Detroit school district revisits idea of making FAFSA completion a graduation requirement

March 13, 2026

The Detroit Public Schools Community District is contemplating a new graduation requirement that would mandate students apply for federal student aid through FAFSA, though multiple exemptions would be available for students with privacy concerns or other issues. This policy shift comes after the district previously opposed a similar statewide mandate in 2024, but board members are now reconsidering due to access to state grants worth over a million dollars annually that require FAFSA completion as a prerequisite. The funding would support college access programs including counseling staff, seminars, and financial incentives for students.

Who is affected

Detroit Public Schools Community District students, particularly the class of 2027 and beyond
DPSCD parents and legal guardians who would need to sign waivers
Vulnerable student populations with privacy concerns (including those concerned about sharing immigration status and gender identity)
District college counselors and administrative staff
DPSCD board members and Superintendent Nikolai Vitti
Students across Michigan (43% of high school seniors statewide)

What action is being taken

The DPSCD board is considering (but has not yet voted on) a proposed policy requiring FAFSA completion for graduation
Board members are reviewing exemption options including waivers for students who don't want to complete FAFSA
The district is evaluating applying for state grant funding

Why it matters

This policy matters because FAFSA completion determines student eligibility for federal grants, loans, work-study scholarships, and in many cases state and private aid, as well as Michigan university tuition assistance programs. The state grant funding of over a million dollars would allow the district to invest in college access initiatives, staff salaries, and support programs that help students pursue higher education or work-study opportunities. Additionally, this represents a significant reversal from the district's previous opposition to mandatory FAFSA requirements, balancing financial opportunity against concerns about creating graduation barriers for a district that has recently improved its graduation rates.

What's next

The DPSCD board will vote on the proposed policy
If approved, the policy would be implemented for the class of 2027
The district could apply for the state grant for the next school year

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com