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Paying for College in Michigan

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Paying for College in Michigan

Paying for education after high school is a lifelong investment in achieving life's goals. Getting there may require the assistance of resources including the federal and state government, private financial institutions, family contributions and individual savings.

Types of Financial Aid

  • Grants

    A source of financial aid that does not have to be repaid and is based on demonstrated need in your FAFSA. These could be federal, state, college or community foundation awards. 

  • Scholarships

    A source of financial aid that does not have to be repaid. Scholarships may be awarded based on any number of criteria, such as academics, achievements, club participation, hobbies, talents, and affiliations with various groups, or career aspirations. These could be federal, state college or community foundation awards.

  • Work Study

    A need-based student employment program, in which eligible students work part-time and earn payroll wages to help fund their education related expenses. These are federal awards. 

  • Loans

    Loans are included as an optional funding source for students and their parent(s), who promise to repay a specified amount, including applicable interest. These could be federal loans and/or private loans each with different interest rates and repayment options/requirements.

Responsible Borrowing Video

Responsible Borrowing

It's important to be a responsible borrower when it comes to going to school.

MI Student Aid: Compare College Costs Spreadsheet

Federal Student Aid: Borrower Defense

Federal Student Aid: Entrance Counseling

Federal Student Aid: Loan Simulator

Federal Student Aid: Exit Counseling

Federal Student Aid: Service Centers for Students

College Scorecard: Compare Median Debt by College

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Saving for College

Michigan offers several 529 college savings programs to assist you in saving for future college expenses.

Saving and Planning
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State Financial Aid Programs

MI Student Aid offers a number of scholarships, grants, and outreach programs. Find out which ones you may be eligible for. 

MI Student Aid Programs
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Federal Financial Aid Programs

There are a variety of federal financial aid programs available. Learn more about filing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and more. 

Federal Student Aid Programs

Scholarship Resources

Student Loan Resources

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Student Debt Clinics

There are free student debt clinics available for borrowers. Here are a few organizations to help you get started.

Student Loan Borrower Resource Center

American Federation of Teachers (AFT)

American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME)

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