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October 17, 2025
Michigan finishes in the Top 20 nationally in FAFSA completion, underscoring continued statewide progress in college access and affordability
LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) and the Michigan College Access Network (MCAN) announced today that 67,365 students from Michigan’s Class of 2025, representing 56.9% of graduates, completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) according to data provided by MCAN’s Michigan FAFSA Tracker. This total reflects a 6-point increase from the Class of 2024, which totaled 59,541 completions (50.8% of graduates), and marks continued statewide progress in college access and affordability.
“Completing the FAFSA opens doors to scholarships, financial aid, and pathways to meaningful careers,” said Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, director of MiLEAP. “With more than 67,000 students completing the FAFSA this year, Michigan continues to build momentum in expanding access to college and career training. As we enter a new application year, our focus remains on ensuring every learner has the opportunity and support to pursue education beyond high school.”
The 2025-2026 FAFSA will remain open for students until June 30, 2026. Filling out the FAFSA is the first step for students to access vital federal and state financial aid, including the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, Community College Guarantee, Michigan Reconnect and the Federal Pell Grant. These programs significantly lower the cost of college and career training by thousands of dollars and help advance Michigan’s Sixty by 30 goal, ensuring more students can earn the degrees and credentials needed for high-demand, well-paying jobs.
“These strong FAFSA completion rates from the class of 2025 show that Michigan students are taking their futures seriously and seizing every opportunity to make college a reality,” said Ryan Fewins-Bliss, executive director of MCAN. “Filling out the FAFSA is more than a form—it’s a commitment to one’s future, unlocking access to state and federal financial aid that can make higher education possible, particularly for low income, first-generation college-going students, and students of color.”
Michigan’s growing momentum in FAFSA completion is fueled by strong statewide coordination and partnerships with school districts, counselors and community organizations, combined with MiLEAP’s direct outreach, through college fairs, school presentations, and virtual webinars that connect families with financial aid resources. Earlier this year, in partnership with Governor Gretchen Whitmer and MCAN, MiLEAP awarded up to $50,000 to 50 students through the “Ticket to Tuition” giveaway, which encouraged more than 21,000 students to complete the FAFSA. MiLEAP also launched the $10 million Universal FAFSA Challenge, incentivizing school districts to integrate FAFSA completion into their high school graduation requirements.
“The increase we’re seeing shows what’s possible when we do the intentional, on-the-ground work to connect students and families with the information and support they need,” said Sarah Szurpicki, deputy director of MiLEAP’s Office of Higher Education. “We’ll continue to build on this momentum so even more students can make confident, informed decisions about their postsecondary futures.”
This continued progress also reflects Michigan’s sustained investment in college access and affordability, ensuring that momentum in FAFSA completion translates into real opportunities for students to pursue their education and career goals.
Through the FY26 budget, the state continues to expand college access and affordability, including $42 million for Michigan Reconnect, which provides adults 25 and older a tuition-free pathway to earn an associate degree or skill certificate. The budget also invests $300 million in the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, which funds tuition-free community college through the Community College Guarantee and provides up to $27,500 for students attending Michigan public or private four-year institutions. Under the Community College Guarantee, qualifying Pell Grant recipients may also receive a $1,000 bonus to help cover other expenses related to attending college.
Together, these programs have helped thousands of Michigan students lower the cost of college and advance toward degree completion.
The 2026-27 FAFSA is now open and students should apply early to access the full range of scholarships, grants and financial aid available to them. As part of Michigan College Month, celebrated October 1-31, institutions across the state are also offering application fee waivers to make it more affordable for students to apply to college. Students and families can watch this short video, featuring winners of the 2025 “Ticket to Tuition” sharing advice and words of wisdom for the Class of 2026. More information, including a full list of participating colleges and universities, is available on MCAN’s Michigan College Month webpage.
For additional information on state scholarships, tools to help complete the FAFSA and more, visit Michigan.gov/MiStudentAid.
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