Scholarships and Financial Aid
Find Information on the FAFSA and financial aid, as well as schoalrship opportunities and resources.
Complete the FAFSA Form
Use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form to apply for financial aid for college or graduate school. All students that are planning to attend any type of post secondary school after they graduate from high school will need to fill out the FAFSA. All of the schools require it to start the financial aid process which includes getting students loans .
Who Can Get Federal Student Aid?
Eligibility for programs is based on financial need and on several other factors.
Your eligibility is determined by the information you provide on the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
Listed are some of the basic requirements you must meet:
Demonstrate financial need
Demonstrate that you are qualified to enroll in postsecondary education (have a high school diploma or a GED)
Be working toward a degree or certificate in an eligible program
Be a U.S. citizen
Maintain satisfactory academic progress once in school
How to Apply for Federal Financial Aid?
The FAFSA is available online at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa. Apply online, REGISTER NOW to receive your PIN (Personal Identification Number). FAFSA opens in October, so complete this form ASAP.
Deadlines vary by college and state, so check with the college you will attend.
Watch your email for a Student Aid Report (SAR).
You should receive this within 4 - 6 weeks, after the FAFSA has been processed.
Information is also sent to the college(s) named on the FAFSA. If you don't receive
a SAR on time, or if you need another copy, call (319) 337-5665.
Check with the college(s) you are considering; they may require additional applications or forms.
You'll receive an award letter from the financial aid office for each college you
specified. This document indicates the types of aid you are eligible to receive.
Your financial aid eligibility is the difference between the cost of education
and the Expected Family Contribution (EFC).
The federal government performs a needs analysis to determine your EFC.
The cost of education includes tuition and fees, room and board,
books and supplies, transportation, and misc. expenses
Michigan Community College Guarantee
The Michigan Community College Guarantee allows eligible Michigan high school graduates (Class of 2023 and beyond) to attend their local community college tuition-free. The program covers in-district tuition, contact hours, and mandatory fees for students who complete the FAFSA and enroll full-time within 15 months of graduating. Pell-eligible students may also receive an additional $1,000 Michigan Achievement Bonus to help cover other college expenses. This opportunity helps students earn a skill certificate or degree at a community college at little to no cost while staying in Michigan. For full details and eligibility requirements, visit the Michigan Student Aid website.
Michigan Achievement Scholarship
The Michigan Achievement Scholarship helps make college more affordable for Michigan high school graduates. Students who complete the FAFSA and demonstrate financial need may qualify for up to $5,500 per year—up to $27,500 over five years—to attend a Michigan public university, private college, or a bachelor’s degree program at a community college. Eligible students must graduate from a Michigan high school, enroll full-time within 15 months of graduation, and meet residency and financial need requirements. Completing the FAFSA automatically considers students for this scholarship.
Michigan Achievement Skills Scholarship (Career Training)
The Michigan Achievement Skills Scholarship helps Michigan high school graduates (Class of 2023 and beyond) pursue career training and skilled trades programs. Eligible students may receive up to $2,000 per year for up to two years (up to $4,000 total) to complete an approved career training program and earn an industry-recognized certificate. This program provides a fast path to high-demand, well-paying careers while helping reduce the cost of training. Students must be Michigan residents, have graduated from a Michigan high school (or earned an equivalent in 2023 or later), and enroll in an eligible training program.
https://www.michigan.gov/mistudentaid/programs/michigan-achievement-scholarship/career-training