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“While the future of the Michigan Tuition Grant is uncertain, Baker remains committed to working with each of our 2,400+ impacted students to keep them on the path to success,” said Dr. Bart Daig, Baker College president.
FLINT, Mich. (PRWEB) October 08, 2019
More than 2,400 Baker College students at campuses statewide, who were depending on the Michigan Tuition Grant to help support their educational goals, may now find their plans for the 2019-2020 academic school year, and beyond, in jeopardy.
Last week, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced nearly $1 billion in line-item vetoes to the state budget. The cuts included funding for the Michigan Tuition Grant program, a need-based state grant/scholarship for students attending private colleges and universities in Michigan, including more than 2,400 enrolled at Baker College.
The cuts impact nearly 17,000 Michigan students statewide, who each were anticipating up to $2,400 for full-time enrollment in tuition-specific grants this school year. The impacted students include more than 6,000 first-generation college students, more than 200 military veterans and more than 5,600 students over the age of 25. Students who receive the tuition grant make up approximately 30 percent of all students receiving need-based financial aid from the State of Michigan.
“We find the Governor’s actions of vetoing the Michigan Tuition Grant funding to be contrary to her education-first messaging, and we’re frustrated on behalf of all the Baker College students, and the tens-of-thousands of others statewide, who are relying on these grant dollars to help achieve their educational dreams,” said Dr. Bart Daig, Baker College president. “While the future of the Michigan Tuition Grant is uncertain, Baker remains committed to working with each of our 2,400+ impacted students to keep them on the path to success.”
It is estimated the tuition grant saves an average of $10,400 in lifetime loan interest per student.
“Eliminating this funding will drastically impact need-based students’ ability to pursue higher education, putting their futures at risk,” said Robert Lefevre, president of Michigan Independent Colleges & Universities. “Lansing’s budget mess is hurting Michigan students and this issue must be fixed before even one student gives up on their future.”
About Baker College
Founded in 1911, Baker College is Michigan’s largest, private not-for-profit college and the top private transfer school in the state. Baker College has multiple on-ground campus locations and two affiliate sites across the state, as well as an online global campus offering more than 100 academic program options for both undergraduate and graduate degrees. Learn more at http://www.baker.edu.