Detroit Evening Report: Wayne State University offering free tuition to students whose families earn $70K or less annually

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Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer speaks at a news conference at Wayne State University in Detroit, Mich. on March 13, 2023.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer speaks at a news conference at Wayne State University in Detroit, Mich. on March 13, 2023.

Wayne State University is launching a new program that will provide free tuition to incoming Michigan students with annual family incomes of $70,000 or less.


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Gov. Gretchen Whitmer was joined by WSU President Roy Wilson, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel and other officials at a press conference on Wayne State’s campus Monday.

Whitmer believes making college more affordable with the Wayne State Guarantee will only benefit Michigan’s economy.

“That’s a game changer for families, communities and for businesses who are looking for talent,” says Whitmer. “Families will save money without shortchanging ambition. Communities will see more students stay and build their lives close to home.”


Read: Wayne State, Wayne County Community College allow for easier student transfers in new agreement


The guarantee is in connection with the new Michigan Achievement Scholarship, which provides up to $5,500 annually for up to five years to students attending a Michigan public university. This is another step toward the state’s goal of increasing the number of working-age adults with a skill certificate or college degree — currently at 50% — to 60% by 2030.

The Wayne State Guarantee fully covers tuition and standard fees and is renewable for up to four years. Students can apply for a fifth year if they are expected to graduate in that academic year.

Other headlines for March 13, 2023:

  • Michigan Department Education awards grants to 18 school districts
  • City of Detroit spending $25 million on sidewalk replacement program

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Author

  • Tia Graham
    Tia Graham is a reporter and Weekend Edition Host for 101.9 WDET. She graduated from Michigan State University where she had the unique privilege of covering former President Barack Obama and his trip to Lansing in 2014.