Adult Learners at WCC

Thinking about pursuing a college degree or certificate?

Whether you want to change careers, skill up for a promotion, or pursue a new passion, it’s never too late to return to school.

As one of the nation’s top-rated—and most affordable—community colleges, WCC is the perfect place for adult learners and students to start or return to their studies. With more than 130 programs, and 40+ fully online, WCC provides the academic opportunities, excellence and individualized support you need to thrive.

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Meet Ashley who is currently on track to switch her career to Occupational Therapy

Free in-district tuition with Michigan Reconnect

Time and money are often the biggest barriers to coming back to school. But Michigan’s Reconnect scholarship could help you attend WCC 100% tuition free. This scholarship is opening doors for adults throughout Michigan.

You're eligible if you:

Are 25+ years old when you apply
Are a resident for a year or more
Apply through the State of Michigan
Have a high school diploma or GED
Have not yet completed a college degree

How to get started with Michigan Reconnect

Apply for the scholarship on the State of Michigan website.
- The application takes less than 5 minutes to submit!
Apply to WCC if you are not already enrolled
Submit your FAFSA. WCC’s Federal School Code is 002328
Enroll in classes at WCC, earn 12 credits a year, and stay enrolled continuously through graduation

We're here to help make college a financial reality

We believe everyone should be able to access higher education, no matter their financial resources. If you don’t meet the eligibility requirements for the Reconnect scholarship, we’re still here for you with financial support. At WCC, we're proud to offer one of the lowest tuition rates in the country at $99 per credit hour for in-district students. But we know college is a big investment, no matter how low the tuition rate. That's why we connect students with thousands of scholarship opportunities, Pell Grants, and more financial aid opportunities.

At WCC, 41% of adult learners age 25+ receive financial aid to help them achieve their goals.

At-a-glance: Adult learners at WCC

42%

of WCC students are 25 or older

20%

of our students age 25 and older come to WCC with a post-secondary degree to refresh or learn new skills

1300+

students at WCC age 25 and older earn a degree or certificate each year

Get Four Years of College for the Price of One

Interested in earning a bachelor’s? Get your degree for the price of one year with three years free at WCC. The Michigan Transfer Agreement makes it simple to transfer to more than 30 different colleges and universities, including Eastern Michigan University and the University of Michigan. On average, you can save more than $25,000 on your degree by starting at WCC.

Whatever You Need, We’re Here to Help

We know there’s more to your life than school. That’s why we offer extensive resources to help you balance your responsibilities, make the most of your education, and take on whatever challenges you may face inside or outside the classroom.

WCC’s Student Success Team is committed to helping make your return to school as easy as possible. We’ll guide you through processes like transferring credits and registering for classes, help you decide which courses to take, and point you to academic resource centers to help you study. If you enroll in a degree program, you’ll receive one-on-one support from a Success Coach who will work with you to develop and move toward your goals. Plus, our small class sizes mean that you’ll always have personal access to your instructors, who serve as Faculty Mentors.

Navigating a career transition can be tricky. The WCC Center for Career Success offers the professional development advice and support you need to make the most of your new qualifications. We can help you write a new resumé and cover letter, practice your interview skills, and connect you with internship and co-op opportunities and potential future employers.

As an adult learner, you have a lot on your plate. WCC’s team of licensed professional counselors can help you work through a wide range of personal challenges. We also offer support groups and meetings for students struggling with addiction issues.

I never thought I would be in this position. WCC equipped me with the knowledge and confidence I never thought I would have from an academic perspective. The staff is phenomenal.