Trending
For decades, college has been -- and continues to be -- the most reliable path to well-paying careers. But when students and families hear stories about the rising costs of college, the growing student debt crisis, and the rapidly changing job market, it's natural for them to wonder if postsecondary education is worth the time and money.
Yes, barriers do exist. But frustrations with cost, debt and completion should push us to remove barriers, not dismiss these opportunities -- and Michigan can't afford to discourage students from college when 84% of high-demand jobs require at least some higher education.
But this is about more than individual economic mobility; the impact of higher education goes far beyond one person's return on investment. A more educated workforce means better jobs, which lead to stronger communities, better health outcomes, more civic engagement, and less reliance on public assistance.
There's a reason Michigan set the Sixty by 30 goal. We don't have enough residents with a degree or postsecondary certificate to meet what our state's workforce, economy and communities need. New state investments are making these pathways more accessible, but reaching 60% postsecondary attainment by 2030 requires future leaders to keep building on that progress.
One pathway is dual enrollment, which allows students to earn college credit while simultaneously completing high school requirements. It helps students build momentum early, lowers the time and cost to complete a degree, and improves college-going and workforce outcomes. Yet only 7% of Michigan high school students participate annually due to eligibility rules, unclear information, limited advising and costs like transportation and technology.
According to the Detroit Regional Chamber's 2025 State of Education and Talent report, dual-enrolled Michigan students had a 92.7% course success rate, with 80% of those students matriculating into college, compared to 54% of graduates in traditional enrollment.
All Michiganders benefit when more students earn college credit earlier. Students and families gain fairer, more affordable paths to higher education. Schools and colleges get a system that's easier to navigate. The state strengthens attainment and improves workforce readiness. Michigan's new $40 million investment can expand dual enrollment opportunities. Now the state must ensure that support reaches students in low-income rural and urban communities, where access and opportunity are often limited.
Michigan Reconnect is another pathway. It helps eligible adults attend community college tuition-free or at a significant discount while pursuing an associate degree or certificate. It's a program that recognizes life doesn't always move in a straight line.
A recent survey of more than 9,400 Reconnect applicants found that about a third were struggling to put healthy food on the table. These are adults who are trying to complete college, often while working, raising children, and/or caring for relatives.
Adult learners are already working, paying bills, and making decisions that will shape their long-term well-being. Michigan's fiscal year 2027 budget includes a one-year expansion to lower the age of eligibility from 25 to 21, temporarily closing a crucial gap in financial aid opportunities. But temporary access isn't enough when a clear path to college can change someone's trajectory. That's why Michigan Reconnect must permanently expand its eligibility to include adults 21 and over. It's already producing broader economic gains; imagine what's possible when more adults have access.
The fiscal year 2027 budget shows Michigan is moving in the right direction. It includes $25 million to expand Michigan Reconnect to adults 21 and older for another year and $40 million to help more students earn college credit through dual enrollment. It also ties community college funding to student success metrics, ensuring taxpayer dollars support institutions that deliver results for students.
Those investments are worth celebrating, but they're just the beginning. Access to something this important shouldn't depend on temporary expansions or favor districts already positioned to benefit.
Fair access to college builds opportunity for all of us.
College still matters because it benefits our entire economic and social landscape. Don't you want higher-paying jobs? Increased property value? Better parks and public spaces? Lower health care costs? I think the answer is "yes."
This isn't about looking down on choices of work or career paths. It's about giving people more freedom to choose their future. Michigan has made meaningful investments, and we can't stop there.
———
Ryan Fewins-Bliss is the executive director at Michigan College Access Network and has more than 20 years of experience in education. Before his time at MCAN, he provided mission-focused leadership to Saginaw Valley State University, Michigan Campus Compact, Jackson College Access Center, Shiawassee Child Advocacy Center, and more. He continues to be active in his community, having served as president of Central Michigan University's Alumni Association, president of Michigan Court Appointed Special Advocates' board of directors, and a founding board trustee of the Bath Township Public Library. He currently is the township supervisor for Bath Charter Township.