, no credit check
- $25-per-semester, non-refundable enrollment fee (small convenience fee for credit card payments)
- Payments processed on the 5th of each month until your balance is paid in full
- Sign up each semester you want to participate ($30 fee for returned payments)
Who is Eligible?
To receive financial aid at LMC, you must:
- Hold a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent
- Be accepted into an eligible program at LMC
- Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
- Have a valid Social Security number
- Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress as defined by federal law
- Not be in default on federal loans or owe money on federal grants
- Meet federal eligibility rules regarding drug-related convictions
What financial aid is NOT based on:
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Your age: Any student, at any age, can apply.
Ready to file? Here's what you'll need to complete your FAFSA:
- Your most recent year's tax return (or your parents', if you're listed as a dependent)
- Your W-2, if no tax return was filed
- Driver's license number
- Social Security number or Alien Registration Number
More answers at: lakemichigancollege.edu/financial-aid-faq
It's FAFSA time. Filing now unlocks thousands in financial aid, including free tuition through the LMC Guarantee! File early, maximize your aid, and make your program more affordable from day one. File your FAFSA now.
The LMC Guarantee
High school students may be eligible for the LMC Guarantee, which includes:
- Free in-district tuition, contact hours, and mandatory fees.
- An additional $1,000 bonus living expenses award for students eligible for a Federal Pell Grant.
To qualify for free tuition students must:
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Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for 2026
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Be a Michigan resident
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If you’re a dependent student, your parent(s) must also be a Michigan resident
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Graduate from a Michigan high school (or Michigan home school)
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You’re eligible if you earn a diploma or certificate of completion
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Enroll in Lake Michigan College as a full-time student
Click here for more information.>
Questions? Contact the Financial Aid Office
Don't assume your family won't qualify. Many middle-income families receive aid, and some grants don't consider income at all. And if you meet the guidelines, your student’s tuition could be completely covered!
The LMC Guarantee
High school students may be eligible for the LMC Guarantee, which includes:
- Free in-district tuition, contact hours, and mandatory fees.
- An additional $1,000 bonus living expenses award for students eligible for a Federal Pell Grant.
Click here for more information.>
Questions? Contact the Financial Aid Office
FAFSA isn't just for 18-year-olds. Adults qualify for grants, work-study, and federal aid, and combined with Michigan Reconnect, eligible adults could attend tuition-free. Don't let cost hold you back. File your FAFSA now.
Michigan Reconnect
Whether you’re starting college for the first time or coming back to finish your degree, NOW is the time to reach your education and career goals with the Michigan Reconnect scholarship.
Michigan Reconnect covers community college tuition and fees for adults age 21 and older who want to earn an associate degree or skills certificate.
Click here for more information on Michigan Reconnect.
Questions? Contact the Financial Aid Office
Ready to get started?
Connect with us! Request more information or apply today, and we'll send you everything you need to begin your journey at LMC.