Ann Arbor Times

The University of Michigan has announced an expansion of its Go Blue Guarantee, which will now include nearly 2,200 additional in-state undergraduate students across its Ann Arbor, Dearborn, and Flint campuses. This initiative allows eligible full-time students from families with annual incomes and assets up to $125,000 to receive tuition-free education starting in fall 2025.

U-M President Santa J. Ono stated, "The Go Blue Guarantee breaks down economic barriers and ensures that a world-class education is available to Michigan students from all backgrounds, no matter their family’s economic means." He emphasized the university's commitment to affordability and equal opportunity.

Since its launch on the Ann Arbor campus in January 2018, the program initially provided free tuition for in-state students from families earning up to $65,000 annually with assets up to $50,000. The Board of Regents extended this offer in 2021 to Dearborn and Flint campuses for students maintaining a 3.5 GPA. Over time, income thresholds have been adjusted; most recently increasing to $75,000 for new students at the Dearborn campus as of fall 2024.

An additional investment of $8.8 million annually will support this expansion. Katherine E. White, chair of the Board of Regents remarked on the university's responsibility: “As a state university...we want to ensure that working-class and middle-class Michiganders can send their children to this great university."

UM-Dearborn Chancellor Domenico Grasso highlighted the impact on local students: “Half of our student population is PELL eligible...Providing additional financial assistance allows more in-state students to obtain a Michigan degree.” Similarly, UM-Flint Chancellor Laurence B. Alexander commented on empowering first-time and transfer students through financial support.

Over the past decade at Ann Arbor, undergraduate financial aid has increased by over 9% annually on average. Consequently, many resident undergraduates experience lower net costs compared with ten years ago after inflation adjustments.

Adele C. Brumfield, vice provost for enrollment management said: “During the admissions process...the three University of Michigan campuses strive to encourage students from all backgrounds." She noted that today's announcement broadens access significantly.

UM-Ann Arbor remains unique among public universities in Michigan by meeting full demonstrated need for in-state students beyond those covered by Go Blue Guarantee if family incomes are up to $180,000.