Michigan Association of State Universities

Our CEO Dan Hurley has a commentary published in today's Detroit News. The takeaway? A bachelor's degree is now more affordable than you might think, thanks to a new state financial aid program - the Michigan Achievement Scholarship!

Congratulations to Michigan Technological University on their designation today as a Research 1: Very High Spending and Doctorate Production university, commonly called an R1 university. These are the universities that have the highest research and graduate output in the nation, and we're proud to now have four of them among our membership.

The Michigan Association of State Universities (MASU) today applauded Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s FY 2026 executive budget recommendation, which includes a four percent increase in operating support for Michigan’s 15 public universities and enhanced support for the Michigan Achievement Scholarship. The following statement can be attributed to MASU Chief Executive Officer Daniel Hurley: ? “The 15 state universities of Michigan enthusiastically commend Governor Whitmer’s proposed investments for higher education as outlined in her fiscal year 2026 executive budget recommendation. ? The four percent increase in institutional operating support combined with the continued build out of the Michigan Achievement Scholarship will help ensure the positive trajectory achieved in recent years, reflecting the state’s commitment to improving college access and affordability. ? The governor’s proposed funding framework will better enable the universities to continue delivering high-quality academic programs aligned to Michigan’s fast-evolving, knowledge economy workforce needs. These investments will go a long way toward helping the universities build on their collective multi-year increase in student enrollment and continued progress in increasing educational attainment levels among Michigan residents. ? MASU and the state universities look forward to working with state legislators in the weeks and months ahead to advocate for a final budget that strengthens college access, student success, talent and economic development, and the ability for these institutions to maximize their ability to serve individuals, communities and the state.”

Welcome to the 103rd session of the Michigan Legislature! MASU has updated our legislative priorities for 2025 accordingly. These smart investments in college affordability and student success will have a direct effect on providing more of the needed talent that Michigan employers need. Check out our priorities and find out how you can help advocate for a more competitive Michigan!

As Michigan's legislature approaches its final push for 2024, supporting our 15 public universities is vital in strengthening the state's economic future and workforce development capabilities.

The increase of enrollment at Michigan's public universities shows that students value a four-year degree. With high schoolers being more aware of the financial opportunities that make college more affordable, we look for these numbers to continue trending upward.?