EMU Today

YPSILANTI --  Eastern Michigan University is committing $55.7 million in financial aid for students in the 2023-24 academic year, reflecting its commitment to minimize costs for students and support their success.

The University provides financial aid support to approximately 68% of its total student population, and to about 90% of first-year students. This includes the University’s Eastern Tuition Advantage scholarship, which provides incoming students who have a 3.0 grade-point average and an annual household income of less than $60,000 with free undergraduate tuition. Qualifying students can receive the free tuition for four years as long as they continue to meet the family financial requirements and fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) each year. Eastern was among the first universities in Michigan to offer free tuition to high achieving students with financial needs.

Several other scholarships exist, including the Presidential Scholarship, which covers full tuition and room and board, and the 4WARD Graduation Scholarship, which covers full tuition in years three and four for students who live in an on-campus community for all four years. Visit the University’s scholarship page to learn more about the range of financial aid available for first-year, transfer and graduate students.

“We proudly embrace our distinct mission as an institution of opportunity,” said James Smith, president of Eastern Michigan University. “This effort to reduce the cost of higher education, while providing outstanding academic and career-building opportunities, exemplifies our dedication to supporting students and their families.

“We also are committing more resources than ever to update academic facilities and student-support initiatives. This includes the investment in recent years to revitalize the engineering and technology campus, science complex, and recreational/intramural facilities. And, less than a year ago, we broke ground on the $200 million “Welcome Home 2025” plan to build two entirely new residence halls and renovate most other housing units on campus. A visit to Eastern’s campus today showcases a level of construction activity and modernization that are drawing rave reviews from students and guests alike.”

The increased financial aid funds are included in the University’s overall general fund operating budget of $316 million, which was approved today (June 22, 2023) by the University’s Board of Regents.

Revenues include $214.4 million in tuition and fees, $90.1 million in state appropriations, investment income of $6.5 million and $5 million in departmental activities and other revenue sources.

If there are changes in the state appropriations proposed by the Governor once the state higher education budget is finalized, tuition and fees may be adjusted to maintain a balanced budget. Any increase to tuition and fees, if required, will not exceed the tuition restraint cap that the State of Michigan may impose.

Since 1980, state appropriations have dramatically declined as a portion of EMU’s general fund budget. In 1980, state aid accounted for 72% percent of the University’s revenues to 28% percent from tuition and fees. Those percentages are now reversed.

Under Eastern's block tuition pricing, undergraduate students taking 12-16 credit hours will pay $350 more than students who took 12-16 credits last year:

• 12-16 credits 2023-24: $7,600
• 12-16 credits 2022-23: 7,250

For students taking 1-11 credit hours, the individual credit hour cost in 2023-34 is $29.35 more than last year, at $637.35 per credit hour. Overall, undergraduate tuition will increase 4.5%.

Rising costs for employee salaries, increased prices for goods and services, and continued investments in campus security, mental health resources and academic support services are included in the increase.

For the second consecutive year, the University minimized the tuition increase for students pursuing graduate degrees to 2%.

The University’s Board of Regents also approved an auxiliary funds operating expenditure budget totaling $52.3 million for the 20234-24 fiscal year. Auxiliary activities include housing, food service and athletics operating costs, along with costs for other services.

As noted by EMU’s President Smith, recent investments include:

• $40 million renovation and expansion of Sill Hall, home of the GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology;
• $130 million renovation and expansion of the Mark Jefferson and Strong Hall buildings to establish the University’s state-of-the art Science Complex;
• $16 million renovation of the University’s recreation and intramural building (Rec/IM), with a focus on student health and well-being;
• Ongoing updates to classroom technology and expansion of laboratory/maker spaces; and,
• The $200 million investment in student housing under the “Welcome Home 2025” plan.

Eastern’s commitment to academic excellence has been recognized by many outside organizations. These include a ranking as the country’s top program in clinical research administration, designation as the number one military-friendly school in Michigan, the Princeton Review ranking Eastern among the “Best in the Midwest” for 20 consecutive years, and being named among the top 100 universities in the nation for social mobility by U.S. News and World Report. Visit the University’s rankings and points of pride websites to learn more.

About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 14,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. Visit the University’s rankings and points of pride websites to learn more. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website. To stay up to date on University news, activities and announcements, visit EMU Today.