Michigan Senate Bill SB0720

Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/14/24
• Refer: 2/14/24

Caption

Higher education: financial aid; certain requirements pertaining to tuition grants; modify. Amends title & secs. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6 of 1966 PA 313 (MCL 390.991 et seq.).

Impact

If enacted, SB 720 will significantly influence the administration of tuition grants within the state. The Michigan higher education assistance authority will be tasked with administering these grants, with an emphasis on prioritizing full-time students. The bill also places restrictions on the types of programs eligible for funding, explicitly excluding theological and religious education programs from receiving financial aid. This shift may lead to increased enrollment in eligible institutions that focus on skilled trades, potentially addressing workforce shortages in these areas.

Summary

Senate Bill 720 aims to amend the 1966 PA 313, which establishes tuition grants for resident students attending independent nonprofit institutions of higher learning in Michigan. The bill redefines the eligibility criteria for educational institutions and expands the scope to include certain nonprofit institutions that offer career-oriented skilled trades instruction in maritime trades. The goal is to foster higher education among residents by providing financial support to eligible students attending these institutions.

Contention

A notable aspect of SB 720 is the financial evaluation criterion used to determine the grant amount for eligible students. The bill stipulates that the grants should not exceed the reported tuition and fees of the institutions, and in cases where funds are limited, a maximum grant level will be established. This raises concerns among advocates about whether the available funding will adequately meet the needs of all qualified applicants, especially in the wake of rising tuition costs across educational institutions.