$36,000 in college cost savings for students who complete an associate’s degree at a community college then transfer to a Michigan private, nonprofit college.

When students complete a degree through an articulation agreement, most take two years of

courses at a community college before transferring to a four-year public or independent college or university to complete their baccalaureate training.  

If students follow the pathway, they will only have two additional years of coursework at the bachelor's degree granting college or university.

By taking two years of coursework at a community college through an articulation collaboration agreement, students can save an average of $36,000 in tuition and fees (assuming an average $18,000 per year in tuition and fees across four-year colleges and universities in Michigan).

Many Michigan students have access to tuition-free community college as part of the Community College Guarantee. Students who choose this route to college can then take advantage of the Michigan Achievement Scholarship when transferring to a four-year college or university.

In 2024, 500 students at Michigan’s independent colleges completed a bachelor's degree within two years of transferring from a community college. These students saved an estimated $18 million collectively in tuition and fees for their bachelor's level education.