As a public university, the University of Michigan is committed to attracting and retaining high-achieving students from our state. The Go Blue Guarantee is our commitment to keeping a world-class education affordable and accessible for all Michigan residents pursuing undergraduate study on all three U-M campuses. In 2023, the university expanded the Go Blue Guarantee criteria for in-state students to qualify for support, with the income threshold moving from $65,000 to $75,000 and the asset threshold moving from $50,000 to $75,000. This means that more qualified students will benefit from the guarantee of free tuition during their time at U-M.

The HAIL Scholarship, which was originally launched as part of a research study, was sunset in 2023.

In-state students who excel academically, see themselves thriving on our campus, and meet the eligibility requirements will still receive a commitment of financial support from the university through the Go Blue Guarantee.


FAQ

HAIL Scholarship Overview

What is the HAIL Scholarship?

The HAIL Scholarship provides full tuition and fees for four years of undergraduate study on the Ann Arbor campus. Most HAIL students obtain additional support for other costs like housing and meals by applying for financial aid.

Are there other costs I should be aware of that are not covered by the HAIL Scholarship?

Tuition is only one part of the cost of attending college; the overall cost of attendance is more. Most HAIL Scholars qualify for additional assistance to cover housing and other expenses. To ensure that they receive this additional financial assistance, students complete both the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the CSS Profile.

I’m a current U-M HAIL Scholar, will my scholarship be honored?

Yes, U-M will meet all commitments to current and incoming fall 2023 HAIL students, including the four years of full tuition and fees without requiring demonstrated need, through to graduation.

I’m an early middle college student who t was offered the HAIL Scholarship in 2022-2023, will the scholarship offer be honored?

Yes, students who were identified as HAIL eligible in 2022-2023 while participating in an early middle college program, who are currently completing their 13th year in that program, will also have their HAIL commitment honored if they are admitted to U-M for fall 2024. (In prior years, U-M has honored the HAIL commitment for 13th year early middle college students who were identified in their 12th year.)

I’m a UM-Dearborn or UM-Flint HAIL Scholar planning to transfer to UM-Ann Arbor, will my scholarship be honored? 

Yes, the Ann Arbor campus will honor the same commitment for any student who was offered the HAIL Scholarship, enrolled at UM-Flint or UM-Dearborn (in fall 2023 or prior), and transfers to the Ann Arbor campus.

Why did the university sunset the HAIL Scholarship? 

Sunsetting the HAIL Scholarship allows for consistency with the university financial aid policy, requiring that students demonstrate their need by completing the FAFSA and CSS Profile. This allows the university to ensure that our financial aid dollars are supporting the students who need them the most.

Creating Your Community on Campus

What opportunities are available to HAIL Scholars once they are on campus?

Connecting with other students through academic, co-curricular, and other groups at Michigan is an essential element of a U-M education and critical for all students’ success, including HAIL Scholars. To help facilitate these connections, first-year students who enroll at Michigan with a HAIL Scholarship are invited to a welcome reception early in the first semester. Students may also participate in the SuccessConnects peer-to-peer mentoring program led by the Office of Academic Multicultural Initiatives, and we strongly encourage this opportunity for academic support and mentorship. Students may also work with their academic advisor to select courses in the Comprehensive Studies Program, which provides academic, social, and personal support.

If I want to connect with other HAIL Scholars, how would I do so?

Current HAIL students have shared with us a desire to connect with one another. The university currently offers a HAIL reception for incoming students so that they can get to know one another. In addition, many HAIL students have found community with the First-Gens at Michigan student group. Yet Michigan students have many identities and can find meaningful connections to other students through the 1,600 student groups on campus.

What if I have questions about my classes, finances, or other aspects of becoming comfortable with college life?

All new students naturally undergo a period of adjustment to life at college. As part of our commitment to your success, we encourage all Michigan students to reach out and get answers to their questions or ask for help when they need it. Our academic success services make the best students better, and include Math Lab, Physics Help Room, Sweetland Center for Writing, the Science Learning Center, the Language Resource Center, and more. For guidance with finances, please contact Sondra Fonville ([email protected]) in the Office of Financial Aid.

Do I have to maintain a specific GPA in order to retain my HAIL Scholarship?

Like all Michigan students, HAIL Scholars are required to maintain 12 credits (full-time) and a GPA of 2.0 or higher to retain their scholarship.

How does the HAIL Scholarship work for classes I would like to take in spring or summer terms?

The HAIL Scholarship is not available for these terms. However, you may qualify for other aid. Please contact the Office of Financial Aid to learn more about available financial resources.

Does the HAIL Scholarship cover study abroad programs?

The scholarship can be used during any fall or winter semester when you are attending a UM-sponsored study abroad program. The value of the award is equivalent to the cost of UM-Ann Arbor tuition and fees. The HAIL Scholarship cannot be used for a spring or summer study abroad experience or for a non-UM program.


For More Information

Jody GoreStudents who are applying to the university and have not yet enrolled should contact Jody Gore ([email protected]) in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

 
 

SondraIf you have questions regarding the scholarship and other access to financial aid, please contact Sondra Fonville ([email protected]) in the Office of Financial Aid.