Reasons to Complete Your Degree at a 4-Year University — and How to Do it at UM-Dearborn!
July 6, 2021
Getting to the finish line with a bachelor’s degree opens a world of opportunities
If you’re enrolled at a community college pursuing your associate degree, congrats! You’ve already taken the first step toward achieving educational goals that will set you up for success along your career path. We’re here to say: Keep going!
A bachelor’s degree is one of the best investments you can make for a successful future. It gives you a leg up on other job candidates, provides an opportunity to earn higher wages, prepares you for leadership roles and the list goes on.
This year, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer set a goal for 60% of working-age Michiganders to hold a skill certificate or college degree by 2030. In an effort to support the Sixty by 30 goal, University of Michigan-Dearborn has developed a scholarship program designed specifically for transfer students just like you who are looking to grow an associate into a bachelor’s degree.
Focus on the Finish, was launched in February 2021 with the specific needs of transfer students in mind. Yes, at its core, Focus on the Finish is a scholarship program intended to lift some of the financial burden that often causes students to press pause on their college experience — qualifying students are guaranteed to earn 60% of tuition funded with a 3.5 transfer GPA or higher and 30% of tuition funded with a 3.49 transfer GPA or below — the benefits of the program are threefold.
At UM-Dearborn, we know that many of our transfer students are a determined group. Many are juggling full or part-time jobs as they work toward earning their degree. That’s why Focus on the Finish is eligible to students who choose to be enrolled part-time. This allows you to focus less on juggling school and work and more on, well, finishing your degree!
Students who qualify for the Focus on the Finish program are also well equipped with academic and financial aid advising for support throughout your time at UM-Dearborn. And because earning your degree is just the first step in your career journey, Focus on the Finish offers built-in career development support to set you up for success past graduation. Sure, we want students to earn their bachelor’s degree, but we also want you to thrive in the workforce, too!
But Wait — There's More!
University of Michigan's landmark scholarship program, the Go Blue Guarantee, is now eligible for Dearborn Wolverines. If you're a full-time, in-state transfer students with an incoming GPA of 3.5 or higher and a family income of $65,000 or less, you may qualify for up to four semesters of free tuition. This offers an opportunity for all students to Go Blue! and earn the esteemed Michigan degree no matter your financial standing. Go Blue — Go Dearborn!