Ann Arbor Times

The Eastern Michigan University Board of Regents approved a 2024-25 General Fund operating budget of $317 million on June 20. The budget's revenues include $220 million in tuition and fees, $86.4 million in state appropriations, $4.7 million from investment income, and $5.1 million from other revenue sources. Expenditures encompass $155.9 million in personnel costs, $63.1 million for University-sponsored financial aid, a net transfer budget of $53.9 million, and $44.1 million for services, supplies, materials, and other expenses.

The University supports approximately 68% of its student population with financial aid, including about 90% of first-year students. This support includes the Eastern Tuition Advantage scholarship, which offers free undergraduate tuition to incoming students with a 3.0 GPA and an annual household income below $60,000. Qualifying students can receive free tuition for four years if they continue to meet financial requirements and submit the FAFSA annually.

Other scholarships include the Presidential Scholarship covering full tuition and room and board and the 4WARD Graduation Scholarship providing full tuition in years three and four for students residing on campus all four years.

“Financial challenges impact all students,” said James Smith, president of Eastern Michigan University. “As the needs of our students and families grow, we must continue to support them. As the top-rated university in Michigan for social mobility, we proudly embrace our mission as an institution of opportunity and our commitment to financial aid reflects that priority.”

Smith also highlighted ongoing investments in academic facilities and student-support initiatives: “This August, we’ll celebrate the completion of the $200 million Welcome Home plan – including the opening of two new campus apartment buildings... Other campus updates include a new engineering and technology campus, science complex, and recreational/intramural facilities.”

Under the new budget, undergraduate tuition will increase by $730 for students taking 30 credits (a 4.5% rise). Tuition for doctoral and graduate programs will increase by 3%. Adjustments may be made based on changes when the State of Michigan budget is approved by the Legislature; any increases will not exceed a state-imposed tuition restraint cap.

Since 1980, state appropriations have significantly declined as a portion of EMU’s general fund budget—from accounting for 72% percent of revenues to now only contributing around 28%.

Rising costs related to employee salaries, goods/services prices increases, investments in campus security, mental health resources, and academic support services are included in this budget increase.

The Board also approved an auxiliary funds operating expenditure budget totaling $83 million for housing, food service operations costs among other services.

Founded in 1849 as Michigan's second oldest public university serving over 13,000 students across various disciplines through multiple colleges such as Arts & Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering & Technology; Health & Human Services; plus its graduate school—EMU is frequently recognized nationally for its excellence diversity commitment applied education endeavors.