Public college remains out of financial reach for many students in the Great Lakes region, according to a new analysis from the National College Attainment Network (NCAN).
The group’s annual Affordability Gap study, which looks at 2023-24 data, found that gaps widened nationally at both community colleges and public bachelor’s-granting institutions. NCAN examined 570 community colleges and 542 public four-year schools. It found 32% of the four-year institutions and 42% of the community colleges were affordable for low- and moderate-income students. The average gap was $1,801 at four-year schools and $1,228 at community colleges.
NCAN’s measure compares an institution’s total price, plus $300 for emergencies, against what a student could cover through grants, federal loans, work-study, an estimated family contribution and three months of minimum-wage summer work.
A companion Midwest spotlight compares Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin. Four of the six states had average four-year gaps above the national figure: Ohio ($4,680), Wisconsin ($3,052), Indiana ($2,941) and Minnesota ($2,224). Michigan’s average gap, $1,218, was the region’s smallest. Illinois was the only state where the average four-year institution was affordable, by a $774 margin.
At community colleges, gaps were largest in Illinois ($2,171) and Wisconsin ($2,157), followed by Minnesota ($1,348) and Ohio ($1,134). Michigan’s average community college was affordable by $130, and 52% of its community colleges met NCAN’s standard.
NCAN pointed to the region’s heavy reliance on tuition revenue. Net tuition makes up 48% of public higher education funding in the Midwest, compared with 38% nationally. The share is highest in Indiana (63%), Michigan (60%) and Ohio (55%). In Illinois, it is 26.2%.
State policy choices shaped the results. Illinois’ Monetary Award Program grew sharply in fiscal years 2023 and 2024, but demand has outpaced funding, and the maximum award was cut 4% to $8,064 for the next two academic years. Michigan expanded its Reconnect program and increased funding for the Michigan Achievement Scholarship and Community College Guarantee by $232 million.
Elsewhere, aid has stalled or tuition has climbed. Indiana has frozen tuition through 2026-27, but its main need-based grant has held at $167.7 million since fiscal 2021. NCAN said flat funding amounts to a cut as living costs rise. Minnesota faces a projected $131 million shortfall in its State Grant program for 2026-27, and trustees approved an average 6.25% tuition increase for fall 2026. Wisconsin boosted funding for its grant program and the University of Wisconsin System, but approved a 2% tuition increase for 2026-27 after a nearly decade-long freeze. Its Tuition Promise program was available in 2023 and 2025 but not in 2024 or 2026.
Nationally, living expenses made up a larger share of the cost of attendance than tuition and fees, on average, in 2023-24. Gaps persisted despite a $500 increase in the maximum Pell Grant, to $7,395, where it has stayed level since.
NCAN said closing the gaps will take coordinated action from federal and state policymakers. It warned that state education budgets will face added pressure from recent cuts to SNAP and Medicaid.
