187,000 Michigan Students Receive Letters About Tuition Incentive Program Eligibility

Early notifications help students and families learn about available college funding, giving them a head start in planning their educational future

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) recently mailed more than 187,000 letters to Michigan students and their families notifying them of their eligibility for the Tuition Incentive Program (TIP). TIP, a long-standing state scholarship program, provides tuition support for eligible Medicaid recipients pursuing skill certificates, associate degrees or bachelor’s degrees at participating Michigan colleges and universities. 

“Every Michigan student deserves a clear path to pursue higher education,” said Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, director of MiLEAP. “By alerting students and their families to TIP eligibility, we are ensuring they know early that tuition support is available to them. Programs like TIP help students make informed decisions about their future and take meaningful steps toward earning a credential while building a future right here in Michigan.” 

In February, MiLEAP sent letters to two groups of students, tailoring guidance based on their age and stage in their educational journey: 

• 11-12th Graders: These students received letters confirming their TIP eligibility and outlining how the program can help cover tuition for skills certificates, associate degrees, and, later, bachelor’s degrees. The letters also described important next steps, such as completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), listing the Michigan college or university they plan to attend, and creating a MiSSG Student Portal account to monitor eligibility and awards. 

• Early Awareness Students: The families of students, sometimes as young as 12, who meet Medicaid eligibility requirements received letters introducing TIP and encouraging early exploration of interests, extracurricular activities and career pathways. These letters also highlighted planning tools, like Pathfinder, and emphasized the importance of talking with trusted adults—family members, teachers and counselors—about educational goals. 

Both letters aim to give students and families a head start in planning their postsecondary journey and accessing the resources available to them. 

“Too many kids write off college because they think their families can’t afford it. But in Michigan, our financial aid programs are putting college within reach for everyone,” said Sarah Szurpicki, deputy director of MiLEAP’s Office of Higher Education. “When families have clear information about eligibility and next steps—such as completing the FAFSA and enrolling at a participating institution—students are better prepared to take advantage of the opportunities available to them after high school.” 

To qualify, a student must have had Medicaid coverage for at least 24 months within a 36-month period between age nine and high school graduation. Only students identified by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) as meeting this requirement are considered for TIP eligibility. 

TIP provides two phases of support: 

• Phase I: Tuition assistance toward an eligible certificate or associate degree program. For many students, this phase covers tuition and mandatory fees.
• Phase II: After completing a certificate, associate degree or 56 transferable semester credits, students may receive up to $500 per semester—up to $2,000 total—toward a bachelor’s degree.

Students must complete the FAFSA each year they plan to use TIP benefits. Benefits must begin within four years of high school completion.

In academic year 2024-2025, 39,773 students were awarded TIP statewide, resulting in over $118 million of savings for students and their families.

TIP is an important part of the state’s effort to provide affordable pathways for Michiganders to earn a skill certificate or college degree and help achieve Michigan’s Sixty by 30 goal, which aims to increase the percentage of working-age adults with postsecondary credential to 60% by 2030. By reducing or eliminating tuition costs, TIP helps expand access to higher education and prepares Michiganders for the future of work.

In addition to TIP, MiLEAP offers scholarships and financial aid programs that support Michiganders at every stage of life and with different education goals. Eligible students may also qualify for other state financial aid opportunities. Learn more at Michigan.gov/MIStudentAid.

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