High sticker prices and a fear of debt may be prompting Michigan high school students to opt out of college. National data suggests getting a college degree is still worth it.
Isabel Lohman
Isabel Lohman reports on early childhood, K-12 and higher education for Bridge Michigan, tracking how policies made in Lansing affect students and educators. She has closely reported on literacy, absenteeism and special education. Isabel was a finalist for the Society of Professional Journalists Detroit's 2026 Young Journalist of the Year award. Before joining Bridge, she covered children's issues for the Knoxville News Sentinel in Tennessee, reporting on COVID-19 in schools and communities coping with gun violence.
Isabel grew up outside of Chicago and has a bachelor's degree from the University of Missouri. She moved to Ann Arbor in 2022.
Posted inMichigan Education Watch
Michigan students fell behind during COVID. Their recovery lags other states
New research finds Michigan students have been slower to recover from pandemic learning losses than peers in most other states.
Posted inMichigan Politics Watch
Michigan’s $23B education deal: Free community college for all, pre-K for many
Michigan Democrats cap a 19-hour marathon session with approval of an education budget they say will put money back into classrooms. Some school groups opposed the plan, along with all Republicans.
Posted inMichigan Politics Watch
Michigan budget deal in limbo as schools blast plan, warn of layoffs
Will Michigan leaders pass an education budget deal Wednesday? School groups say a budget deal will harm schools and lead to layoffs.
Posted inMichigan Politics Watch
The $670 million question blocking a Michigan budget deal
Should $670 million in retiree health care savings go directly to schools, teachers or the state? A disagreement among Democrats has slowed a Michigan budget deal as lawmakers prepare for summer recess.
Posted inMichigan Politics Watch
Private preschools fear cuts, closures under ‘gut punch’ Michigan plans
As Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer pushes free preschool for all, private providers are worried that state House and Senate plans could force them to close instead of expand service.
Posted inMichigan Education Watch
FAFSA filings down at Michigan universities. Will enrollment follow?
Fewer Michigan students have applied for aid after the federal government’s botched FAFSA rollout. University officials say they are still ‘cautiously optimistic’ about enrollment.
Posted inMichigan Education Watch
Feds: Michigan failed students in special education during COVID. What's next?
Michigan students who receive special education services could be in line for more COVID-19 make-up help after a federal investigation found the state failed to ensure they received an “appropriate” education.
Posted inMichigan Education Watch
Wayne State University police dismantle encampment; 12 arrested
Wayne State police moved in to clear the encampment at 5:30 a.m. Thursday. Twelve people were arrested. Protesters continued demonstrating on a street nearby.
Posted inMichigan Education Watch
More students graduating in four years from Michigan public universities
While universities have struggled with enrollment in recent years, there’s a glimmer of hope: More students are completing their degrees or certificates within four years.
