Ferris State University is among 10 of Michigan’s 15 public universities today announcing a bold new initiative to greatly streamline the college admissions process, boost enrollment and help students realize their full educational potential.

Beginning this fall, universities participating in the Michigan Assured Admission Pact will admit Michigan high school graduates who have earned a cumulative high school grade point average of 3.0 or above (on a 4.0 scale).

The institutions will work together to promote the initiative to high school students, parents, secondary school partners, and college access organizations throughout the state.

Ferris State is the only public university in West Michigan participating in the program. Other participating universities are: Central Michigan University, Eastern Michigan University, Lake Superior State University, Northern Michigan University, Oakland University, Saginaw Valley State University, University of Michigan-Dearborn, University of Michigan-Flint, and Wayne State University.

MAAP universities believe a uniform and widely communicated standard for admission will reduce the uncertainty and anxiety that are often part of the college admissions process and empower students to achieve their educational goals.

MAAP is a cooperative, cross-institutional effort aimed at increasing awareness of educational options among recent high school graduates and making the admissions process more efficient and transparent.

This initiative is aligned with the State of Michigan’s goal to have 60 percent of working-age adults possess a college degree or other post-secondary credential 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,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said. “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.”

“Strengthening Michigan’s talent pipeline to meet the needs of a transitioning economy is a key Business Leaders for Michigan priority,” said Jeff Donofrio, president and chief executive officer of Business Leaders for Michigan. “The new MAAP initiative advances this goal by assuring admission to universities across the state for qualified students. It opens the doors of educational opportunity to more young people and creates pathways to the high-skill, high-wage careers that will help us build a strong foundation for Michigan’s future economic success.”

According to the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education, the number of high school graduates in Michigan is expected to decline by 11.4 percent from 2022 to 2037. While many states are just 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 percent) to 2022 (52.8 percent).

“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 ten 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 before.”

Visit the Ferris State Assured Admissions page and MAAP.org to learn more about the Michigan Assured Admission Program.