Obama to address college affordability in University of Michigan speech

Obama will speak at the U-M Al Glick Field House on Friday. A source familiar with the plan told AnnArbor.com that the speech is expected to take place at around 9:30 a.m.

U-M President Mary Sue Coleman said Monday that while the school has been talking to the White House, the event had not been officially confirmed until later in the day.

She issued this statement: "We look forward to again welcoming President Obama to the University of Michigan. As a public research university, we share his commitment to a strong future for our state and our nation. We are particularly honored that he will visit following his State of the Union address."

Recently, Coleman sent a letter to Obama asking him to prioritize funding for public universities.

"Higher education is a public good currently lacking public support," Coleman wrote in the letter. "There is no stronger trigger for rising costs at public universities and colleges than declining state support."

The president's visit will come three days after his State of the Union address on Tuesday, when he is expected to focus on the U.S. economy. His speech will feature the themes of manufacturing, clean energy, education and American values, the AP reported.

In addition to his Ann Arbor stop, Obama will promote his ideas in four other states key to his re-election bid: Iowa, Arizona, Nevada and Colorado.

The Ann Arbor event will be Obama's second speech at the university since assuming office. Obama gave a May 2010 commencement speech at the Big House.

Related coverage:

• Obama scheduled to speak at University of Michigan on Friday
• Instant analysis: Obama's second visit to Ann Arbor shows he's 'not taking Michigan for granted'
• Dingell chimes in on Obama's planned visit to Ann Arbor
• State of Union: Obama to take on economic anxiety

The Associated Press contributed to this report.