University of Toledo offers tuition break to Michigan students

TOLEDO, Ohio — Michigan educators are weighing in on the University of Toledo’s efforts to expand enrollment in Michigan.

It’s through a new initiative announced last month that will offer new Michigan undergraduate students a scholarship to cover out-of-state tuition.

The initiative covers nearly $5,000 of surcharges each semester starting next fall.

The move expands the offer to not just students in Monroe County, but the whole state of Michigan. WTOL 11 caught up with a pair of Michigan-based educators to see if they think this initiative can help spur enrollment for Toledo.

“Colleges have to really think about how they are talking to students about what they have to offer, and one of those talking points is money,” said Jessica Shultz, the principal at Carlson High School in Gibraltar.

With enrollment down more than 35% since 2010, the University of Toledo is looking to expand its pipelines north of the border in Michigan. Beginning next year, all new undergraduate students from Michigan will save nearly $5,000 and receive in-state tuition pricing.

“I think it’s a great idea and it’s a great concept. If you’re struggling with enrollment like most four-year universities are — you know, if you’re looking for ways to boost that — giving financial scholarships and opportunities for people to pay the same in-state tuition is probably a great first step,” said Carl Shultz, superintendent for Bedford Public Schools.

Superintendent Shultz stated Monroe County and the university have had a reciprocal tuition agreement for about seven years — but he sees this initiative as mutually beneficial for all sides.

“All else equal, it’s a great location, and I find many of our students are actually living on campus in Toledo and adding to the culture of the community,” said Carl Shultz.

However, not all Michigan districts close to Toledo have had that agreement. About a half-hour up the road in southern Wayne County, Principal Jessica Shultz said out-of-state tuition costs are top of mind.

“We hear from our students that, you know, finances are one of the top things that they’re thinking about — how much money do I get from a school, how much is this going to cost for my family,” said Principal Shultz.

She stated that the University of Toledo recruitment has been limited because students faced out-of-state tuition, and the enrollment numbers at her high school tell the story: out of an average graduating class of 250, zero students went in 2022, ten students in 2023, 15 in 2024, and so far just five this year, despite UToledo being only 35 miles south.

“It all comes down to the money. So, if I can afford to go, I’m going to go. It’s not that far for our family. So I think it has the potential to be really, really powerful for both sides,” said Jessica Shultz.