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Spartan Advantage replaces loans for some Michigan students

Contact: Richard Eddington-Shipman, Office of Financial Aid, (517) 353-5940, shipmanr@msu.edu; or Kristin K. Anderson, University Relations, (517) 353-8819, ander284@msu.edu

Michigan State University has introduced the Spartan Advantage, a program ensuring grant aid and work study to eliminate loans for the neediest Michigan students enrolling at the university this fall.

To be eligible for the Spartan Advantage, the student must be a first-time incoming freshman from Michigan, enrolled full time in a baccalaureate program, eligible for federal Pell grants and have a total family income at or below the federal poverty level ($20,000 for 2006).

“The gap between education costs and resources has been growing over the past many years. Despite tight economic times, MSU has continued its tradition of ensuring success by increasing grant aid to ensure the neediest student admitted to State can afford to come,” says Richard Eddington-Shipman, director of financial aid. “The Spartan Advantage makes it possible for those students to earn their degrees without incurring debt.”

The MSU Board of Trustees recently approved the program which ensures funding equal to the average tuition, fees, room and board, and books.

For more information, see newsroom.msu.edu/site/indexer/2815/content.htm