Guide to Michigan Scholarships for College

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Unigo Author Dave Moniz Written by Dave Moniz
Unigo Editor Unigo Staff ✔️ Edited by Unigo Staff

With its expansive coastlines and top-ranked schools, Michigan offers students a variety of educational, career, and recreational opportunities. Whether you're a high school senior or adult learner applying to Michigan State University (MSU), the University of Michigan (U-M), Wayne State University, Davenport University, or one of Michigan's numerous community colleges, grants scholarships can help cover your college expenses.

This guide provides information on scholarships and grants available to Michigan residents, including options for both need-based and merit-based awards, to help you make the most of your college journey while keeping it as affordable as possible.

List of Guide to Michigan Scholarships for College

Arts Council of Greater Grand Rapids Minority Scholarship

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Award Amount
$1,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Mar 1 Deadline

This award is available for minority undergraduate students who are majoring in visual or performing arts. Applicants must be residents of Kent County, Michigan, and must have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher.
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Audrey L. Wright Scholarship

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Award Amount
$1,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Mar 1 Deadline

This award is available for residents of Kent County, Michigan who are pursuing an undergraduate degree in education or a foreign language. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and demonstrate unmet financial need.
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Darooge Family Scholarship

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Award Amount
$5,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Mar 1 Deadline

This award is for high school seniors in Kent County, Michigan who demonstrate unmet financial need. Applicants must plan to major in construction or a related field.
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Guy D. & Mary Edith Halladay Graduate Scholarship

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Award Amount
$1,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Mar 1 Deadline

This award is available for students residing in Kent County, Michigan who are pursuing a graduate degree at a college or university in Michigan. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and demonstrate unmet financial need.
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Hackett Family Scholarship

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Award Amount
$1,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Mar 1 Deadline

This award is available for U.S. undergraduate students residing in Kent County, Michigan. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 and demonstrate unmet financial need. Preference will be given to women of color.
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Lavina Laible Scholarship

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Award Amount
$1,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Mar 1 Deadline

The Lavina Laible Scholarship is available for female undergraduate students residing in Kent County, Michigan. Applicants must be entering her junior or senior year at the University of Michigan at the time of application.
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Joshua Esch Mitchell Aviation Scholarship

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Award Amount
$1,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Mar 1 Deadline

This award is available for U.S. undergraduate students residing in Kent County, Michigan. Applicants must have a valid pilot's license, a grade point average of 2.75 or higher, and pursue a major leading to a career in an aviation-related field.
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Josephine Ringold Scholarship

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Award Amount
$1,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Mar 1 Deadline

This award is available for U.S. undergraduate students residing in Kent County, Michigan. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher, demonstrate unmet financial need, and enroll in one of the listed local colleges or universities.
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John T. & Frances J. Maghielse Scholarship

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Award Amount
$1,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Mar 1 Deadline

This award is available for undergraduate residents of Kent County, Michigan who are pursuing a major in education. Applicants must be enrolled at a college or university in Michigan, must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher, and must demonstrate unmet financial need.
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Jack Family Scholarship

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Award Amount
$1,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Mar 1 Deadline

This award is available for U.S. undergraduate students who are residents of Kent County, Michigan. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.3 or higher and demonstrate unmet financial need.
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Harry and Lucille Brown Scholarship

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Award Amount
$1,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Mar 1 Deadline

This award is available for U.S. undergraduate students who are residents of Kent County, Michigan. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.3 or higher and demonstrate unmet financial need.
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Guy D. & Mary Edith Halladay Music Scholarship

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Award Amount
$1,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Mar 1 Deadline

This award is available for U.S. students who are residents of Kent County, Michigan. Applicants must be majoring in music at the undergraduate or graduate level and maintain a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
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Korean American Scholarship Foundation-Midwestern Regional Chapter

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Award Amount
$5,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Jun 30 Deadline

KASF scholarships (which range from $500 to $5,000) are offered to the qualified Korean American students (including foreign students from Korea). All applicants must be enrolled in a full time program in the U.S during the scholarship application year. If extra funds are available, other students (non Koreans) may qualify for scholarships. Specifically, descendants of American veterans served during the Korean War may qualify for scholarships (applicable to selective regions). To apply for KASF scholarships, it is very important to follow the specific requirements and instructions of the region where the applicant’s school is/will be located during the scholarship application year as the type and amount of available scholarships may differ from region to region.
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John C. Volderauer Scholarship

