Spartan Advantage Program (SPAD)
What is the MSU Spartan Advantage Program?
The MSU Spartan Advantage Program (SPAD) is an MSU-funded program that reduces the educational loan debt of our neediest Michigan students. Institutional funds supplement other non-loan forms of financial assistance a student receives so that the average costs of tuition, fees, room, board, and books are covered.
What is included?
Eligible students receive sufficient grants, scholarships, and work study funds to cover the average cost of tuition and fees, room and board, and books. Actual charges for a particular student can vary. See our costs page for more about average vs. actual costs.
The MSU Spartan Advantage Program covers
- average costs for tuition and fees at 15 credits per term during the academic year and 12 credits for summer
- average room and board based on the cost of a standard double occupancy residence hall room and 20 meal plan
- average estimated cost of books and course materials
Students with documented needs for course materials in excess of this standard amount should contact the Office of Financial Aid (OFA) for additional grant funds.
Note: Because work study is part of your award and you will be paid every two weeks, you might want to consider a Short Term Loan to cover the purchase of books at the beginning of the semester. You can repay the loan out of your earnings.
What is not included?
Funds for personal spending are not included. Students can meet these costs through additional work, savings, funds from family, or through low cost federal loans. The Office of Financial Aid will be happy to assist any student who needs help in reviewing available options for acquiring funds for these personal expenses.
What are the eligibility requirements?
- Michigan resident
- Pell Grant eligible
- Total income below the federally established poverty guidelines
Total income consists of taxed and untaxed income reported on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). For dependent students, this will be parent income; for independent students, this will be the student's own income. - Full time enrollment in a program leading to a first undergraduate degree
Eligibility ends when you have taken the total number of credits required for that degree. If you have extenuating circumstances, you may appeals to the Office of Financial Aid for additional semesters of eligibility.
How to Apply
- File the FAFSA
- Be admitted to MSU in an eligible program
- There is no separate application form for the Spartan Advantage.
OFA will make the award if you are eligible and it will appear on your award notice. - Awards will be renewable each year for students who continue to meet the eligibility requirements.
From MSU President Lou Anna K. Simon, 7/17/06:
"Offering access to world-class opportunities for success is an important part of the value of an MSU education, and 'the Spartan Advantage' program is a beacon for those Michigan students with the greatest financial need who want the benefits of a world-class education. We define value as a synergy between affordability and quality. Since about half of our students receive some kind of financial aid, we're really excited about the Spartan Advantage, a bold step to reduce the amount of debt our neediest students will accumulate during their time here."
