Michigan Tuition Grant Reinstated, Increased by State Legislature

Students across the state of Michigan can finally breathe easier now that the Michigan Tuition Grant has been reinstated. 

Governor Whitmer signed the supplemental state budget on December 20 which included the reinstatement of the Michigan Tuition Grant. Recently, it was being utilized as a political pawn in budget negotiations and the future of it was uncertain leaving students and universities in limbo as to whether key funding would be provided. The Michigan Tuition Grant is state-sponsored funding that helps subsidize the cost of private higher education in Michigan.

“The reinstatement of the Michigan Tuition Grant is very good news for Finlandia’s students and the more than 40,000 others enrolled in Michigan’s private and independent universities and colleges,” said Finlandia University President Philip Johnson. “This level of support, or loss of it, would have been disastrous for the Michigan students we serve.  At stake was whether or not they would be able to continue to pursue the credential and college experience most preferred.” 

The Michigan Tuition Grant is available to undergraduate Michigan residents with financial need who plan to attend or are attending independent, degree-granting Michigan post-secondary institutions. 

In the past, the Michigan Tuition Grant supplied $2,400 to students to apply to their tuition bills. With the recent signing, funding was  increased so each student will receive $2,800.

“This reinstatement demonstrates that Michigan’s state congressional leaders and the governor’s office recognize the financial value Michigan’s private and independent colleges and universities continue to offer families and students desiring our brand of higher education,” said Johnson. 

For Finlandia students, they will see the Michigan Tuition Grant applied to their financial aid package for the Spring 2020 semester. Finlandia University would like to extend a thank you to all students, faculty, staff and community members who advocated for the reinstatement of the Tuition Grant.