Four rural-based universities that offer associate degrees are lobbying for expansion of the Community College Guarantee, the state’s free tuition program. Some say it would be costly. Proponents say it would serve all students, especially those in community college “deserts.”
Kim Kozlowski
Kim Kozlowski covers higher education and K-12 schools for Bridge Michigan, focusing on issues that affect students and communities across the state. She joined Bridge in July 2025 after 25 years at The Detroit News and previously reported for daily newspapers in New York, North Dakota and Missouri. Known for her investigative work, Kim was named the Society of Professional Journalists Detroit 2021 Journalist of the Year and was inducted into the Eastern Echo Hall of Fame at her alma mater, Eastern Michigan University.
Kim lives in Ferndale with her husband, dog and two cats — and can usually be found in northern Michigan when she's not working.
Posted inMichigan Education Watch
University enrollment drops 2% in Michigan, first drop in three years
Nearly all of the state’s 15 public universities experienced an enrollment drop, with LSSU, EMU and NMU showing the highest rates of decline.
Posted inMichigan Education Watch
Albion, Cooley, Madonna, 6 others on watch lists as financial woes mount
An expert said appearing on the watch lists could be “a warning sign” of trouble ahead.
Posted inMichigan Education Watch
Michigan colleges spend big on dorms as enrollments sag. Big draw or big waste?
Ferris State’s new dorm offers views of its football stadium. Western’s new hall is made of timber and has massage chairs. But big investments in dorms haven’t always worked in other states.
Posted inMichigan Education Watch
Michigan colleges debut 3-year degrees in bid to cut costs, attract students
Four Michigan colleges unveil three-year bachelor’s degrees amid a national movement, enrollment struggles and controversy.
Posted inMichigan Education Watch
Michigan to give schools $40M to enroll more high schoolers in college
New state funding of $40 million has been allocated to increase dual enrollment of high school students in college courses, especially for districts with economically disadvantaged students.
Posted inMichigan Education Watch
Michigan college students struggle with housing, food. Program aims to help
Students at Henry Ford College and Wayne State University with basic needs will have access to a United Way official to direct them to resources on and off campus.
Posted inMichigan Education Watch
Michigan universities make secret decisions; some lawmakers want change
A 1999 Michigan Supreme Court ruling has allowed publicly funded universities to make most decisions behind closed doors, say those trying to change the situation.
Posted inMichigan Education Watch
Michigan fills free college gap, lowers eligibility to 21 — for now
Officials are aiming to reach 8,000 residents with the Michigan Reconnect expansion and provide free tuition to young people whose high school education was impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.
Posted inMichigan Education Watch
Corporation aims to boost MSU sports revenue. Should it operate in secret?
MSU’s secrecy around Spartan Media Ventures, a new for-profit corporation formed to raise money for sports programs, has some concerned — including members of the university’s own Board of Trustees.
