Expanded Brain Gain Promise at Siena Heights University gives more students access to free college
The Brain Gain Promise Tuition-Free Guarantee was previously only available to students in Lenawee County, but now includes any Michigan resident whose household makes $65,000 or less.
Siena Heights University has expanded its newly implemented Brain Gain Promise Tuition-Free Guarantee to give even more Michiganders a shot at free college. Previously only available to students hailing from Lenawee County, the Promise now covers the entire state and gives any accepted student from Michigan whose family earns less than $65,000 a tuition-free spot at Siena Heights University.
According to an article on SIena Heights University’s website, Douglas B. Palmer, the president of Siena Heights University, was quoted as saying of the program expansion, “Siena Heights University prides itself on being a good community partner. It is part of our commitment as an institution based on the tradition and heritage of the Adrian Dominican Sisters. We know that Michigan families are hurting, and we want to provide an opportunity to get an enriching college education while being financially feasible.”
The goal of the Brain Gain Promise is to encourage students to stay in Michigan to receive their education, and then in turn remain in Michigan to work, boosting the state’s workforce and economy. Many graduates choose to leave Michigan post-graduation in order to find careers and work opportunities they wouldn’t be able to find in the state. Siena Heights University hopes that by providing free college, students will be encouraged to continue living in Michigan after receiving their free education. It is also focusing on enhancing the quality of the education it offers to students, as well.
The Brain Gain Promise Tuition-Free Guarantee goes into effect for the 2024-2025 school year and applies to students coming from households making less than $65,000 annually. These students will be able to attend Siena Heights University for free. The Guarantee has another level, one for students whose families earn less than $80,000 annually. These students will not pay more than $10,000 a year to attend the university. Students will have to maintain full time enrollment in their fall and winter semesters and must also apply for the FAFSA.
The initial FAFSA launch this year did not go smoothly; therefore, the deadline to apply for the FAFSA is now July 1. Dr. Palmer noted, “Michigan Student Aid recently extended the FAFSA deadline to July 1. We didn’t want incoming students to stress about the potential costs they might have, so a tuition-free guarantee provides them a clear answer as to what they’ll be paying.”
For more information about Siena Heights University, visit the school’s website.