State of Michigan Tuition Incentive Program (TIP)

The Tuition Incentive Program encourages eligible students to complete high school by providing tuition assistance for the first two years of college and beyond. To be eligible, a student must have received Medicaid coverage for 24 months within a 36-month period between the ages of 9 and high school graduation. The Michigan Department of Human Services (DHS) determines which students are Medicaid eligible and transmits this information to the Michigan Department of Treasury. An application must be submitted by August 31 of the student’s senior year. TIP must be initiated within four years from high school graduation and eligibility ends after ten years from the date of high school graduation. The award is limited to tuition and mandatory fees.

Central Michigan University participates in Phase II of the TIP Program. Students will not be eligible to receive TIP at CMU until they have earned 56 credit hours or their associate degree.

How do I apply?

Students are identified by the Department of Human Services (DHS) as having met the Medicaid eligibility requirement. Students may be identified as TIP eligible as early as sixth grade, typically age 12 or after. After being identified, the State of Michigan Office of Student Scholarships and Grants (SSG) will send the student an acceptance form. The student must complete the acceptance form and return it to SSG before graduation from high school or GED completion and before their 20th birthday to activate financial eligibility for the program. The student will receive an acceptance letter from the State.

Phase II TIP awards are automatically added for qualifying students for the semester after the student has reached 56 credits. The Phase II payment is $500 a semester for 4 consecutive semesters for a maximum cumulative payment of $2000. In addition to the criteria listed above, to be eligible for payment students must also be enrolled at least half time (6 credits), and be maintaining Satisfactory Academic Progress.

Additional Information

Additional Information about the TIP program.