Wayne State opens free tuition program to transfers

• It covers full tuition and standard fees for eligible Michigan residents with a household income of $80,000 or less and assets of $50,000 or less.

Driving the news: For transfer students, the guarantee will cover costs for two years of full-time study for transfer students.

First-time students who qualify are eligible for up to four years of tuition.

Follow the money: A combination of federal, state and other Wayne State scholarships and grants cover the costs.

Who qualifies: In addition to household earnings thresholds, students must have at least a 3.25 GPA and qualify for the Michigan Achievement Scholarship — a college aid program for recent grads, which is based on financial need and requires filing the FAFSA.

By the numbers: About 75% of Wayne State's 1,370 new transfer students last year came from community colleges, and nearly half are first-generation college students.