More Michigan Students Seek, Get Federal Aid

DETROIT (AP) - More Michigan residents are seeking and getting federal financial aid to help pay for the cost of higher education.

The Detroit Free Press reports the number of Free Application for Federal Student Aid forms filled out by Michigan residents rose 53 percent to more than 300,000 between the 2008-09 school year and the 2011-12 school year.

Experts say the increase is due to the state's weak economy and a push to get students to apply for federal money.

A nationwide event was Sunday to get students to complete applications.

Michigan residents increased the amount of federal Pell Grants they are receiving by 188 percent between the 2004-05 school year and the 2009-10 school year. Michigan residents received more than $1.1 billion in Pell Grants in the 2009-10 school year.

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