Oakland University becomes full partner in Detroit Promise program

Oakland University becomes full partner in Detroit Promise program
Oakland University is now a full partner in the Detroit Promise scholarship program.

Oakland University’s Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost James P. Lentini and representatives of the Detroit Regional Chamber and the Michigan Education Excellence Foundation have formally signed an agreement that will make the university a full partner in the Detroit Promise scholarship program.

Being a full partner in this program means that there is no limit to the number of students who can be admitted to Oakland who meet the eligibility criteria.

"The Detroit Promise program has benefited so many students beginning their journey towards a four-year college education,” said Oakland University President Ora Hirsch Pescovitz, M.D. “With today’s agreement, OU is expanding its role exponentially and helping even more students who seek knowledge as they take the first steps toward their future careers.”

The Detroit Promise covers tuition costs not covered by grants and other scholarships. The program was initiated by Gov. Rick Snyder to ensure residents of Detroit graduating from public, private, charter, parochial, or home school high schools in the city have a tuition-free path to earning a degree at a state university.

To be eligible, students must attend schools in Detroit all four years of high school, reside in the city of Detroit from 9th grade through 12th grade, graduate with a 3.0 GPA or higher and have an ACT score of 21 or better or score 1060 or better on the SAT. They must register for the Detroit Promise by May 1 and be admitted to a participating school.

 “I am so pleased that Oakland University is expanding its commitment to creating opportunity for Detroiters by becoming a full partner in the Detroit Promise,” said Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan. “Now, any Detroit High School student who keeps their grades up and scores high enough on their ACT can get four years of tuition free education at another great local university.”

Since 2016, the Detroit Promise has helped 270 students attend four-year universities.

Oakland had offered a limited number of spots since 2016, but will now be able to accommodate more high school students from the 2018 graduating class because of expanded partnership.

“Being a full partner in the Detroit Promise demonstrates Oakland University’s ongoing commitment to make higher education access and a path to success available to Detroit high school students,” added Dawn Aubry, Director of Undergraduate Admissions. “This is an important step forward for Oakland University and complements our other merit and need-based financial aid opportunities such as the Golden Grizzly Guarantee.”

To learn more about Oakland University, visit the Admissions page.