A new path to CMU for Lansing-based students

In a signing ceremony this afternoon, Central Michigan University became the newest university partner to join the Lansing Promise, providing a new, lower-cost pathway to a college degree for Lansing-area students. 

Under the new partnership, eligible Lansing-based high school students are now eligible to receive significant scholarship support to pursue their CMU bachelor’s degree.  

“We are delighted to join the Lansing Promise in making degree attainment more accessible and affordable for students,” said Jennifer DeHaemers, vice president for Student Recruitment and Retention. “The Lansing Promise organization has done such outstanding work to support students in our capital city, and we’re excited to partner with them to further that important mission. While CMU continues to offer one of the state’s lowest undergraduate tuition rates, we know that every bit of funding helps students and their families manage the cost of degree attainment. This partnership will help more students achieve their academic, personal and professional goals, and is truly a boon for our state.”

Students who attend 9th through 12th grade in schools within the Lansing School District — and who live within the district’s boundaries during all four years — are eligible to receive a Lansing Promise Scholarship of up to $20,000 toward tuition and fees at CMU. 

Students who live and attend high school within the Lansing School District for at least one year are eligible for the Lansing Guarantee Scholarship of up to $10,000 toward their CMU tuition and fees. 

Students who are eligible for either Promise or Guarantee scholarships will also receive an additional $1,000 annually as part of the CMU Promise Scholars Award.

“We are thrilled to welcome Central Michigan University as a Lansing Promise partner and to give Lansing students another outstanding option for pursuing a college degree,” said Jayme A. King, executive director of Lansing Promise. “This partnership is about creating more opportunities and removing financial barriers so that students can choose the educational path that best fits their goals and will make a meaningful difference for Lansing students as they take the next step toward their future.”

Students must complete the annual Free Application for Federal Student Aid to receive any of the Lansing Promise Scholarships.

“As an Opportunity University, we’re committed to helping students and their families find affordable pathways to attend CMU,” DeHaemers said. “CMU is known for surrounding students with support and helping them achieve academic and career success, and that begins with helping them identify scholarships and aid programs that can help reduce the cost of attendance.” 

DeHaemers said that 16 CMU students have already been approved to receive the Lansing Promise scholarship this fall and expects more to join them in the future semesters.

Lansing-area students interested in learning more about CMU and the Lansing Promise scholarship may contact CMU’s Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid to determine their eligibility and learn more about the application process.