Michigan Universities Seek Access to Tuition Program

Four public universities are lobbying to extend the state’s Community College Guarantee to students pursuing associate degrees.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Financial Aid

Screen-print poster illustration of two graduation caps and an inkwell on a wooden table, evoking academic tradition. — Four public universities in Michigan are lobbying state lawmakers to expand the Community College Guarantee scholarship to include associate degree programs. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should states fund associate degrees at four-year universities to help rural students access free tuition?

Public universities in Michigan are pressing lawmakers to include their associate degree programs in the state’s Community College Guarantee scholarship. The move aims to eliminate institution-based eligibility requirements for students seeking financial aid.

Why it matters

University leaders argue the expansion is necessary to support students living in community college deserts. Proponents believe the move would help retain local workforce talent and assist the state in meeting its credential attainment goals.

In the 2024-2025 academic year, the Community College Guarantee provided $46.6 million to 20,007 students, with an average award of $2,327. The four involved universities granted 5% of all associate degrees in the state during 2024.

The players

Ferris State University

Located in Big Rapids, this public university is advocating for changes to current scholarship eligibility requirements.

Northern Michigan University

Based in Marquette, this institution is one of the four universities seeking inclusion in the state scholarship program.

Lake Superior State University

This university operates in a region with limited access to two-year community colleges.

Michigan Technological University

This institution is part of the coalition lobbying state lawmakers for access to the Community College Guarantee.

The details

Ferris State University, Northern Michigan University, Lake Superior State University, and Michigan Technological University are requesting access to the last-dollar scholarship. While tuition for 30 credit hours at these universities is roughly three times higher than at community colleges, the institutions contend that regional availability for students necessitates broader program access.

1950s: Ferris State University began offering associate degrees.
2023: The Michigan Achievement Scholarship was launched.
2024: The Community College Guarantee program was launched.
2024-2025: The state awarded nearly $46.6 million in scholarship funds.
2030: The state aims to achieve a 60% postsecondary credential attainment rate.

Culture Shift

This effort reflects a growing push to prioritize student access over strict institutional designations, mirroring broader debates about how state aid should adapt to regional education gaps. It aligns with the state's push toward a 60% credential attainment goal, a significant shift from current levels.

For students living in rural areas or regions without traditional two-year colleges, this policy shift could eventually lower the cost of earning an associate degree at a university. Families should monitor legislative updates to see if these institutions become eligible for last-dollar scholarship funds.

The takeaway

Advocates argue that institutional type should not determine a student's eligibility for state financial support when workforce needs are at stake. Residents in regions lacking community college options may benefit if lawmakers choose to prioritize accessibility over traditional funding structures.