Nearly 60,000 Michigan students benefit from the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, saving families over $252 million in tuition costs and boosting workforce readiness.

Michigan Achievement Scholarship Saves Students Over $252 Million

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan’s effort to make higher education more affordable is paying off, as nearly 60,000 students across the state are receiving the Michigan Achievement Scholarship this year. The program is helping Michigan families save over $252.3 million in tuition costs, making college and career training more accessible than ever.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer praised the program’s impact, emphasizing its role in preparing students for well-paying jobs.

“In Michigan, we are delivering on our promise to make college and career training more accessible and affordable because every student deserves a fair shot at a great-paying job,” Whitmer said. “These scholarships put real money back in families’ pockets while putting students on track to get the skills they need to build their futures.”

More Students Choosing Affordable College and Career Paths

The scholarship has proven to be a critical financial relief for students pursuing various educational paths. According to state data, the breakdown of beneficiaries includes:

18,226 students attending a community college at little to no cost.
7,009 students at private colleges, saving up to $5,500 annually.
34,371 public university students also save up to $5,500 per year.

The scholarship is part of Michigan’s broader Sixty by 30 initiative, which aims for 60% of adults to earn a degree or credential by 2030. Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, director of MiLEAP, highlighted the program’s role in reducing financial barriers.

“The Michigan Achievement Scholarship is making a significant impact not just for students but for families and communities across the state,” Walker-Griffea said. “MiLEAP remains committed to ensuring that every Michigander, no matter where they live or their financial situation, has the support they need to succeed.”

Expanding Opportunities for Michigan’s Workforce

The scholarship has already led to a surge in enrollment at some institutions. Lake Michigan College President Dr. Trevor Kubatzke noted a significant increase in first-time, full-time students since the scholarship was introduced.

“Our enrollment has doubled in the last two years thanks to our partnership with the state,” Kubatzke said. “We’re also seeing an increase in Pell Grants, helping students who were previously hesitant to pursue higher education.”

Demand for four-year degrees remains strong. Thirty-five of Michigan’s top 50 high-demand jobs require a bachelor’s degree, including careers in accounting, nursing, engineering, and social work. Wayne State University President Dr. Kimberly Andrew Espy emphasized how transformative the program has been for their students.

“The Michigan Achievement Scholarship has reduced costs by an average of $5,200 for nearly 4,000 of our students,” Espy said. “This support empowers more students to pursue their degrees, strengthens Michigan’s workforce, and ultimately helps reshape their futures.”

Families Praise the Financial Relief

Parents have also seen the scholarship’s benefits firsthand. Laura Wright, a Portage resident, shared how the program helped her daughter, Katie, attend community college without taking on student debt.

“The Michigan Achievement Scholarship not only eased our financial burden but gave our family a sense of support and encouragement,” Wright said. “Katie can now focus on her education and internship instead of juggling a job to pay tuition.”

With the program’s continued success, Michigan is progressing toward a stronger workforce and a more affordable higher education system. Students interested in learning more about the Michigan Achievement Scholarship can visit Michigan.gov/Achievement.

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