GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — The University of Michigan is raising the bar for its “Go Blue Guarantee,” allowing more potential students to qualify for a tuition-free education.

Before, in-state students coming from a home with an annual income and assets below $75,000 could qualify for free tuition. Starting in the fall of 2025, the cutoff will be raised to $125,000.

“The Go Blue Guarantee breaks down economic barriers and ensures that a world-class education is available to Michigan students from all backgrounds, no matter their family’s economic means,” University President Santa J. Ono said in a statement.

“Having witnessed the initiative’s transformative impact, we’re proud to take this step to support a greater number of our state’s most promising students and reaffirm our commitment to affordability and equal opportunity.”

The Go Blue Guarantee was first launched in 2018 and has seen several changes over the years, raising the income threshold and now applying it to students on all three campuses — Ann Arbor, Dearborn and Flint.

According to the university, the change means nearly 2,200 current students will now qualify for aid.

Students on the Dearborn and Flint campuses need at least a 3.5 grade-point average to qualify. There is no GPA requirement for Ann Arbor students.

University officials say 63% of in-state undergraduate students and 43% of out-of-state undergrad students get some form of scholarship or grant aid. The university claims financial aid for Ann Arbor students has increased by more than 9% annually over the last decade.

Board Chair Katherine White echoed that sentiment in response to the announcement.

“As a state university, we have a responsibility to serve the people of Michigan and — given the many pressures of today’s economy — we want to ensure that working-class and middle-class Michiganders can send their children to this great university and benefit from all that it offers,” White stated.