GVSU offers tuition-free program for qualified students from six Michigan counties

Leaders at Grand Valley State University are committed to opening access to higher education and have announced a tuition-free program for students from low-income backgrounds who live in six Michigan counties.

The Grand Valley Pledge awards full undergraduate tuition (renewable for four years) to qualified students from counties where the university has a physical presence: Kent, Ottawa, Muskegon, Grand Traverse, Calhoun and Wayne.

Students must be admitted to Grand Valley, beginning in the fall 2021 semester, and have a family income of less than $50,000. See a list of criteria and more information online at gvsu.edu/gvpledge.

President Philomena V. Mantella said this program demonstrates the university's commitment to its communities.

"It is another way of assuring that we create opportunity and advance equity in the communities in which we live and teach, as well as inspire a broader movement of making higher education accessible to all," Mantella said.

B. Donta Truss, vice president for Enrollment Development and Educational Outreach, said the Grand Valley Pledge aligns with the university's strategic enrollment management plan.

"GVSU educates learners to shape their lives and the Grand Valley Pledge ensures that many of these learners will not be left out," Truss said. "This is a great start to eliminating equity gaps at GVSU. By removing financial barriers to college, deserving students can enroll and be ready to start their path to a degree."

Michelle Rhodes, associate vice president for Financial Aid, said the Grand Valley Pledge is a wonderful opportunity for qualified students to invest in their futures. Rhodes added the program alleviates the complexities of filling out multiple financial aid forms. 

"We wanted to make it as simple as possible," Rhodes said. "Students who meet the financial criteria according to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will have their tuition covered for the four years they are at Grand Valley."

Questions about the Grand Valley Pledge can be directed to the Financial Aid Office at (800) 748-0246 or [email protected].