Ann Arbor Times

Eastern Michigan University (EMU) has announced the expansion of its Loan Repayment Assistance Program, known as EMU Advantage, to cover 16 additional academic majors. This initiative builds on the earlier EMU Educators Promise, which targeted students pursuing teaching degrees in response to a significant teacher shortage in Michigan.

The EMU Advantage program is designed to offer financial relief for graduates. If a participant’s income after graduation is below $50,000, EMU will help repay their federal, parent PLUS, and private alternative student loans. The assistance is provided at no cost to students or their families.

“EMU Advantage reflects our deep commitment to student success and workforce development,” said Katie Condon-Martin, Vice President of Enrollment Management. “We saw incredible engagement with the Educators Promise, and expanding this support to more majors was the natural next step.”

In Fall 2025, 121 students enrolled at EMU received support through LRAP; 88% were first-year and transfer students aiming for education degrees. This represents an increase from Fall 2024 when 39 students participated during a late enrollment period.

Michigan has faced ongoing teacher shortages in recent years. According to the EPIC Teacher Shortage Report from December 2024, nearly 500 school districts reported teaching vacancies during the 2022–2023 academic year, with some districts experiencing vacancy rates over 10%. Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s Top 10 Strategic Education Plan also lists addressing teacher shortages as a top priority for the state.

With the expansion of EMU Advantage, students in majors such as Communication, Economics, International Affairs, Public and Nonprofit Administration, Social Work, among others are now eligible for loan repayment assistance. The program aims to allow students greater freedom in choosing their fields of study without being constrained by future debt obligations.

Students participating in the program have shared positive feedback:

“Knowing that EMU has my back if I don’t earn enough after graduation gave me the confidence to pursue my dream of becoming a teacher. It’s not just financial support—it’s peace of mind.”

“The reassurance that is provided by LRAP has definitely influenced how comfortable I feel getting a degree in teaching. I am very happy that I am able to do what I want with my life and feel safer financially.”

“As someone paying for college on my own, it’s a relief to know there’s additional assistance and financial light at the end of this journey. Furthering my education to teach young students is a passion I’ve chosen to pursue, though it’s costly. The LRAP program gives me confidence and security in my decision to become a teacher and study at EMU.”

“The Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP) has been an incredible relief. As someone who pursued a career in public service, I was concerned about managing my student loan debt while following my passion. LRAP has given me the financial confidence to focus on making an impact in my community without being overwhelmed by repayment worries. Knowing there’s a safety net if my income falls below a certain level allows me to pursue meaningful work with peace of mind.”

“The loan repayment assistant program is a vital tool that will help me complete my education and reach my potential career goal to become a music teacher.”

“I am the daughter of an immigrant mother who taught me how valuable education is and how it will serve me as I grow. I am incredibly grateful for this program and the stress it will lift from my shoulders. Thank you.”

“Because of this opportunity, I will be able to further my education in my dream profession and make my parents proud.”

“It will help my future greatly by letting me have financial stability as an educator early on in my career.”

Eastern Michigan University states that by broadening access through programs like EMU Advantage, they hope not only to provide direct aid but also contribute positively toward meeting Michigan's educational needs while helping graduates enter careers without overwhelming debt.

More information about eligible programs can be found through EMU Advantage resources online.

Founded in 1849, Eastern Michigan University serves more than 12,000 students across undergraduate through doctoral levels with over 300 academic offerings spanning several colleges including Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; as well as its Graduate School.