Low-income students in Michigan are most successful at independent, nonprofit colleges and universities

Graduates who had Pell Grants in college in Michigan complete a degree or certificate within 4 years at a higher rate at independent, nonprofit colleges & universities than at other institutions in the state.

Independent colleges and universities work to ensure success for all students, regardless of their family income. Low-income students, those with Pell Grants, often have lower graduation rates than students without Pell Grants. But this is not the case at independent colleges and universities.

Overall, in Michigan, 70% of Pell students who complete a degree or certificate do so within 4 years. But this rate differs by institution type. For Michigan’s public universities, 64% of graduates with Pell complete within 4 years. At community colleges the rate is 73%. For independent non-profit colleges and universities, the 4-year completion rate for Pell graduates is 80%.

Not only is the 4-year completion rate higher for graduates with Pell at independent colleges in Michigan but graduates with Pell complete in 4 years at the same rate as their non-Pell counterparts at independent institutions.

If you have any questions or would like further information, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Please contact MICU for further information or questions. ccesaro@micolleges.org