Detroit Evening Report: MSU establishes new tuition-free program for Michigan residents

A new financial aid program from Michigan State University is making it easier for some students to attend.

The school announced Wednesday that it’s new program, called “Spartan Tuition Advantage,” will cover full tuition costs for Michigan high school graduates who are Pell Grant eligible and who have family income under $65,000 per year, starting with the fall 2024 class.

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“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,” said Interim MSU President Teresa K. Woodruff, Ph.D., in a statement Monday. “The Spartan Tuition Advantage program is an exciting extension of our pledge to the success of future Spartans learners.”

MSU has covered the total cost of tuition for nearly 12,000 Michigan residents since 2006, totaling more than $387 million in aid, the university reported, with expectations that the new program will cover tuition costs for an additional 6,000 students per year once fully operational.

Students will have to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, to qualify. MSU also says it’s waiving the application fee for all in-state applicants between now and Oct. 21 to encourage students to apply for college and financial aid as soon as possible. Michigan high school students can use the code Spartan1855 for their application fee waiver.

“The Spartan Tuition Advantage is yet another exemplary way in which Michigan State University is delivering on its land-grant mission,” said Daniel Hurley, CEO of the Michigan Association of State Universities. “This tuition pledge will open the doors to more young adults throughout the state, providing them with the opportunity to earn a life-changing degree from MSU.”

Other headlines for Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023:

• Metro Detroiters are paying very close attention to the crisis in Israel with families here having close ties to many countries in the Middle East, and local rallies being held this week in support of both Israel and the Palestinian people.
• The United Auto Workers strike against Detroit’s automakers is now in its 25th day, more than 25,000 UAW members on strike at plants around the country.
•  The City of Detroit says it’s preparing the Dodge Fountain in Hart Plaza for renovations.
• The war in Israel could have a negative impact on gas prices in the days ahead, as fears grow that the conflict could become a regional one.

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