Support Student Financial Aid 

Federal financial aid is essential to ensuring students can access and complete their education. Each year, Michigan State University students receive over $400 million in federal financial aid, supporting thousands in pursuing their degrees and future careers.

Today, federal student aid programs—including Pell Grants, Parent PLUS and Grad PLUS loans—are facing serious threats. Proposed policy changes would reduce the amount of aid students can receive, limit access to affordable loans, alter repayment options, and impose harsher penalties for deferment or default. These changes would make college less accessible and more costly for those who can least afford it.

This funding directly impacts graduation rates, student retention, workforce and economic development, and medical and technological advancements:

• 81 percent of MSU students graduated in 2024, thanks in part to financial aid.
• 515,000 MSU alumni live across the U.S., with 296,000 residing in Michigan, contributing to our national and state economy and workforce.
• Federal aid is critical to ensuring today’s students become the next generation of leaders in high-impact fields, including:
  • Agriculture & Environmental Sciences (Farming and Agricultural Supports, Food Security, Sustainable Practices, etc.)
  • Engineering & Technology (Current and Future Engineering Needs, Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, etc.)
  • Health Professions & Biomedical Sciences (Doctors, Nurses, Public Health Experts, Medical Research, etc.)
  • Education & Social Sciences (Teachers, Counselors, Public Policy Experts, Community Development, etc.)
  • Expanding Opportunity Across All Fields (With over 400-degree programs, MSU graduates serve in countless industries that drive economic growth and innovation)
     

Without strong federal investment in student aid, the nation would face workforce shortages in critical industries, weaker economic development, and reduced capacity for scientific and technological advancements. Many of our alumni would not be in their current positions without this support. For today’s students, financial aid is the key to ensuring they graduate and strengthen our economy.
 

Make Your Voice Heard – Share Your Story

If you’ve received federal financial aid—whether as a current student or a graduate—the most powerful message you can send to Congress is your personal story.

• Did financial aid help you access college?
• Did it allow you to stay enrolled and graduate?
• How has your degree impacted your career and future?
   

Your story matters. Members of Congress need to hear directly from those who benefited from federal student aid and why it must continue for future generations.

Tell your representatives how financial aid shaped your education and career. 

Thank you for engaging in this effort. If you choose to share your story, we may follow up in the future if it can be of further use.

If your residency is outside of Michigan you can locate and message your member of congress at: congress.gov/members/find-your-member