How do I learn more about the Michigan Indian Tuition Wavier?

Emily Proctor<proctor8@msu.edu>, Michigan State University Extension -

The MITW is a program enacted by Public Act 174 of 1976, which waives the tuition costs for eligible Native Americans in public community colleges or universities within Michigan.

As we engage youth from across the State of Michigan in educational programs, it is very important to be mindful that there may be a student or a 4-H youth who is an American Indian who could be eligible to receive the Michigan Indian Tuition Wavier (MITW). The MITW is a program enacted by Public Act 174 of 1976, which waives the tuition costs for eligible Native Americans in public community colleges or universities within Michigan. In order to better understand the MITW below are a few frequently asked questions about the MITW:

  • How are applicants determined eligible for this program? To be considered eligible, Native American applicants must be a Michigan resident and have resided in Michigan for twelve consecutive months at the time of application; must attend a public institution in Michigan; and must be one-quarter (1/4) Native American blood quantum AND an enrolled member of a U.S. federally-recognized tribe.
  • Does the youth receive any funds from the wavier? No actual funds are transferred. Tuition is “waived,” therefore, there will be no monies applied to your account. All additional expenses (student fees, lab fees, room and board, books, etc.) must be paid by the student
  • Can I use the MITW as a part-time student? Can I use the MITW after graduating with a degree? Yes, you may use the MITW as either a part-time or full-time student during any term; and, yes, you may continue to use the MITW through post-graduate work.

It is important to note that each of the 12 Federally Recognized Tribes of Michigan have their own Tribal Education Departments which assist students and families to apply for the MITW, college, and to complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Finally, the Michigan Department of Civil Rights is the organization the currently processes all MITW applications and inter-faces with Michigan colleges and universities.

For more information please contact Emily Proctor with questions or comments at (231) 439-8927 or proctor8@anr.msu.edu.

For more information please visit: MDCR - Michigan Indian Tuition Waiver or the Michigan Indian Tuition Waiver Materials - Turtle Talk.

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).

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