Michigan State University in East Lansing is boosting college access and affordability for state residents through a new tuition-free financial aid program called Spartan Tuition Advantage, which could pay the cost of schooling for more than 6,000 students a year.
Since 2006, MSU has covered the total cost of tuition for nearly 12,000 Michigan residents with an expected family contribution of $0, totaling more than $387 million in aid. Spartan Tuition Advantage will automatically cover the full cost of tuition for all Pell Grant-eligible Michigan high school graduates who have a family income of $65,000 or less, starting with the fall 2024 class.
The only paperwork eligible students would be required to complete is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. When fully operational, MSU expects the program will cover tuition for more than 6,000 students annually.
“MSU historically has provided great financial aid packages to in-state students for over 50 years as a means to reduce the financial barriers that can stand between students and their future success through a world-class higher education degree,” says Teresa K. Woodruff, interim president at MSU. “The Spartan Tuition Advantage program is an exciting extension of our pledge to the success of future Spartans leaners.”
The increased investment in Michigan’s next generation of innovators and creators also is meant to fulfil MSU’s pledge to grow talent in the greater Lansing area and beyond to ensure the state’s competitiveness. The investment builds on MSU’s current annual investment of $224 million in student financial aid.
“The Spartan Tuition Advantage program is an underpinning of our commitment to being Michigan’s state university and helping every Michigan high school graduate see a higher-education degree at Michigan State University as an attainable goal,” says John Ambrose, executive director of admissions for MSU.
“Our commitment to Michigan students is that when you choose to be a Spartan, we will equip you with the tools and resources needed to be successful. And this new financial aid package is yet another tool.”
In-state students who meet the eligibility criteria and complete a FAFSA are guaranteed full tuition coverage. A student’s financial changes could affect future eligibility. To learn more about the program, visit here.
