University of Michigan Enhances Financial Aid Through Go Blue Guarantee Expansion
The University of Michigan has significantly increased its investment in the Go Blue Guarantee, an initiative designed to make higher education more accessible to in-state students. The program awarded approximately $54.9 million in tuition assistance to 6,387 students for the 2025-26 academic year, a substantial rise from the previous year’s $26.3 million for 3,786 students.
Launched in 2018, the Go Blue Guarantee demonstrates the university’s dedication to providing top-tier education to Michigan students, regardless of their financial situation. This program now covers all three campuses, extending eligibility to students from families with annual incomes and assets each up to $125,000.
Mark J. Bernstein, chair of the Board of Regents, highlighted the significance of the program, stating, “The Go Blue Guarantee is one of the most important commitments we can make as a university — ensuring that talented students across Michigan have a clear and attainable path to a world-class U-M education.”
The initiative’s impact is evident as 62% of in-state undergraduate students graduate without debt, and those who do incur debt generally face lower average amounts over the last decade.
The Go Blue Guarantee initially provided free tuition to students at the Ann Arbor campus for families earning up to $65,000 annually with assets under $50,000. It expanded to the Flint and Dearborn campuses in 2022. In 2024, eligibility increased to include families with $75,000 in income and assets, and further expanded in 2026 to the current $125,000 thresholds.
Additionally, in 2026, the guarantee was extended to cover full attendance costs, including housing, for eligible undergraduates in the School of Nursing, select teacher preparation programs, and Master of Social Work students who benefited as undergraduates.
To date, over $181 million has been allocated to students at the Ann Arbor campus, with $27 million for Dearborn and $14 million for Flint students.
Bernstein emphasized the ongoing commitment, saying, “The regents remain focused on building on this momentum and expanding opportunity. We are committed to ensuring that students on every U-M campus can pursue their education with confidence and support.”
