Wayne State University and nine other Michigan public universities this week announced a bold initiative to help students realize their full educational potential. Beginning this fall, participating universities in the Michigan Assured Admission Pact (MAAP) will admit Michigan high school graduates who have earned a cumulative high school GPA of 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale).

Wayne State will work with the other institutions to promote the initiative to high school students, parents, secondary school partners and college access organizations throughout the state. The following universities have joined Wayne State for the MAAP for the fall 2024 admission cycle: Central Michigan University, Eastern Michigan University, Ferris State University, Lake Superior State University, Northern Michigan University, Oakland University, Saginaw Valley State University, University of Michigan-Dearborn and University of Michigan-Flint.

“Wayne State is proud of its commitment to remove barriers and provide access to an excellent and affordable college education,” said WSU President Kimberly Andrews Espy, Ph.D. “The MAAP helps demystify the college admissions process, which for many students and families can be stressful and difficult to navigate. We are providing a clear roadmap for students and hope this will help them concentrate on enjoying their senior year of high school and spending less time fretting over their college applications.”

Along with the Wayne State Guarantee, which provides zero out-of-pocket expenses for students who are eligible for the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, the MAAP strengthens Wayne State’s commitment to achieving Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s goal of 60% postsecondary attainment by 2030.

“Our future depends on helping young people graduate without debt so they can get a good-paying job and ‘make it’ in Michigan,” said Gov. Whitmer. “The MAAP is proof of what’s possible when we come together to create opportunity for tens of thousands of Michiganders. In tandem with the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, we are lowering costs, building a skilled workforce, and leading the future of advanced manufacturing, technology and so many other industries.”

According to the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education, the number of high school graduates in Michigan is expected to decline by 11.4% from 2022 to 2037. While many states are now approaching the so-called “enrollment cliff,” the number of high school graduates in Michigan has been flat or declining since 2008, when it peaked at over 123,000. By 2037, that number is expected to have decreased by nearly 40,000 graduates.

At the same time, Michigan high school graduates are less likely to pursue higher education than in previous years. The college-going rate among the state’s high school graduates has declined each year from 2013 (65.8%) to 2022 (52.8%).

“Higher education is the surest path to prosperity for our state and its residents, yet college enrollment has been declining each year over the past decade,” said Daniel J. Hurley, chief executive officer of the Michigan Association of State Universities. “MAAP aims to counter this trend by assuring that every high school graduate in Michigan with a 3.0 or higher will be admitted to all 10 participating public universities across the state. Combined with the new Michigan Achievement Scholarship, this collaborative effort will send a powerful message that a public university education in Michigan is more accessible than ever.”