Michigan Breaks Its Promise on College Scholarships October 13, 2009
Ian Welham on the growing pressures facing state colleges
In 2007, state lawmakers in the state of Michigan began what was called the Promise Scholarship for Michigan students. It was designed to raise the level of education of Michigan workers.
According to the Promise Scholarship, any Michigan student who does well in high school, and who continues in a Michigan college, is rewarded with up to $4,000 to help pay for tuition. When you consider that in-state tuition at Michigan State, for example, is $11,434, that $4,000 represents a significant contribution, and is a juicy perk for Michigan students.
Except that Michigan has broken its promise.
Due to growing fiscal woes, state lawmakers have taken what was supposed to be college scholarship money and are using it instead to close a budget gap. Some 96,000 college students, and their families, were expecting Michigan Promise scholarship money this fall to help pay for college. Many could have elected to attend college out of state, but stayed home based on the scholarship promise. Now they’re left with nothing but an empty promise.
You might be thinking, “I’m in New Jersey. This doesn’t affect me. Why should I care?” That would be tunnel vision. Because here’s what’s happening: More and more states are experiencing deep financial turmoil. Several are on the edge of bankruptcy. The state of California, for example, has start paying some of its state obligations with IOU’s.
California has always been famous for having one of the best—and least costly—state university programs in the country. Now the cost of in-state tuition for California residents is rising. Rapidly. It’s happening in other states, too. And this trend is destined to get way worse before it gets better.
Important considerations for any parent whose child is considering attending a state college or university – especially if you’re counting on grants and/or scholarships to help pay for college.