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Award Amount
$1,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Sep 15 Deadline

The purpose of the John C. Volderauer Scholarship is two-fold: To provide financial assistance for qualified students enrolled in a Radiology Technology, Ultrasound, Sonography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, or Nuclear Medicine Technology program; and, to provide supplemental funds for postgraduate education to qualified registered radiologic technologists. Undergraduate applicants must be permanent residents of Kalamazoo County or receive their clinical or didactic training in a facility within Kalamazoo County; pursuing a degree in Radiologic Technology, Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Nuclear Medicine Technology or Ultrasound Sonography; academic achievement.
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Clarkston Scholars Scholarship

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Award Amount
$10,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Jan 26 Deadline

The mission of the Clarkston Scholars program is to create equitable access and opportunities for low-income, first-generation college students with the intention of developing a future Clarkston steward. To be eligible, applicant must be a sophomore at one of Clarkston's Core Schools (University of Michigan, Babson College, UNC Chapel Hill, NC State, Georgia Tech, Agnes Scott College, Spelman College, Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, University of Arizona or Arizona State University).
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Norma Gray College Scholarship for the Visual Arts

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Award Amount
$1,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Apr 14 Deadline

Our mission is to foster and encourage the expression of the visual arts. The Brighton Art Guild is home for artists, art lovers and supporters of the arts. We represent a diverse group of artists of all ages and all levels, in a variety of mediums. Our Guild offers a wide range of art-related activities and opportunities as well as camaraderie for our members. The Art Guild's presence enriches the community and demonstrates that Brighton is an attractive place to do business and values art.
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Shelving.com Business Scholarship

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Award Amount
$6,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
3 Awards
Scholarship Deadline
Jul 4 Deadline

For over 60 years, our company has racked your world with a wide variety of effective and durable storage solutions ranging from wire shelving to personal lockers and more. As a family-owned business, we understand the importance of preparing America’s youth for the future, and we recognize the importance of higher education in ensuring that our students receive the education and skills they deserve when entering the workforce. With that in mind, the 2024 Shelving.com Business Scholarship is now open - available to Michigan residents pursuing a major in business and/or currently enrolled in a business-related field of study. This scholarship will offer one grand prize of $3,000, one runner-up prize of $2,000, and one second runner-up prize of $1,000. The 2024 Shelving.com Business Scholarship will be accepting applications from Michigan residents who are either currently attending an accredited college or university, or are high school seniors currently enrolled or planning to enroll in college or university. Michigan residents are eligible if attending an accredited college or university outside of the state. Any student interested in applying is required to submit a copy of their current transcript and resume, as well as an essay that answers the prompt below. If not presently attending a college or university, proof of college or university enrollment is required. Applicants will be judged on their academic merits as well as the content of the application essay they provide.
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SLAD Youth Activist Scholarship

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Award Amount
$2,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Apr 30 Deadline

The South Lyon Area Democrats (SLAD) will be awarding a scholarship to a local graduating high school senior to support their college, vocational school, or other post-high-school education, training, or activism. This scholarship will be awarded to a student who demonstrates progressive values, care for their community, and a desire for action.
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RBIEF Scholarship

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Award Amount
$1,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
May 1 Deadline

The main goal of RBIEF is to offer financial assistance through full or matching tuition and program funding for MBIA members, member’s employees, family and students whenever funding is available. In 2019, RBIEF awarded $7,500 in?scholarship?funds to 7 students, and one marine industry educator for advanced education.
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Society of Women Engineers Detroit

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Award Amount
$1,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Mar 1 Deadline

Applicants must submit a one page (single or double spaced, your choice) essay on the following topic: "Why do you want to be an engineer and how this scholarship would help you."
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Harry J. Morris, Jr. Emergency Services Scholarship

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Award Amount
$1,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Mar 1 Deadline

This award is available for undergraduate students residing in Kent, Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Ottawa, Montcalm, Muskegon, or Newaygo counties in Michigan. Applicants must have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher and must be majoring in emergency services such as emergency medical tech., paramedic, or firefighter training.
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Cost of Attending College in Michigan

Detroit skyline at sunrise, with Renaissance Center reflecting on the calm Detroit River.

