Your TIP Eligibility Checklist
If you or your family received Medicaid for at least 24 months within a 36-month period between the ages of 9 and high school graduation, you are likely eligible for the Tuition Incentive Program (TIP) from the State of Michigan that will help pay toward your college tuition. That aid could be worth about $28,000 for students who meet the criteria.
3-Steps to Determine If You Qualify
Because of state privacy laws, NMU cannot award TIP until you complete these steps. If you aren’t sure, follow this exact order:
- Step 1: Check your status on MiSSG
Log into your Michigan Student Scholarships and Grants portal at michigan.gov/missg or call 1-888-447-2687 to confirm your TIP eligibility.
- Step 2: File your FAFSA and list NMU FIRST
Submit your FAFSA at fafsa.gov. Crucial Rule: The State of Michigan will only notify the first in-state college listed on your FAFSA about your TIP status. Make sure Northern Michigan University (Code: 002301) is in that #1 spot!
- Step 3: Talk to our Financial Aid Office
Apply to NMU. Once you’re accepted, talk to our Financial Aid team about other potential scholarships you may be eligible for – you might be surprised at what’s available for you!
NMU supports TIP-eligible students throughout their educational journey. With laptops for every student and access to our affordable health center included in your cost of attendance, we work to make your college experience barrier-free at every stage.
Most 4-year public universities only cover TIP Phase II, which is far less funding, but NMU is one of the few universities that accepts BOTH Phase I and Phase II.
What Is TIP Worth at NMU?
NMU offers a seamless pathway that can potentially turn your TIP benefits, federal grants, and state scholarships into possibly $0 out-of-pocket tuition for your first two years.
- TIP Phase I can cover up to 100% of lower-level resident tuition and up to $450 per semester in mandatory fees. To activate it, enroll in one of NMU’s Associate Degree or Certificate tracks (taking at least 6 credits/semester). *Certificate programs must be a minimum of 24 credits total. TIP-eligible students must enroll and begin using TIP within 4 years of high school graduation.
- TIP Phase II covers up to $500 per semester (maximum of $2,000 total) to help cover your remaining Bachelor's degree credits. TIP Phase II begins once you earn your Associate’s Degree or a minimum of 56 credits. At that time, you can transition directly into a Bachelor’s Degree track.
Questions? We’re here to help.