The Michigan Achievement Scholarship is designed to help recent high school graduates in Michigan receive funds for continuing education. Eligible students could receive financial aid to attend a college or university with the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, or for a career training program with the Michigan Achievement Skills Scholarship.
Application Deadline:
- No Separate Scholarship Application Deadline (Selection is processed automatically via the FAFSA; students should submit their FAFSA as early as possible and observe their selected institution’s institutional financial aid deadlines for the 2026–2027 academic year).
Tell Me About The Program:
The Michigan Achievement Scholarship is a state-funded financial aid initiative designed to lower the cost of postsecondary education and career training for recent Michigan high school graduates. Administered by Michigan Student Aid, the program offers structured funding pathways depending on the chosen postsecondary institution: four-year public and private universities, community colleges (via the Community College Guarantee), and approved career-training providers (via the Michigan Achievement Skills Scholarship).
Which Fields are Eligible:
- All Undergraduate Degree Programs, Associate Degrees, and Approved Career/Skills Certificates offered at participating Michigan postsecondary institutions.
Type:
State-Funded Undergraduate Scholarship, Community College Tuition Guarantee & Skills Training Grant
Who can Apply:
- Residency: Must have been a Michigan resident since July 1 of the previous calendar year. (For dependent students, parents must also meet Michigan residency requirements).
- High School Graduation: Must have graduated from a Michigan high school with a diploma, certificate of completion, or high school equivalency qualification in 2023 or later.
- Enrollment Timeline: Must enroll full-time at an eligible Michigan institution within 15 months of graduating high school or obtaining a high school equivalency certificate.
- Citizenship & Immigration: Must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or approved refugee.
- Academic & Student Status: Must be an undergraduate student in good standing, not in default on any federal student loan.
- Financial Need (University Track): Must demonstrate financial need by filing a complete FAFSA resulting in a Student Aid Index (SAI) of 30,000 or less.
- GPA Requirement: No minimum GPA is required for initial receipt or retention, provided the student maintains Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) according to their institution’s standards.
How are Applicants Selected:
Application data from submitted FAFSAs is automatically evaluated through the Michigan Student Scholarships and Grants (MiSSG) system. Eligible students who meet residency, graduation, SAI, and full-time enrollment criteria are packaged for awards directly by their institution’s financial aid office.
Which Countries Are Eligible:
State of Michigan, United States (Restricted to eligible Michigan residents).
Where will the Program be Taken:
Participating community colleges, four-year public universities, independent non-profit private colleges, and approved career-training providers in Michigan, USA.
How Many Fellows / Grantees:
Open state entitlement cohort for all eligible Michigan applicants meeting program requirements.
What is the Benefit of the Program:
- Four-Year Public & Private Universities: Up to $5,500 per year for up to 5 years (a potential total award of up to $27,500).
- Community College Guarantee: Free in-district tuition for up to 3 years (or significant tuition discounts for out-of-district students), plus an additional $1,000 Michigan Achievement Bonus Award for federal Pell Grant recipients.
- Career Training Track: Up to $2,000 towards an approved skills certificate or career-training program.
How Long Will it Last:
- University Track: Up to 5 Years (10 semesters) of full-time undergraduate study.
- Community College Guarantee: Up to 3 Years.
- Career Training Track: Duration of the approved short-term skill/certificate program.
How to Apply:
- Complete the FAFSA: File your Free Application for Federal Student Aid online at StudentAid.gov. Ensure Michigan is listed as your state of legal residence.
- Select an Eligible Institution: Apply to and enroll in a participating Michigan community college, public university, private college, or approved career-training provider.
- Review FAFSA Summary: Check your FAFSA Submission Summary to confirm your Student Aid Index (SAI) is 30,000 or less (for university applicants).
- Monitor MiSSG Portal: Log in to the MiSSG Student Portal to check state financial aid eligibility, review your institution selection, and confirm award status.
- Coordinate with Financial Aid: Contact your institution’s financial aid office to confirm your enrollment status and complete any additional institutional verification requirements.
