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Community College Guarantee

A Group of Students for the Community College Guarantee

Community College Guarantee

The Michigan Achievement Scholarship is designed to help students pursue their dreams, goals, and aspirations in the Mitten State! Graduating high school seniors are eligible to earn a skill certificate or degree at their local community college tuition-free just by filling out the new and simplified FAFSA.

Beginning Fall 2024, students from the Class of 2023 and beyond may be eligible for the Community College Guarantee, which includes:

  • In-district tuition, contact hours, and mandatory fees.
  • An additional $1,000 Michigan Achievement Bonus award for Pell-eligible students, which can be used toward additional college costs.

Fill out the FAFSA

Eligibility Criteria

All recent Michigan high school graduates are eligible for the Michigan Achievement Scholarship! Here’s how to claim your award and enroll at a Community College or Tribal College:

  • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
  • Be a Michigan resident since July 1 of the previous calendar year.
    • If you’re a dependent student, your parent(s) must also be a Michigan resident since July 1 of the previous calendar year.
    • We’ll confirm this based on your FAFSA.
  • Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or approved refugee.
  • Graduate from high school.
    • You’re eligible if you earn a diploma or certificate of completion.
    • You’re also eligible if you earned a high school equivalency certificate in 2023 or after.
  • Enroll in college. You must be:
    • Enrolled full time. Your college will confirm how many credits are needed to be full time.
    • Be an undergraduate student.
    • Enrolled within 15 months of your high school graduation.
      • 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.

Reminder: Students choosing the Community College pathway do not need to meet Student Aid Index criteria – that means there are no income requirements.

Difference Between In-District and Out-of-District

  • The Community College Guarantee covers in-district tuition, contact hours, and mandatory fees. Students who attend a community college that is "out-of-district" will still receive a significant discount. Contact the Financial Aid Office at the school you are planning to attend to confirm your residency status.

Renewal Requirements

You can renew your Community College Guarantee for up to three years at a community college or Tribal college.

To renew your scholarship, you must:

  • Complete the FAFSA annually.
  • Continue to live in Michigan.
  • 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 earn credits and meet your college’s Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy.

You’re also eligible to transfer to a four-year college or university. If you’re earning a bachelor’s degree, you can renew your scholarship for up to five consecutive years (up to three years at a community college or Tribal college).

Note: Students are not eligible for the Michigan Achievement Scholarship if they’re in default on a federal student loan. 

Additional Resources

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®.