Michigan universities lobby for inclusion in free tuition program

Four public universities in Michigan, including Northern Michigan University, Lake Superior State University, Michigan Technological University, and Ferris State University, are lobbying lawmakers to join the state’s Community College Guarantee program. These institutions are the only ones among Michigan’s 15 public universities to offer associate degrees and skills certificates.

University leaders argue that students in rural areas often live in “community college deserts,” where commuting to a two-year college involves several hours of travel. They contend that the state should not discriminate based on where students pursue associate-level education. In 2024, one in 20 associate degrees in Michigan was awarded by these four universities.

Opponents of the expansion cite potential costs. Because annual tuition for 30 credit hours at these universities is approximately three times higher than at community colleges, the state House Fiscal Agency reports suggest the expansion could cost between $18 million and $20 million per year.