Michigan Indian Tuition Waiver (MITW)

The Michigan Indian Tuition Waiver is a state tuition waiver for eligible Native American students attending a Michigan public community college or university. It is not a cash scholarship and does not automatically cover housing, books, transportation, or other charges. Eligibility requires qualifying for admission to a state public institution, legal Michigan residency for at least 12 consecutive months at application, and enrolled citizenship in a federally recognized U.S. Tribe certified by the Tribe’s enrollment department.

The state page explains that the Tribe’s enrollment department certifies citizenship and the required genealogical calculation; a commercial blood test does not establish eligibility. For an initial application, complete the student form, attach a Tribal ID copy, and send the materials to the Tribal enrollment department for certification before MiLEAP reviews the file. Students already verified may request a transfer to another public institution under MiLEAP’s instructions.

The waiver applies to tuition under the law, not necessarily institutional fees; ask the college how it posts the waiver and which charges remain. State rules do not limit use by part-time status or degree level, though colleges still apply admission and general billing rules. FAFSA is not required for the waiver but may unlock other aid. For eligibility and timing, consult the state program and your Tribal Enrollment Department; gather documentation before the semester begins.

Who it serves and what it can cover: The Michigan Indian Tuition Waiver is a state tuition waiver for eligible Native American students attending a Michigan public community college or university. It is not a cash scholarship and does not automatically cover housing, books, transportation, or other charges. Eligibility requires qualifying for admission to a state public institution, legal Michigan residency for at least 12 consecutive months at application, and enrolled citizenship in a federally recognized U.S. Tribe certified by the Tribe’s enrollment department. The state page explains that the Tribe’s enrollment department certifies citizenship and the required genealogical calculation; a commercial blood test does not establish eligibility. For an initial application, complete the student form, attach a Tribal ID copy, and send the materials to the Tribal enrollment department for certification before MiLEAP reviews the file. Students already verified may request a transfer to another public institution under MiLEAP’s instructions.

How to apply or get help: The waiver applies to tuition under the law, not necessarily institutional fees; ask the college how it posts the waiver and which charges remain. State rules do not limit use by part-time status or degree level, though colleges still apply admission and general billing rules. FAFSA is not required for the waiver but may unlock other aid. For eligibility and timing, consult the state program and your Tribal Enrollment Department; gather documentation before the semester begins. For case-specific questions, contact the program or financial-aid office named on its official page.

Official application and program information