Zina Kumok Image Written By: Zina Kumok | Edited By: Kevin Ladd | Updated: September 16, 2024

Michigan Scholarships

University of Michigan Ann Arbor Campus

The state of Michigan is home to Motown and Detroit-style pizza and it even borders 4 of the 5 the Great Lakes. It’s also home to some of the most well-known schools in the U.S., like the University of Michigan and Michigan State. Students attending these (or other) schools in the Mitten State may benefit from applying for Michigan-focused scholarships, which can reduce the cost of attendance. However, finding these scholarships can be a struggle if you don't know where to look. Keep reading to learn how to locate these scholarships, how to apply for them and what to know before you submit your application.

Continue reading the article below the scholarship list.

25 Michigan Scholarships with Approaching Deadlines

What is a Michigan scholarship?

A Michigan scholarship is an award given to a student who is either from Michigan or who is attending school there. Some scholarships may require that students be both from Michigan and attend school in Michigan, while others may only have one type of residency requirement.

Michigan scholarships may be available for both undergraduate and graduate students, and for both part- and full-time students. If you’re not taking classes at least part-time, you may have trouble qualifying for a scholarship. Like with other types of awards, Michigan scholarships may have merit requirements.

Where to find Michigan scholarships

If you’re applying to a Michigan school, you may be automatically considered for many possible scholarships when you submit your application. However, you can also look for independent scholarships from other organizations and for-profit companies.

Locally-based organizations are another good source for Michigan scholarships. Even your house of worship may offer specific student awards. If your parents work for a major Michigan company, these companies may offer scholarships for children of employees. Have your parents ask their HR department about any possible resources.

You can also find Michigan scholarships by searching through scholarship directories, like the one at Scholarships.com. If you register for an account, you'll be notified when new scholarships that match your interest, skills and more become available.

How to apply for Michigan scholarships

Applying for a Michigan scholarship is no different than applying for any other scholarship. The first step is to read through the eligibility rules to ensure that you qualify for this award.

Next, go through the list of scholarship requirements, which will state what you need to submit. These will often include:

Each scholarship has its own list of requirements, so don’t assume you know what you need to apply. For example, some may require three letters of recommendation, while others may only need one.

If you have any questions about the requirements or rules, there should be a scholarship coordinator you can contact. Make sure to reach out to them as soon as possible so you know what you need to complete the application. Remember, the scholarship may receive dozens of emails from students so don’t wait until the last minute to contact them.

One of the most important parts of applying for a Michigan scholarship is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is an official federal government form that determines eligibility for federal student loans, grants and work-study.

However, the FAFSA might also be your ticket to state-specific grants and scholarships. For example, the Michigan Competitive Scholarship is given by the state to students who have scored a minimum of 1200 on the SAT and also have demonstrated financial need. You must submit the FAFSA to be eligible. This award is worth $1,500 per year. Renewal depends on the student maintaining a 2.0 GPA and showing Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).

Also, many schools will not distribute their own institutional awards if you don’t fill out the FAFSA. It’s always in your best interest to fill out the FAFSA. You should also make sure to submit the FAFSA by the state’s and school’s financial aid deadline, whichever is earlier. Your school's official financial aid deadline will be listed on their website. The state’s financial aid deadline is May 1.

Michigan Scholarship FAQs

Are there Michigan scholarships for certain minority groups?

If you’re part of a minority group, you can find scholarships that are only available to those from that particular group.

For example, the Sault Tribe Higher Education Grant is given to a student who is a member of the Sault Tribe. Only full-time students are eligible to apply; they must also have a 2.5 GPA or higher. You must be attending a Michigan public two-year or four-year institution. Only Michigan residents are eligible.

Both regional and national organizations, especially those with local chapters, may have opportunities for students like you. No matter how unique you are, you may be able to find special scholarships that feel like they were made just for you.

Do you have to attend a public school in Michigan to get a Michigan scholarship?

While some scholarships are only available to those attending public schools, others don’t have the same stipulations. Students attending private schools in Michigan can still qualify for many scholarships.

One of the only widespread rules is that you must attend an accredited school. Accredited schools are also the only ones where students can receive federal financial aid, so it’s in your best interest to only attend an accredited school.

Do you have to attend school in Michigan to win a Michigan scholarship?

When it comes to qualifying for Michigan scholarships, you often have to live in the Mitten State to be eligible. Some scholarships even require that you attend school and also be from Michigan to qualify.

For example, the Kids' Chance of Michigan Scholarship Program is only available to Michigan students who are also attending school in Michigan. Eligible students must also have a parent who was hurt or killed in a workplace accident. Students must also have demonstrated financial need, which needs to be related to their parent’s accident.