Before diving into scholarships, let’s review the cost of attending college in Michigan. For the 2024-25 academic year, in-state tuition at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor is $17,736 per year, while out-of-state students can expect to pay $60,946. Michigan State University (MSU) has in-state tuition costs and fees are $16,526 per year and out-of-state tuition and fees are $43,910 per year. 

For students attending Michigan’s community colleges, such as Washtenaw Community College or Grand Rapids Community College, tuition averages between $3,500 and $7,000 for in-state students, depending on the number of credits and the school.

Private schools like Davenport University charge tuition and fees of $30,090.

With rising education costs, many Michigan students rely on scholarships and grants to make college more affordable.

Michigan State-Funded Scholarships and Grants

Michigan offers several state-funded scholarship and grant programs that provide substantial financial aid to eligible students. Most of these programs require the completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine financial need.

Michigan Tuition Incentive Program (TIP)

The Tuition Incentive Program (TIP) is a need-based grant that provides tuition assistance for eligible Michigan students, covering a significant portion of costs at participating Michigan community colleges, tribal colleges, and select public universities. Eligibility for TIP is based on the student’s receipt of Medicaid benefits for at least 24 months within a 36-month period before their high school graduation or equivalent. Once enrolled, TIP covers eligible tuition and mandatory fees for a variety of certificate programs, associate degrees, and even some bachelor’s degree programs, depending on the school. 

TIP has two parts or phases. Phase I covers tuition and fees for eligible courses at Michigan community colleges and tribal colleges, along with public universities that offer two-year degree programs. This phase is intended to support students during the early stages of their college education. Phase II is available to students who have completed Phase I or who have earned at least 56 transferable credits, and provides tuition support for bachelor’s degree programs at participating Michigan colleges and universities.

Michigan Competitive Scholarship (MCS)

The Michigan Competitive Scholarship (MCS) is both a merit and need-based award that provides Michigan residents up to $1,500 per year to attend eligible Michigan schools.To qualify, students must achieve a qualifying score on the SAT (typically around 1200 or higher) and demonstrate financial need through the FAFSA.

Michigan Tuition Grant (MTG)

The Michigan Tuition Grant (MTG) offers financial assistance for Michigan residents attending private, non-profit colleges or universities within the state. Eligible students can receive up to $3,000 per academic year, and award amounts are determined based on financial need. MTG is renewable provided you maintain a 2.0 GPA and are enrolled at least half-time.

Michigan Achievement Scholarship

The Michigan Achievement Scholarship is a need-based program for Michigan residents who graduated from a Michigan high school. Students must also complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each academic year to demonstrate financial need and determine their award amount. The scholarship can provide up to $27,500 in aggregate, depending on the type of school you attend.

Children of Veterans Tuition Grant

The Children of Veterans Tuition Grant provides up to $2,800 per year to children of deceased or disabled veterans. This grant can be used at eligibleMichigan colleges and universities and is renewable for up to four years, helping students cover tuition and other educational expenses.

Fostering Futures Scholarship

The Fostering Futures Scholarship offers financial support to current and former foster youth who are Michigan residents. Award amounts vary depending on financial need, with funds covering tuition, fees, and other educational expenses at eligible Michigan colleges and universities. 

Michigan Future Educators

The MI Future Educator Fellowship is a Michigan state initiative designed to encourage students to pursue careers in education by offering substantial financial support. This fellowship provides eligible students up to $10,000 annually, which can cover a significant portion of tuition and educational expenses for those committed to entering the teaching field. To qualify, students must be enrolled at least half-time in a teacher preparation program at a Michigan public or private college or university, maintain a 3.0 GPA, and agree to teach in Michigan for at least three years following certification. 

Federal Grants for Michigan Students

Vibrant tulip fields and historic windmill at Windmill Island Gardens, Holland, Michigan.

Michigan students are also eligible for federal financial aid, such as the Pell Grant, which provides up to $7,395 per year for low-income students during the 2024-2025 academic year. Additionally, the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) offers up to $4,000 annually for students with exceptional financial need, though award amounts vary based on institutional funds.

