The web Browser you are currently using is unsupported, and some features of this site may not work as intended. Please update to a modern browser such as Chrome, Firefox or Edge to experience all features Michigan.gov has to offer.
Michigan Indian Tuition Waiver
To apply for the Michigan Indian Tuition Waiver, you must:
- Complete the student section of the Michigan Indian Tuition Waiver (MITW) Application.
- Submit the MITW application (and attached documentation) to your Tribal Enrollment Department for certification.
- Ensure that your entire application, including the tribally-certified section, and accompanying documents are submitted to MiLEAP for verification.
Typically, your Tribe will submit the documents to MiLEAP after they complete their section of the application; however, they may return the documents to you. It is your responsibility to ensure the completed application and required documents are submitted.
Please review prior to applying:
-
Documentation
You must provide the following with your MITW application:
- A photocopy of your Tribal ID
-
Eligibility
To be eligible for the MITW, you must meet the following criteria:
- Qualify for admission at one of Michigan's public colleges or universities AND
- Be ¼ or more Native American blood quantum as certified by your Tribal Enrollment Department AND
- Are an enrolled citizen of a U.S. Federally Recognized Tribe as certified by your Tribal Enrollment Department AND
- Be a legal resident of the state of Michigan for not less than 12 consecutive months
-
Proof of Residency
Your MITW residency status does not determine your residency status at your institution. Your institution may require additional documentation as proof of residency or to determine your length of residency in Michigan.
-
Tribal Certification
You must submit this application to your Tribal Enrollment Department for certification and signature.
The Tribal Enrollment Department is certifying that the you, the student, are ¼ or more Native American blood quantum and an enrolled citizen of a U.S. Federally Recognized Tribe. The Tribal Enrollment Department may submit this form and accompanying documents on your behalf to MiLEAP for verification.
-
Student Status
The statute does not limit tuition waiver eligibility based upon full/part-time status, degree track, academic performance, or similar criteria - and such information will not affect MiLEAP verification.
-
MITW Transfer
If you have never submitted an application to MiLEAP, you must complete the entire application, filling out the 'new student' box, obtain tribal certification, and submit all documents to MiLEAP according to the instructions.
If you have previously applied and been verified by MiLEAP, complete only the Student Section of the application and fill out the 'continuing student' box. The transfer/dual enrollment section must be completed, but Tribal Certification does not need to be obtained.
Still have questions?
Review our Frequently Asked Questions document.
Read the Policies and Procedures memo which explains why MiLEAP administers this process and how we determined who is eligible for the waiver.
See the Letter on student eligibility verification sent to universities to confirm that MiLEAP does not require recertification and educational institutions should not determine eligibility.
Michigan Indian Tuition Waiver information updated: Statement on the Sixth Circuit Court opinion finding Proposal 2 unconstitutional
- List of MITW Eligible Public Colleges and Universities - Updated May 17, 2021 Download
- Michigan Indian Tuition Waiver - Frequently Asked Questions Download
- 6th Circuit Court MITW Memo - July 12, 2011 Download
- MITW Policy and Procedure - July 14, 2010 Download
- MITW Student Eligibility Verification Letter - 2010 Download
- Michigan Indian Tuition Waiver Application Download