Lansing, Michigan – Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer last week revealed that a record 56,101 Michigan students are expected to get significantly subsidized college education this fall, in an impressive step toward increasing possibilities for higher education. Through the Michigan Achievement Scholarship program, which essentially lowers, if not completely covers, tuition expenses, this historic accomplishment benefits students and their families an amazing total of over $131.5 million this year alone.
“This fall, we lowered the cost of college by thousands of dollars for 56,100 Michigan students with the bipartisan Michigan Achievement Scholarship,” said Governor Whitmer. “By lowering costs and easing the burden of college debt, we are opening doors of opportunity for students so they can chase their dreams right here in Michigan. I will work with anyone to help even more young people ‘make it’ in Michigan by continuing to lower the cost of community, private, and public college.”
This project fits within a larger system of educational support supervised by the Michigan Lifelong Education Advancement Program (MiLEAP). The Director of MiLEAP, Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, expressed delight about the influence of this program.
“We believe that every student should have access to the lifelong educational opportunities they need, and we are focused on providing the resources and support they need to succeed. Thanks to the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, we are saving students and their families an average of nearly $2,345 and empowering them to thrive for years to come,” Walker-Griffea said.
Introduced in 2022, the Michigan Achievement Scholarship seeks to make higher education more affordable for students pursuing a skill certificate, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree across varied institutions, including community colleges, Tribal colleges, and both public and private universities in Michigan. This scholarship eligibility calls for completion of a high school diploma or equivalent in Michigan and submission of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
The Community College Guarantee, which allows qualified applicants pursue an associate degree or skill certificate tuition-free, or start a bachelor’s degree regardless of family poverty, was a major improvement to the program this year. For more than 15,800 students who are now benefiting from the guarantee, this has been a boon ; their average savings this semester alone are about $1,370.
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Additionally included in the scholarship expansion is a clause allowing students to enroll in certified career training institutes; 135 students have already used this for the academic years 2024–2025.
“The Michigan Achievement Scholarship is a gamechanger and significantly lowers costs for students no matter what educational path they choose after high school,” said Michelle Richard, deputy director of Higher Education at MiLEAP. “We are thrilled to see so many students taking advantage of this incredible opportunity. I encourage all students and families to complete the FAFSA to see how state scholarships and federal financial aid can put their college goals within reach.”
The scholarship provides many paths for financial aid: up to $27,500 for attending Michigan universities, or $4,000 for obtaining industry-recognized credentials at qualified training providers; a tuition-free option for skill certificates and associate degrees.
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The spike in student involvement this fall, double since last year, emphasizes the growing significance and influence of the Michigan Achievement Scholarship in making higher education accessible and affordable, and therefore enabling a better future for Michigan’s young people.