Gov. Whitmer Announces Record 60,000 Michigan Students Enrolled in Michigan Achievement Scholarship, Saving More than $4,200 Per Year

Michiganders have saved $252.3 Million on Tuition Through the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, Opening More Pathways to Good-Paying Jobs

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer is highlighting the growing impact of state scholarship programs in making earning a skill certificate and college degree more accessible and affordable for Michigan students and families—opening more pathways to good paying jobs. This spring, nearly 60,000 students are receiving the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, saving Michigan families $252.3 million in tuition costs statewide.  

“In Michigan, we are delivering on our promise to make college and career training more accessible and affordable because every student deserves a fair shot at a great-paying job,” said Governor Whitmer. “This year alone, nearly 60,000 students are saving thousands on tuition thanks to the Michigan Achievement Scholarship. These scholarships put real money back in families’ pockets while putting students on track to get the skills they need to build their futures and strengthening our talent pipeline so businesses can grow and thrive. I will continue working with anyone dedicated to lowering costs and expanding more opportunities so that every Michigander has a chance at a brighter future.” 

“We are pleased to see tens of thousands of students across our state taking the next step in their education journeys without the financial burden that often stands in the way,” said Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, director of MiLEAP. “The Michigan Achievement Scholarship is making a significant impact not just for students – but for families and communities across the state. MiLEAP remains committed to ensuring that every Michigander, no matter where they live, or their financial situation has the support they need to succeed in the classroom and their career.” 

Students in all 83 counties are using the Michigan Achievement Scholarship to earn a skill certificate, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree at reduced or no-cost tuition – with an average award over $4,200 per student. Nearly 60,000 students are benefiting from the program this year including:  

• 18,226 students attending a community college at no or low cost. 
• 7,009 students at private colleges saving up to $5,500 a year. 
• 34,371 students at public universities saving up to $5,500 a year. 

“Everyone deserves a path to a good paying job. Regardless of a student’s plans after high school, the Michigan Achievement Scholarship saves them money while they prepare for their future. This includes opportunities to enroll in career training, community college, and a four-year institution,” said Michelle Richard, deputy director of Higher Education at MiLEAP. “This spring, 125,000 students are receiving state scholarships, including the Michigan Achievement Scholarship. That investment is positioning our students, communities, businesses, and state for success.” 

At community colleges, students can enroll in programs that lead to in-demand, high-wage jobs such as dental hygienists, electricians, physical therapist assistants, and beyond. They can also take courses that help prepare them to transfer to earn a bachelor’s degree.   

 “Lake Michigan College has seen its’ enrollment for first-time, full-time students double in the last two years because of our partnership with the State of Michigan and the Michigan Achievement Scholarship,” said Dr. Trevor Kubatzke, president of Lake Michigan College. “In addition, we have seen an increase in Pell Grants, so we are reaching those students who really need higher education and were hesitant previously to even think about college. We believe these types of programs will help Michigan tackle population issues and help us win the war for talent.” 

Demand for four-year degrees also continues to grow. 35 of the Hot 50 high-demand, high wage jobs projected through 2032 require a four-year degree including careers in accounting, registered nursing, engineering, and social work.   

"The Michigan Achievement Scholarship is truly transformative for Wayne State students," said Dr. Kimberly Andrew Espy, president of Wayne State University. "So far, it has reduced costs by an average of $5,200 for nearly 4,000 of our students, easing financial burdens and expanding access to higher education. This support empowers more students to pursue their degrees, strengthens Michigan’s workforce, and ultimately helps reshape their futures in profound and lasting ways.” 

The Michigan Achievement Scholarship is one of several state initiatives designed to boost educational attainment and get Michigan closer to reaching the state’s Sixty by 30 goal of 60% of adults with a skill certificate or college degree by 2030.  

“Making the decision to attend college can be intimidating, especially when finances are a concern,” said parent Laura Wright of Portage. “After seeing the financial strain we faced sending our oldest daughter to college, my youngest, Katie, was nervous about attending herself. The Michigan Achievement Scholarship not only eased that burden but also gave our family a sense of support and encouragement. It allowed Katie to enroll in community college to become an agricultural diesel mechanic without taking on loans, so she can focus on her education and internship instead of juggling a job. Knowing that someone values her time and future made all the difference.” 

Additional information about the Michigan Achievement Scholarship is available at Michigan.gov/Achievement. Additional information about state scholarship programs is available at Michigan.gov/MiStudentAid.