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College and University

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College and University

Michigan Achievement Scholarship at a Michigan Public and Private Colleges or Universities

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

    Eligibility Requirements

    Students from the Class of 2023 and beyond are eligible for the Michigan Achievement Scholarship if their family demonstrates financial need when they complete the FAFSA. Students must enroll full time and meet all other program requirements.

    • 7 out of 10 students attending a 4-year private or public university are eligible for the Michigan Achievement Scholarship.
    • All community college students are potentially eligible for the Community College Guarantee.

    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 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, 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 2026-27 FAFSA, shall be considered meeting the financial need component of the Michigan Achievement Scholarship for Academic Year 2026-27 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.
    • Be an undergraduate student.
    • Enroll at an eligible institution within 15 months of high school graduation or earning a high school equivalency certificate.
      • Class of 2023 spring graduates: Must enroll by Fall semester 2024.
      • Class of 2024 spring graduates: Must enroll by Fall semester 2025.
      • Class of 2025 spring graduates: Must enroll by Fall semester 2026.
      • Class of 2026 spring graduates: Must enroll by Fall semester 2027.
      • If you graduated at a different time of year, and are concerned about initiating in time, contact your schools financial aid office.
    • Note: Students are not eligible if they are in default on a federal student loan.

    Renewal Requirements

    • Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year.
    • Continue to enroll in college full time. 
      • 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.
    • Continue to be a Michigan resident. Have 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 2026-27 FAFSA, shall be considered meeting the financial need component of the Michigan Achievement Scholarship for Academic Year 2026-27 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

    • Sixty by 30 logo

      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.

      Visit Michigan.gov/Sixtyby30

    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