Eastern Tuition Advantage
3.0 GPA
< $60,000 Household Income or Pell Eligible
Free Tuition
What is the Eastern Tuition Advantage?
At Eastern Michigan University, we proudly embrace our unique mission and vision as an institution of opportunity. For more than a decade, we have offered a tuition-free education to high-performing students with lower family incomes. That pledge continues, now just under a new name. Our Eastern Tuition Advantage (ETA) program makes it easier to know if you qualify. The formula is simple: If you have a 3.0 GPA and an annual household income of less than $60,000 or are eligible for a federal Pell grant, you qualify for FREE undergraduate tuition.
How Do I Qualify?
- Apply to EMU as an incoming freshman
- Have a 3.0 GPA and a household income of less than $60,000 or eligibility for a federal Pell grant, as reported on the FAFSA
- Complete and file the FAFSA (deadline each March 15 for the following fall semester)
- Enroll at EMU as a full-time student
What’s The ETA On Your Future?
Your time is now. Income should not be a barrier to pursuing your dreams. With the Eastern Tuition Advantage program, your future begins today.
Frequently asked questions
- Who is eligible for the award? Expand dropdownIn addition to academic and financial need criteria, eligible students must be traditional (under the age of 21) first year students. This award is not available to graduate, transfer, international, or post-bachelor students.
- What does the award cover? Expand dropdownThe Eastern Tuition Advantage combines with a student’s federal grants (if applicable) to cover the cost of tuition up to 16 credit hours per semester for up to 8 consecutive fall/winter semesters.
- How is my household income determined? Expand dropdownHousehold income is determined by the information (Adjusted Gross Income) reported on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- What does the March 15 date refer to? Expand dropdownStudents must fill out the FAFSA by March 15 to be considered for the ETA the following fall semester. (For example, incoming students should fill out the FAFSA by March 15, 2024 in order to be eligible for the ETA for the Fall 2024 semester.
- Does the Eastern Tuition Advantage automatically renew? Expand dropdownTo receive and renew the Eastern Tuition Advantage, eligible students must enroll in a minimum of 15 credit hours each fall and winter semester and maintain a minimum 2.75 EMU cumulative GPA. Additionally, eligible students must file the FAFSA each year by April 1 and maintain a household income <$60,000 or Pell eligibility.
- What if my household income is more than $60,000 in future years? Expand dropdown
If corrections to the 2024-2025 FAFSA result in an increase in household income above $60,000 or loss of Pell eligibility, a student will no longer be eligible for the ETA. In this case, the student’s original Emerald Scholarship will be automatically reinstated, provided they meet Emerald Scholarship renewal requirements.
- Am I required to live on campus to receive the Eastern Tuition Advantage? Expand dropdownNo. Students are not required to live on campus to receive the award.
- Can I receive my Emerald Scholarship and the ETA? Expand dropdownNo, the ETA is only offered to students who were awarded the EMU Emerald Scholarship upon admission and meet the household income threshold. The ETA replaces a student's Emerald Scholarship.
- Can I receive ETA in the summer? Expand dropdownScholarship funding is available in fall and winter semesters only. It is not available for summer tuition.
- Can the ETA be combined with any other scholarships or aid? Expand dropdownOutside scholarships, departmental awards, and federal Direct student loans may be combined with the ETA as long as the other awards are not restricted to tuition only and/or are prohibited by federal student aid regulations.