ESCANABA — Delta County residents may now be able to study at Bay College tuition-free.

“Bay College is thrilled to announce that, starting this academic year, Michigan high school graduates will have the opportunity to earn an associate degree, transfer credits or career certificate tuition-free,” Bay said in a press release.

The announcement comes on the heels of the Michigan State Senate’s vote to approve the new education budget which includes the Community College Guarantee, which combines federal and state aid to make community colleges in the state of Mich. tuition-free.

“This groundbreaking initiative is made possible through the new state education budget and Governor Whitmer’s Michigan Community College Guarantee, which aims to make higher education more accessible and affordable for all Michigan residents,” Bay said in the press release.

With the recent announcement of the initiative, colleges are hurrying to work on a new financial aid plan.

Director of Admissions at Bay College, Jessica Beaver said the college knew the plan was coming, but did not know for sure until last week when the state released a statement.

“This is all kind of new and exciting information for us and community colleges throughout Michigan,” Beaver said.

With the start of the fall semester right around the corner, Bay will certainly see changes. It’s just not entirely sure what those changes will be yet.

“We honestly don’t know,” Beaver said.

“It’s obviously going to impact the students that are already coming here who thought that they were gonna have to, you know, pay a higher tuition bill. And now if they’re a Delta County resident, they’re going to get to go to school most likely for free.”

The savings don’t just apply to Delta County residents, but they are different.

If they’re an out of county resident, so not in Delta County, they’re going to see some significant savings in their tuition,” Beaver said.

It will not be completely free for out of county students, but applicants should notice a decrease in cost.

She added that students who are already enrolled will see the biggest impact.

“Those who are already choosing to come to Bay College — it’s going to greatly impact them and save them thousands, if not tens of thousands to earn their certificate and associate’s degree. So, that’s really exciting news and we hope that students who live locally, you know, maybe are kind of reconsidering their choices,” Beaver said.

Beaver said that tuition costs vary per student based on residence, contact hours, grants, and other factors. Therefore, the best way for an individual to figure out how much they will need to pay is to complete a FAFSA form.

“To truthfully know what you’re going what you’re going to owe, is to fill out that FAFSA form, which is free, of course,” Beaver said.

Students who have already completed the necessary paperwork will not have to re-do anything according to Beaver.

“They do not have to re-do anything, and that is excellent for them. All they have to do is just be patient because our financial aid team and our business office — they are repackaging everybody’s financial aid based on their eligibility,” she said.

She added that she understands that it is a confusing process right now, but she said that by next week applicants will have a better idea of where they stand in terms of tuition costs.

She also recognized the financial aid department at Bay, saying they have been up to the task.

“It’s a lot of work, but they know it’s all to help students. So, it’s an exciting time for them,” Beaver said.

For additional information, visit www.baycollege.edu/bayistheway. The fall semester starts Aug. 26. Contact the Admissions Office with questions at 906-217-4010 or admissions@baycollege.edu.