College Affordability & Access

Keeping a U-M education affordable

The University of Michigan strives to keep a world-class education accessible. We want to make sure every Wolverine has the opportunity to excel—regardless of their financial background. Impactful initiatives like the Go Blue Guarantee, Wolverine Pathways, and others provide support so all students can reach their full potential.
Students study at long wooden tables under bright lights in a Michigan study hall.

Keeping a U-M education affordable

The University of Michigan strives to keep a world-class education accessible. We want to make sure every Wolverine has the opportunity to excel—regardless of their financial background. Impactful initiatives like the Go Blue Guarantee, Wolverine Pathways, and others provide support so all students can reach their full potential.

First generation, forever Wolverines

Leaders & Best spoke with five first-gen students about the impact their scholarships are having on their Michigan experience. Here’s what they said.

A group of students walks across a plaza at the University of Michigan. In the foreground stands a large, circular metal mesh sculpture, framing a view of campus buildings under a partly cloudy sky.

Michigan more than doubles investment in Go Blue Guarantee

Over the past year, U-M awarded an estimated $54.9 million in tuition support to more than 6,000 students across all three campuses.  

Kevin Towns standing in front of a Block M mural wearing a UM-Dearborn shirt.

Aid to the victors: why financial support is personal

UM-Dearborn Financial Aid Director Kevin Towns knows firsthand how scholarships expand opportunity. That’s why his career is focused on advocating for others.

As a low-income student, I felt very alone during my time here and wish I could’ve made more friends that were in similar situations to me. Low- to mid-income students deserve a great education just as much as those in better financial situations do.
–Trinity B.
The Burton Memorial Tower, with its stone exterior and large clocks, extends skyward next to lush green foliage under a bright, partly cloudy sky.

U-M degree: affordable, valuable, in demand

Survey shows U-M Ann Arbor delivers high ROI, low cost, and career-ready grads employers actively seek.
Chad Smith sitting at a drum kit in front of trumpet players, all dressed in maize and blue

Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Chad Smith drums up gift of music education

The Curtis & Joan Smith Scholarship will provide need-based support to incoming freshmen.

Portrait photograph of Tim Johnson.

Championing women’s health

New funds honor former professor, support students’ work in global health equity from Michigan to West Africa.

Delores and William Brehm posing for a portrait photo in a room with wooden walls and windows in the background.

Building a legacy

The Brehm Scholars Program helps transform the futures of students and communities, awarding full-tuition scholarships to graduates of Dearborn's Fordson High School. 

I have an MLS from the School of Information and was able to finish my degree, thanks to scholarships and an emergency fund grant. I am retired from a wonderful 50-year career in librarianship and am happy to give back to the university that benefited me in so many ways.
–Catherine A.
James Lu in a dark suit and red striped tie, posed against a plain dark background.

New fellowships to support doctoral students

The $10M gift aims to attract and support talented international students pursuing Ph.D. degrees.

Ten members of SEAS in insulated jackets and boots pose arm-in-arm on grassy ground next to a calm, winding river, with expansive plains and a blue sky behind them.

Stewards of a sustainable future

U‑M students take on Alaska with a mission to help conserve the Arctic.

Christopher Harner and Cynthia Martinez-Harner.

New scholarships unlock opportunities

Alumni Christopher Harner and Cynthia Martinez-Harner created two scholarship funds to open doors for medical and education students.

I needed financial support when I was a student, so I am thrilled to help make the cost of U-M lower for students now!
–Lynn H.
As a first-gen alumni, I want to help others that are first in their family to attend college at an institution like Michigan.
–Raven M.

Support
affordability and access

Support U-M students by funding initiatives that ensure every Wolverine has the opportunity to excel academically, personally, and professionally. Make higher education more accessible and affordable, and empower the next generation of leaders to thrive without the burden of excessive debt.

for life-changing education
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