Affordability

Last week, Governor Whitmer and the Michigan legislature passed a bipartisan budget that expands affordable postsecondary pathways for Michiganders by lowering the age of eligibility for the Michigan Reconnect program from age 25 to 21 and by increasing funding for the state’s other major financial aid programs.

There are many opportunities for better resource allocation and improved support in Michigan’s higher education system. From expanded access to existing supports to creating more equitable program eligibility, our new fact sheets outline 5 key policy priorities to advance the state’s higher education goals in 2026.

This year, TICAS prioritized six policy proposals uplifted by our community partners, five of which were addressed in the final FY26 budget or via administrative changes. Our budget fact sheet breaks down what was included.

On October 3, 2025, policymakers finalized the final Michigan budget for Fiscal Year 2025-26. The $81 billion budget largely sustains recent investments in postsecondary access, affordability, and success. TICAS released the following statement.

Our new report, authored by the TICAS Michigan Student Fellows, contains a summary of survey findings, promising policies from other states, and recommendations for Michigan to streamline access to existing resources. 

This fact sheet focuses on how adult Michigan students are accessing, affording, and completing postsecondary credentials.