Students can attend any accredited two- or four-year Michigan college. They must also be between 17 and 22 years old to be eligible.

Do you have to be from Michigan to win a Michigan scholarship?

Many Michigan scholarships are only available to students who hail from Michigan.

For example, the Destiny M. Adams Scholarships are given to Black or African-American students who are from the Grand Rapids area. Students attending both four-year and two-year schools are eligible. Only full-time students can apply. There is a 2.7 minimum GPA requirement. However, there is no rule on whether you have to attend school in Michigan to qualify.

Are there scholarships for students from specific Michigan counties or cities?

State-based scholarships often have specific municipal requirements. Instead of just being from the state of Michigan, you must be from a specific Michigan county or city.

For example, the SWE Detroit High School Advance, Aspire, Achieve Awards are given to female students who are studying or plan to study engineering. You must also live in specific parts of the Detroit metro area.

No matter where you're from in Michigan you may be able to find a local or regional scholarship. You can look up scholarships for your city or county by doing a Google search for “[your county or city’s name] scholarship.”

Are Michigan scholarships available for community college students?

If you’re attending a community college in the Great Lake State, you are absolutely still eligible for local scholarships.

For example, the Michigan Achievement Scholarship is available for community college students. You can receive up to $2,750 per year for three years total. If you’re in a career training program, you may be eligible for $2,000, also for three years total.

Like with many state-based grants and scholarships, you will have to complete the FAFSA to be eligible for this award. You must have also graduated from a Michigan high school and be enrolled in school within 15 months of graduating from high school or receiving your high school equivalency degree. Only full-time students are eligible for this award.

Are Michigan scholarships available for graduate or professional students?

Even though the bulk of grants and scholarships are typically only open to undergraduate students, graduate, professional and doctoral students can still find many opportunities.

If you’re already enrolled in graduate school, talk to your financial aid department and ask them how to maximize your scholarships.

Are there specific Michigan scholarships for certain majors or degrees?

While many Michigan scholarships are open to any college student, others require that students be majoring in a certain field or planning to pursue a particular career.

For example, the Michigan Press Association Foundation has scholarships just for students studying journalism. Five winners will be selected, and each will receive a $2,000 scholarship. You must be attending school in Michigan to be eligible. Only full-time juniors or seniors are eligible to apply. Financial need may be considered, but it is not a requirement.

If you already have a degree or industry in mind, you can search for scholarships specifically for that job. For example, let’s say you want to pursue teaching. You can look for “Michigan teacher scholarships” in Google.

Can I get a Michigan scholarship if I’m an international student?

Domestic students will always have an advantage when it comes to qualifying for scholarships. However, some awards may be given to international students.

If you need more financial aid, you should contact your school’s financial aid department, as well as the office responsible for international students. They should be able to help you find all possible scholarships.

What is the average GPA needed for a Michigan scholarship?

There is no rule on what the minimum GPA is to be awarded a Michigan scholarship. As a general rule though, the minimum GPA for most scholarships is a 3.0. However, if your GPA isn’t that high, you may still be able to find scholarships that you’re eligible for.

For example, the Michigan Water Environment Association Scholarships are given to students who have a minimum 2.5 GPA. These awards are given to students who are interested in studying wastewater management. You must either be a Michigan resident or attending school in Michigan.

If your high school GPA isn’t good enough to win a scholarship, your next best option is to work hard in college to secure a decent GPA. Most scholarships don’t care about your high school GPA if you’re already enrolled in college.

For example, the MISA Student Scholarship, sponsored by the Michigan Information Systems Association, requires that students must have a 2.5 GPA or higher to be eligible. Three scholarships will be awarded, ranging from $500 to $2,500. Eligible candidates must be attending an accredited Michigan four-year or two-year school. There is no specific major or degree requirement.

Are there Michigan scholarships for unconventional students?

When you think about what it takes to win a college scholarship, you probably imagine that you have to be an incoming college freshman to qualify. But that’s not always the case. If you’re not a traditional student, you may still find dozens of awards that you qualify for. In fact, there may even be some specifically designed for students like you.

For example, the Michigan Reconnect grant is given to a student who is at least 21 years old and attending a Michigan community college. Students must submit the FAFSA to be eligible. This program can cover your full tuition expenses at a public in-district Michigan community college or pay for a large part of your tuition at an out-of-district Michigan community college.

If you already know where you want to apply, you can reach out to their financial aid department and ask about any possible grant or scholarship opportunities.