@Corbett , I agree with you about the other states, but all of those states have rising numbers of HS graduates and significantly higher per student state aid. Michigan loses a lot more on every in-state student. The UC system has been stressed beyond the breaking point and is overloaded ; it takes 5 years to graduate for many students because spots are not available in required classes. Michigan has chosen to keep the average tuition higher both by enrolling more full pay and OOS students; that gives it the leeway to indulge in target programs for lower income families.