Frequently Asked Questions
What is the application deadline?
The 2021 program application is posted and applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the cohort is full.
What are the program dates?
The 2021 program runs from March 15th-November 15th (NO CLASS May 31, July 5 or September 6)
When does the program meet?
Mondays from 9AM to 5PM. One weekend trip (Saturday through Monday, June 19 - 21) is also required.
How much does the program cost?
Program fees for 2021 are $3,900 plus the cost of books and materials (~$200).
Are scholarships available?
Program participants can apply for need and merit-based scholarships of $500 to $2,000 through the OFTP. Scholarship application is HERE.
Is financial aid available?
Federal Financial Aid is not available for this non-credit certificate program.
Do I get credit for the program? Will I be considered an MSU student?
Program participants do not get college credit for completing the OFTP. You will receive a Certificate from the Michigan State University Student Organic Farm, Department of Horticulture, and Center for Regional Food Systems upon completion of the program. Program participants are not technically enrolled at MSU. They do receive an ID during orientation, allowing them access to many of the on-campus facilities, such as libraries, campus dining halls, fitness facilities, computer labs and more!
Occasionally, a current student will choose to have the OFTP count as 3 credits of Independent Study with Katie or a professor. You would pay for both the OFTP and the MSU credits.
Can I use GI Bill funds or Veterans Benefits to pay for the OFTP?
Historically, GI Bill Funds and Veterans Benefits could not be used to pay for the OFTP. However, there have been some changes and may be options depending on the type of benefits you are attempting to use. Post 9-11 GI Bill Benefits (Ch. 33 benefits), Montgomery GI Bill Benefits (Ch. 30 benefits) or Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits (Ch. 31 benefits) may offer some options. Also, the Farmer Veteran Coalition’s fellowship fund awards up to $5k to veterans working in ag or transitioning to careers in agricutlure, which may be used for OFTP.
Do you accept AmeriCorps Education Awards?
Yes.
What kind of work are the graduates of the program doing?
Graduates land in a variety of farming-related jobs after the program, such as managing an existing farm's CSA or production or starting their own urban or rural farm or working in the non-profit food and farming sector. To read more about what our farmers are doing now, check out our OFTP Graduates page.