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Police Officer's and Fire Fighter's Survivor Tuition Grant

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Police Officer's and Fire Fighter's Survivor Tuition Grant

The Police Officer’s and Fire Fighter’s Survivor Tuition Grant (STG) provides for the waiver of tuition at a Michigan community college or public university for the natural or adopted children and surviving spouses of Michigan police officers and fire fighters killed in the line of duty.

Eligibility

  • File a current-year Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
  • Complete the initial STG application (one time only).
  • Be certified by the financial aid officer of the participating institution that the STG waiver is needed to meet tuition expenses.
  • Be the natural or adopted child or surviving spouse of a police officer or fire fighter killed in the line of duty.
  • A child must have been younger than age 21 at the time of the police officer’s or fire fighter’s death and apply for the Survivor Tuition Grant prior to age 26.
  • Be an undergraduate student.
  • Meet institution’s Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy.
  • Not have a bachelor’s degree.
  • Enroll at least half-time at a participating institution in a program of study leading to a certificate or degree.
  • Be a Michigan resident for 12 months prior to program application and a Michigan resident since July 1 of the previous calendar year.
    • If you are a dependent student, the contributor(s) on your FAFSA must also be a Michigan resident.
    • This will be confirmed based on your FAFSA.
  • Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or approved refugee.
  • Possess a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent
  • Not be in default on a Federal student loan.

Application Process

An initial application is required and can be completed through the MiSSG Student Portal.

  • 2026-27 Application Deadline: June 30, 2027
  • 2027-28 Application Deadline: June 30, 2028

The person applying must be the spouse or child (natural or adopted), of a deceased Michigan police officer or fire fighter, who was killed in the line of duty. A child must be less than age 21 at the time of the police officer’s or fire fighter’s death. Eligible students must apply for the first time before the age of 26.

In addition to the STG application, the following must also be submitted:

  • Applicant’s (child’s) birth certificate (must list police officer’s or fire fighter’s name as a parent).
  • Applicant’s (surviving spouse) marriage certificate.
  • Police officer’s or fire fighter’s death certificate.
  • Applicants must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Awards are based on the first Michigan college choice listed on the FAFSA. Students are responsible for notifying MI Student Aid of a change in their college choice. This can be done through the MiSSG Student Portal or by calling 888-447-2687.

MI Student Aid shall determine if the applicant is eligible for a tuition waiver based upon the application and supporting documentation submitted by the applicant.

Renewal Requirements

In addition to the initial eligibility requirements, to renew, a student must:

  • File a current year Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
  • Maintain Michigan residency.
  • Be an undergraduate student.
  • Not have a bachelor’s degree.
  • Enroll at least half-time at a participating institution in a program of study leading to a degree or certificate.
    • Note: If you drop below the required enrollment levels, you should contact the financial aid office at your institution to discuss how your status change impacts your specific aid. 
  • Meet institution’s Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).

Program Limits

Program eligibility ends when a student has received a bachelor’s degree or after completing the equivalent of nine (9) semesters or 14 terms (124 semester hours or 180 term hours), whichever occurs first.

Future awards are subject to available and approved funding.

Participating Institutions

Michigan public degree-granting community college or public university.

Award Amount

The eligible college or university may waive tuition only for courses applicable toward a certificate or degree in which the applicant is enrolled. It is the responsibility of the college’s financial aid office to coordinate all sources of aid for which a student may be eligible. Tuition may be waived only to the extent that the tuition is not covered or paid by any other scholarship, trust fund, statutory benefit, or other source of tuition coverage.

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