After a rocky rollout of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) last school year, FAFSA completion for the high school class of 2025 has surpassed that
of the class of 2022! As sates continue to search for unique ways to increase FAFSA completion rates, Michigan’s new Ticket to Tuition initiative is an example of how creative incentives can
expand college access.
The Michigan College Access Network (MCAN) and Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential’s (MiLEAP) Ticket to Tuition initiative is a $1 million investment to boost FAFSA completion. By engaging in the financial aid process,
students will be entered to win one of 10 $50,000 awards and one of 40 $10,000 awards to help pay for tuition at a community college, university, or career training program in addition to room and board and living
expenses. All students need to do is complete three steps to enter the sweepstakes:
Create StudentAid.gov accounts (both student and parent)
Fill out the FAFSA
Text CASH to 855-505-8425
MCAN’s efforts not only show an investment in supporting students’ postsecondary education, but a commitment to ensuring all Michiganders who want to pursue higher education can take advantage of the federal financial aid that could be available to them.
Completing the FAFSA is a gateway to grants, loans, and in Michigan’s case, state financial aid.
The Michigan Achievement Scholarship is Michigan’s state financial aid program, which helps recent high school graduates receive funds for continuing
education such as a college, university, or a career training program. Eligible students can attend community college tuition-free, receive up to $5,500 per year for a four-year degree program within the state, or receive up to $2,000 per year for
up to two years to earn an industry-recognized certificate.
While financial investments in postsecondary education access like Michigan’s can be critical to boosting college-going rates, this is not the financial or political reality for many states. Beyond funding, the Ticket to Tuition program is a strong example
of how states can:
Use prizes to motivate students and generate excitement around the FAFSA.
Share simple and straightforward messaging to encourage participation.
Ensure students across the state (rural, urban, etc.) have equal access to and knowledge about the program.
The Ticket to Tuition program is a triple threat. By completing the aforementioned steps, high school seniors considering enrolling in a postsecondary education program are unlocking access to potential federal financial aid, the Michigan Achievement
Scholarship, and the opportunity to win a Ticket to Tuition award. Sometimes, all students need is a little motivation and a reminder that there are funding opportunities available. For states looking to boost FAFSA completion and college-going
rates, this may be a strategy worth replicating.
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