LMC Promise
Did you recently graduate from high school? Does your family make less than $75,000 per year? You may be eligible for FREE TUITION at Lake Michigan College. If you qualify to receive grants or scholarship money, LMC Promise is a new program that pays your remaining tuition costs.
Steps to join
- Not a current LMC student? Submit LMC admission application
- Submit FAFSA
- Finish LMC enrollment process
- Check status and messages in student portal
Who is eligible?
With the LMC Promise, tuition (up to 80 credit hours or 6 years) will be FREE for new and returning students who meet the following criteria:
- You submit an LMC admissions application
- You are age 24 or younger
- Must be a U.S. citizen, eligible non-citizen, or documented DACA recipient
- You live in LMC’s district - see list of zip codes in FAQ
- You‘ve earned your high school diploma from an in-district high school, are an in-district home school graduate, or an in-district resident with a GED/high school equivalency - see FAQ for a list of high schools in LMC's district
- You have a valid Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file at LMC
- You do not have an associate or bachelor’s degree
- Your family’s Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) is $75,000 or less
- You enroll at least half-time (6 credits) during fall and spring semesters (no minimum for summer)
If you have previously attended LMC, you must:
- Meet all the above requirements AND
- Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements (including a GPA or 2.0 or higher)
- Current students do not need to resubmit an admissions application
- Have a valid FAFSA on file at LMC annually
- Maintain LMC in-district residency
- Enroll at least half-time (6 credits) during fall and spring semesters (no minimum for summer)
- Meet all Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements (including a GPA of 2.0 or higher)
- Participate in required support services
NOTE Program participants who are unable to be continuously enrolled–you may continue to receive aid upon resuming your education at LMC provided you continue to meet all applicable eligibility requirements.
Tuition to cover classes under your program of study.
- Books
- Living expenses (including on-campus housing)
- Student Life fees
- Any ‘one-time’ fees
If you meet the aid program eligibility requirements, it will be reflected in your financial aid package, which can be viewed by logging into the student portal. You will also be notified of the financial aid you receive in your official award letter from the Financial Aid Office.
See the list below to find out if your high school is in LMC's district. If you have questions, contact LMC staff at admissions@lakemichigancollege.edu. LMC's service area includes Berrien County, the South Haven school district, and Covert.
- Andrews Academy
- Benton Harbor High School
- Berrien Springs High School, Berrien Springs Virtual Academy, and Discovery Academy
- Brandywine High School
- Bridgman High School
- Buchanan High School and Buchanan Virtual Academy
- Coloma High School
- Countryside Academy
- Covert High School
- Career and Alternative Pathways to Education Center (Dream Academy)
- Eau Claire High School
- Grace Christian High School
- Lake Michigan Catholic High School
- Lakeshore High School
- Michigan Lutheran High School
- New Buffalo High School
- Niles High School
- River Valley High School
- St. Joseph High School
- South Haven High School
- Watervliet High School
At the time of application, you will be determined as "in-district" if your home address falls under LMC's service area. See the list below of zip codes and map of the area included in LMC's district, and refer to LMC's residency policy.
- 49022
- 49038
- 49043*
- 49085
- 49090
- 49098
- 49101
- 49102
- 49103
- 49104
- 49106
- 49107
- 49111
- 49113
- 49115
- 49116
- 49117
- 49120
- 49125
- 49126
- 49127
- 49128
- 49129
*Eligible with a few exceptions
If you become enrolled in fewer than 6 credits due to withdrawing from a course or courses after the add/drop period, you can continue to maintain your eligibility for the semester if you meet the other program eligibility requirements.
Any federal, state or third-party scholarships or grants will be applied to your account first. The LMC Promise is a last-dollar program that will cover the remaining balance of tuition and mandatory fees. If accepted, loans are applied to your account last.
Any third-party scholarships will be applied to your account first. The LMC Promise is a last-dollar program that will cover the remaining balance.
Most of LMC's academic programs are eligible for LMC promise aid. To find out if your major qualifies, contact Academic Advising or the Financial Aid Office.
To qualify for the LMC Promise, you need to complete LMC's general admission application or be a current LMC student. The LMC Promise does not have its own application process, but eligible students must meet program requirements.
Yes, if you turn 25 in the middle of a semester while receiving LMC Promise aid, you will not lose that funding until the following semester. When you turn 25, we recommend you fill out the Michigan Reconnect application.
You can receive aid while earning up to 80 attempted LMC credits, receive aid for 6 years, or earn an LMC associate degree (whichever comes first). You may also stop receiving aid if you do not meet renewal requirements.
Become a Student
Become a LMC student to find out if you are eligible for the LMC Promise.
Questions?
Email admissions@lakemichigancollege.edu or call/text 269-927-8626.
Are you 25 or older?
You may be eligible for free tuition from LMC through the Reconnect Program.
Lake Michigan College announced on Tuesday, Feb.
