MARQUETTE — New research from the University of Michigan’s Education Policy Initiative finds that Michigan’s Tuition Incentive Program helps more students with financial need enroll in college and reduces gaps in higher education access. Coupled with state data showing strong outcomes among TIP participants, these findings reinforce the value of need-based financial aid in supporting student success and strengthening Michigan’s future workforce.

Administered by the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential, TIP is a need-based financial aid program that helps eligible students cover tuition and fees while pursuing a postsecondary credential.

According to the EPI study, students eligible for TIP are two to three percentage points more likely to enroll in college than similarly disadvantaged students who are not eligible. Researchers also found that TIP helps reduce disparities in college access by narrowing enrollment gaps between students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and their peers.