Michigan State University, one of the first institutions in Michigan to offer a tuition-free scholarship to in-state residents, is redefining college access and affordability for Michiganders through a new tuition-free financial aid program, Interim President Teresa K. Woodruff, Ph.D., announced today.

Since 2006, MSU has covered the total cost of tuition for nearly 12,000 Michigan residents with an expected family contribution of $0, totaling more than $387 million in aid. Today, the university launched a new financial aid program, Spartan Tuition Advantage, that will automatically cover the full cost of tuition for all Pell Grant-eligible Michigan high school graduates who have a family income of $65,000 or less, starting with the fall 2024 class. The only paperwork eligible students would be required to complete is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.

When fully operational, MSU expects the program will cover tuition for more than 6,000 students annually. 

“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 Woodruff. “The Spartan Tuition Advantage program is an exciting extension of our pledge to the success of future Spartans learners.” 

This increased investment in Michigan’s next generation of innovators and creators demonstrates MSU’s pledge to growing talent in the Greater Lansing area and beyond to ensure the state’s competitiveness. The investment builds on MSU’s current annual investment of $224 million in student financial aid. 

“The Spartan Tuition Advantage program is an underpinning of our commitment to being Michigan’s state university and helping every Michigan high school graduate see a higher-education degree at Michigan State University as an attainable goal,” said Executive Director of Admissions John Ambrose. “Our commitment to Michigan students is that when you choose to be a Spartan, we will equip you with the tools and resources needed to be successful. And this new financial aid package is yet another tool.” 

In-state students who meet the eligibility criteria and complete a FAFSA are guaranteed full tuition coverage. A student’s financial changes could impact future eligibility. 

“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.”

The announcement comes as the university celebrates Michigan College Month with the Michigan College Access Network. From now until Oct. 21, MSU is waiving the application fee for all in-state applicants, encouraging 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.