Institutional Scholarships at Michigan Colleges and Universities

Many Michigan colleges and universities offer institutional scholarships and grants to help students reduce their college costs. These scholarships are typically based on academic achievement, financial need, or a combination of factors.

University of Michigan’s Go Blue Guarantee

The Go Blue Guarantee Program at the University of Michigan provides full tuition assistance to high-achieving Michigan high school students from lower-income families. Eligible students are selected by the university and must maintain good academic standing to retain the scholarship.

Michigan State University Spartan Tuition Advantage Program

The Spartan Tuition Advantage Program at Michigan State University covers up to a student’s full undergraduate tuition.The program is available to low-income students who meet certain criteria including being a Pell Grant recipient.

Grand Valley State University (GVSU) Award Programs

Grand Valley State University offers several award programs, including the GVSU Award of Distinction and the Laker Excellence Scholarship. These scholarships are merit-based, with award amounts ranging from $1,000 to $6,000 annually. Eligible Michigan residents are automatically considered for these scholarships upon admission to GVSU.,.

Eastern Michigan University Emerald Scholarship

The Emerald Scholarship at Eastern Michigan University is a merit-based award available to incoming freshmen. Students are automatically considered for this scholarship, with award amounts ranging from $1,000 to $8,000 based on GPA and standardized test scores.

Private Scholarships for Michigan Students

Majestic Arch Rock at Pictured Rocks, Michigan, partially veiled in fog and surrounded by forest.

In addition to government grants and institutional scholarships, there are many private scholarships available to Michigan students. These scholarships are funded by local foundations, businesses, and community organizations. They can often make a difference as government and institutional grants do still leave a gap in what a student will owe.

Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan Scholarships

The Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan administers a variety of scholarships for Michigan students, with awards ranging from $500 to $5,000 annually. These scholarships often have specific eligibility criteria based on factors like intended field of study, geographic location, or financial need.

Rosa L. Parks Scholarship Foundation

The Rosa L. Parks Scholarship Foundation provides scholarships to Michigan high school seniors who demonstrate academic excellence, community involvement, and leadership. Eligible students can receive a $2,000 award to be used for tuition and other college expenses.

Michigan Education Association (MEA) Scholarship

The Michigan Education Association (MEA) Scholarship is open to the children of MEA members. Award amounts vary based on financial need and academic achievement, and funds can be applied toward tuition, fees, and other educational expenses.

Detroit Regional Chamber’s Detroit Promise Scholarship

TheDetroit Promise Scholarship guarantees tuition-free access to community college for Detroit high school graduates who meet specific academic requirements. For students attending a four-year university, the Detroit Promise also offers “last-dollar” scholarship assistance to cover remaining costs after other financial aid is applied.

Scholarships & Grants for Adult Learners in Michigan

Michigan also offers scholarship and grant opportunities to support adult learners who are returning to school after a break in their education.

Michigan Reconnect Program

The Michigan Reconnect Program is designed to help Michigan residents aged 25 and older who have not yet earned a college degree. This program provides free or reduced tuition at Michigan community colleges, allowing adults to pursue associate degrees or technical certificates in high-demand fields.

Tips for Securing Michigan Scholarships

Blue-lit bridge spanning the Grand River in Grand Rapids, Michigan, framed by a lively skyline.

Applying for grants and scholarships in Michigan requires careful organization and attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you increase your chances of obtaining scholarships and grants:

  • File your FAFSA early: Many Michigan scholarships, especially state-funded ones, require FAFSA completion to assess eligibility.

  • Prepare a strong personal statement: Explain your achievements, career goals, and how the scholarship will help you contribute to your community or field.

  • Apply for local scholarships: Numerous local organizations, businesses, and community foundations offer scholarships specifically for Michigan residents.

  • Request recommendation letters in advance: Secure letters from teachers, employers, or mentors who can attest to your character and academic or professional abilities.

  • Follow deadlines closely: Stay organized and track application deadlines to avoid missing out on financial aid opportunities.

With the right planning and persistence, Michigan students can secure the financial assistance they need to achieve their academic goals. Make the most of these scholarship and grant options to help fund your college education in the Great Lakes State.