Michigan’s Tuition Incentive Program (TIP) encourages students who had Medicaid coverage during school years to finish high school and pursue college. Phase I supports eligible certificates and associate programs; Phase II may continue toward a bachelor’s degree. It is not a typical open scholarship application: MDHHS identifies students who meet coverage criteria and sends notice. Budget and college reporting affect payment.
The main coverage rule is 24 months of Michigan Medicaid within a 36-month period between age 9 and high-school completion. Students need current-year FAFSA, a diploma or equivalent before age 20 (exceptions apply to Early/Middle College and special-education programs), Michigan residency, eligible citizenship status, at least half-time enrollment, and SAP. Begin within four years after high school; Phase II requires a certificate, associate degree, or 56 transferable credits.
Phase I covers tuition and fees in an approved program up to the state’s published credit limit; Phase II has a general maximum of $2,000 in the 2026–27 manual. Actual aid depends on institution type, eligible tuition, other scholarships, and qualifying credits. Do not use an old per-term figure without checking the current manual and your college.
Look for an eligibility letter and check MiSSG; file FAFSA and list the participating college. If the benefit does not appear, contact Mi Student Aid before enrolling and ask it to verify Medicaid records with MDHHS. Coordinate Phase II with a transfer adviser once you have 56 credits or an associate degree; document certification and transfer timing before changing schools.
The eligibility letter matters, but the college must certify credits, program, and charges; an unapproved program is not covered simply because the school participates. Read the program profile and the administering office; ask your campus financial-aid office to review your individual file.
Tuition Incentive Program — Michigan Mi Student Aid.
2026–27 State Programs and Procedures Manual — Michigan Mi Student Aid.
Program Funding and Annual Reports — Michigan Mi Student Aid.
Information checked on October 13, 2026 against official sources. Cycles, funding, and deadlines can change each year. Where the 2026–27 deadline has passed, this is stated clearly; check the next application cycle and do not assume an award is automatic.
The eligibility letter matters, but the college must certify credits, program, and charges; an unapproved program is not covered simply because the school participates.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
Tuition Incentive Program (TIP)
Phase I covers eligible certificate/associate tuition and fees; Phase II supports a bachelor’s up to $2,000 under 2026–27 rules.
Public student financial-aid program
Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) — Mi Student Aid
The agency checks Medicaid history, FAFSA, age, residency, course load, SAP, and transition between Phase I and II.
Public student-aid administering office
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Michigan Mi Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Michigan Mi Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Michigan Mi Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
Michigan Mi Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Tuition Incentive Program (TIP) ↗
Primary source
Michigan Mi Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) — Mi Student Aid ↗
Primary source
Michigan Mi Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) — Mi Student Aid ↗
Primary source
Michigan Mi Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.