Michigan College Month is Prime Time for Students, Families to Complete the Federal Application for Free Student Aid (FAFSA)

Completing the FAFSA helps expand access and affordability for those seeking a degree or skills certificate 

LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently proclaimed October as Michigan College Month and the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) is encouraging students and families to take this opportunity to complete the 2027-28 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which opened Oct. 1. 

Michigan College Month is a state-wide effort that raises awareness for high school seniors to complete college applications. Many colleges and universities waive application fees during this period.  

“Michigan College Month is an opportunity to celebrate the transformative power of a college education and encourage students to take the next step toward earning a degree or credential,” said Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, executive director of MiLEAP. “Every student deserves an opportunity to pursue a college education, and I want students to be excited about attending college, completing their education and all that can mean for their future. Completing the FAFSA helps students and families understand the financial aid available and take an important step toward making that education a reality.” 

“Michigan College Month is designed to provide every senior — especially those who are first-generation college-going students, students from low-income backgrounds, and students of color — dedicated time during the school day to explore postsecondary options and apply to colleges,” said Ryan Fewins-Bliss, executive director of MCAN. “Michigan College Month is the first stage of our three-part College Bound Michigan programming. After that it’s College Cash Campaign, where students complete the FAFSA and explore financial aid options, and then we celebrate their postsecondary plans on Decision Day in the spring. Together, these initiatives move us closer to Sixty by 30 by ensuring students have the support and resources they need to enroll and succeed in college and beyond.” 

Michigan has made significant progress in FAFSA completion. More than 68,000 students in Michigan’s Class of 2026 have already completed the FAFSA, representing 60% of high school graduates, according to the Michigan College Access Network (MCAN) FAFSA tracker. Through Aug. 21, 2026, the Michigan Class of 2026 ranked 16th in the nation for FAFSA completion. In 2025, Michigan achieved Top 20 status for FAFSA completion among all 50 states. 

Completing the FAFSA takes 30 minutes or less and is the gateway to a range of financial aid grants and scholarships that make college and career training more affordable, including: 

• Michigan Achievement Scholarship, which provides thousands of dollars each year toward tuition and fees at eligible colleges, universities or career training programs – exclusively available to Michigan high school seniors and recent grads. 

• Community College Guarantee, which ensures every Michigan high school senior and recent grad can attend their local community college tuition-free for at least two years.

• Michigan Reconnect, recently expanded to adults ages 21 and older, provides the opportunity to earn a tuition-free associate degree or skill certificate at a local community college. Dedicated Reconnect navigators provide one-on-one support to help prospective students complete the FAFSA, identify career goals, create a plan to graduate and more. 

According to the 2026 Office of Higher Education Impact Report, more than $740 million in student aid has been awarded to more than 110,000 students since 2023 through the Michigan Achievement Scholarship. Another 94,000 adult learners have been helped to return to education via the Michigan Reconnect program. 

What Families Should Know 

• Complete the FAFSA Regardless of Income: Families should complete the FAFSA even if they think their income is too high to qualify for financial aid. Eligibility is based on more than income alone, and families may qualify for more financial aid than they expect. 
• Early: Some aid is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Submitting the FAFSA as soon as possible, now that the FAFSA is open, maximizes eligibility.
• Use Accurate Information: Families will need their 2025 income and tax information, Social Security Numbers, and other personal details to complete the form.
• Apply Online: The FAFSA can be submitted at FAFSA.gov, where families can also find resources and assistance.
• Help is Available: Michigan students and families can get free help completing the FAFSA through their school counselors, local colleges, community organizations, and MiLEAP-supported outreach events. You can also reach out to the MI Student Aid team at 888-447-2687. 

“Completing the FAFSA gives students and families a clearer picture of the financial aid they may be eligible to receive and helps them make informed decisions about what comes next,” said Sarah Szurpicki, deputy director of the Office of Higher Education. “We want students to have the information they need to understand their options, plan for the cost of their education and take the next step toward a degree or credential.” 

For additional information on state scholarships, tools to help complete the FAFSA and more, visit Michigan.gov/MiStudentAid. 

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About MiLEAP: 
Established by Gov. Whitmer in 2023, MiLEAP ensures every Michigander has a path to prosperity from birth to earning a postsecondary credential that leads to high-wage careers. To learn more about MiLEAP, go to Michigan.gov/MiLEAP.