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College and University

Michigan Achievement Scholarship

The Michigan Achievement Scholarship is designed to help students pursue their dreams, goals and aspirations in the Mitten State! Graduating high school seniors may be eligible for up to up to $27,500 over five years in financial aid just by filling out the new and simplified FAFSA.

Those who qualify could receive: 

  • Up to $5,500 if they attend a Michigan public university, private college or university or are enrolled in a baccalaureate degree program at a Michigan community college, per year, up to five years

Fill out the FAFSA

    Michigan Achievement Scholarship Benefits

    Top reasons to apply:

    The Michigan Achievement Scholarship offers up to $27,500 over five years for college:

    • Lowering the cost of college by thousands of dollars each year
    • Reducing reliance on debt from private or federal loans

    Most students will qualify to receive the Michigan Achievement Scholarship:

    • Reducing reliance on debt from private or federal loans
    • Adding pathways to success for students, families and businesses

    Applying for the Michigan Achievement Scholarship is fast and easy:

    • All students who fill out the FAFSA are automatically considered
    • The FAFSA has been simplified for ease of use and takes minutes to complete

    Last but not least — you get to keep calling the pleasant peninsulas home!

    Michigan Achievement Skills Scholarship

    Students can choose to attend a career training program in Michigan and receive financial assistance through the Michigan Achievement Skills Scholarship.

    Check out career training

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    Eligibility Requirements

    Students will be eligible for the Michigan Achievement Scholarship if their family demonstrates financial need when they complete the FAFSA. The Michigan Achievement Scholarship will cover:

    • 94% of students attending community colleges
    • 79% of students attending a private college or university
    • 76% of students attending a public university

    To receive a Michigan Achievement Scholarship, students must:

    • Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
    • Be a Michigan resident since July 1 of the previous calendar year.
      • If you are a dependent student, your parent must also be a Michigan resident since July 1 of the previous calendar year.
    • Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or approved refugee.
    • Graduate from high school in Michigan with a diploma or a certificate of completion or achieved a high school equivalency certificate in 2023 or after.
    • Demonstrate financial need when they complete the FAFSA— for Academic Year 2024-25, by having a Student Aid Index (SAI) of 30,000 or less.
      • Students who received the Michigan Achievement Scholarship in Academic Year 2023-24, and have completed a 2024-25 FAFSA, shall be considered meeting the financial need component of the Michigan Achievement Scholarship for Academic Year 2024-25 regardless of their SAI. Received is defined as:
        • A student receiving payment of Michigan Achievement Scholarship, or
        • A student who met all eligibility criteria and was certified as exceeds Cost of Attendance (COA)
    • Enroll full-time at an eligible institution
      • Including Michigan community colleges, Tribal colleges, and public or private universities.
    • Be an undergraduate student.
    • Enroll at an eligible institution within 15 months of high school graduation or earning a high school equivalency certificate.

    Note: Students are not eligible if they are in default on a federal student loan.

    Renewal Requirements

    The renewal policy for Michigan Achievement Scholarship requires a student to:

    • Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year.
    • Continue to enroll in college full time.
    • Continue to be a Michigan resident.
    • Have an Student Aid Index (SAI) of 30,000 or less.
      • Students who received the Michigan Achievement Scholarship in Academic Year 2023-24, and have completed a 2024-25 FAFSA, shall be considered meeting the financial need component of the Michigan Achievement Scholarship for Academic Year 2024-25 regardless of their SAI. Received is defined as:
        • A student receiving payment of Michigan Achievement Scholarship, or
        • A student who met all eligibility criteria and was certified as exceeds Cost of Attendance (COA)
    • Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).

    If eligibility is lost, the student can regain eligibility once the renewal requirements are met.

    Tuition Guarantee Programs

    Did you know that some colleges and universities have free tuition programs for recipients of the Michigan Achievement Scholarship?

     

    Additional Resources

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Have a question? We may just have your answer!

    Participating Institutions

    Sign-up for Email Updates

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    Digital Toolkit

    Help us spread the word about the Michigan Achievement Scholarship.

    Packaging Order Guidance

    See the packaging order guidance for financial aid professionals.

    2023-24 Packaging Order Guidance

    2024-25 Packaging Order Guidance

    What is Michigan's Sixty by 30 goal?

    To increase the number of working-age adults in Michigan with a skill certificate or college degree from 51.1% today to 60% by 2030. The Michigan Achievement Scholarship will strive to make this goal a reality by making college more affordable for students and families.

    Michigan.gov/Sixtyby30

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    The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential is not affiliated with National Merit Scholarship Corporation or its registered trademarks National Achievement®, Achievement Scholarship®, or Achievement Scholar®.

    Public Act: 103 of 2023