University of Michigan Shifts Funding from DEI to Free Tuition Program

The university more than doubled financial aid through the Go Blue Guarantee, awarding nearly $56 million to over 6,300 students.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 1:11pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a stack of textbooks and a graduation cap repeated in a tight grid pattern, conceptually representing the university's efforts to make higher education more accessible through its expanded tuition assistance program.The University of Michigan's shift in funding from diversity initiatives to its free tuition program aims to make higher education more accessible and affordable for students across the state.Flint Today

The University of Michigan has more than doubled the financial aid it awarded this year to students through its tuition-free Go Blue Guarantee program, after shutting down its multimillion-dollar DEI initiative a year ago. The Go Blue Guarantee awarded an estimated $55.97 million to 6,387 students across the Ann Arbor, Dearborn and Flint campuses in 2026, up from $26.25 million to 3,786 students in 2025.

Why it matters

The shift in funding from the DEI initiative to the Go Blue Guarantee program reflects the university's focus on increasing economic diversity and access to higher education, particularly for students from lower-income families. This move aligns with the university's goal of making education more affordable and accessible.

The details

After shutting down its eight-year-old DEI initiative that employed 163 full-time staff and cost about $15 million annually, the University of Michigan has redirected the majority of those funds into expanding the Go Blue Guarantee program. This program provides free tuition to students from families with incomes up to $125,000. In addition to tuition, the university is now also covering the full cost of attendance, including housing, for students enrolled in teacher preparation, nursing and social work programs.

  • In 2025, the Go Blue Guarantee awarded $26.25 million to 3,786 students.
  • In 2026, the Go Blue Guarantee awarded an estimated $55.97 million to 6,387 students.

The players

University of Michigan

A public research university located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, with additional campuses in Dearborn and Flint.

Mark Bernstein

The chair of the University of Michigan Board of Regents.

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What they’re saying

“The millions of dollars invested in the DEI initiative, 'was refocused on the students, and the expansion of the Go Blue Guarantee is clearly a result of that refocus.'”

— Mark Bernstein, Chair, University of Michigan Board of Regents

What’s next

The University of Michigan plans to continue supporting key student spaces, such as the Trotter Multicultural Center and the Spectrum Center, as well as cultural events like MLK Day and Powwow celebrations.

The takeaway

The University of Michigan's decision to shift funding from its DEI initiative to the expanded Go Blue Guarantee program demonstrates the institution's commitment to increasing access and affordability for students, particularly those from lower-income backgrounds. This move aligns with the university's goal of promoting economic diversity and ensuring higher education remains within reach for more Michigan families.