Michigan Grant Program

Michigan Competitive Scholarship

This award, based on BOTH financial need and merit (qualifying American College Test score), is available for use at Michigan public and private postsecondary colleges. Students may take the ACT test after leaving high school if they have not had college experience. The test score remains on record for ten years. Awards are restricted to tuition and fees. Applicants can apply for financial assistance by completing the FAFSA prior to the February 21 deadline (for freshmen) or the March 21 deadline (for upperclassmen). In addition to specific program requirements, applicants must meet the following general eligibility conditions: Demonstrate financial need for the funds via the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Be a U. S. Citizen, permanent resident, or an approved refugee. Be a resident of Michigan since July 1 of the previous calendar year. Enroll at least half time at an eligible Michigan college or university In order to maintain eligibility, returning students must maintain a cumulative 2.00 grade point average in addition to meeting the college’s Satisfactory Academic Progress policy. The Competitive Scholarship is renewable and is limited to: Ten years following high school graduation or the student’s selection as a semifinalist, if this occurs after high school graduation; or Completion of the student’s undergraduate degree; or Receipt of ten semesters or fifteen terms of undergraduate financial assistance.

Michigan Tuition Grant

This award is based on financial need for use at independent, non-profit degree-granting colleges and universities in Michigan. Awards are restricted to tuition and fees. Applicants can apply for financial assistance by completing the FAFSA prior to the February 21 deadline (for freshmen) or the March 21 deadline (for upperclassmen). In addition to specific program requirements, applicants must meet the following general eligibility conditions: Demonstrate financial need for the funds via the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Be a U. S. Citizen, permanent resident, or an approved refugee. Be a resident of Michigan since July 1 of the previous calendar year. Maintain the satisfactory academic progress standard of the school. Enroll at least half time at an eligible Michigan college or university. The Tuition Grant is renewable. Undergraduate Tuition Grant recipients may receive up to ten semesters or fifteen terms of assistance. Graduate level students may receive up to six semester or nine terms of assistance. Graduate dental school students may receive up to eight semesters or twelve terms of assistance.

Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship

The Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship, which provides $1,500 to high school graduating seniors, is a federally funded program administered by the state. The awards are renewable for up to four years. The program is intended to promote student excellence and achievement and to recognize exceptionally able students who show promise of continued achievement. Recipients may use their award at any degree granting college or university within the United States. In addition to specific program requirements, applicants must meet the following general eligibility conditions: Be a U. S. Citizen or permanent resident Maintain the satisfactory academic progress standards of the school Do not default on a federal student loan Awards can be renewed for up to three additional years of undergraduate studies, provided that funds are appropriated and the student remains eligible.

Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership

This program provides federal matching funds for states administering comprehensive need-based student financial assistance programs. The federal regulations for implementation of LEAP authorize states to provide assistance to students according to existing state program statutes and regulations. The State of Michigan chose to add the federal LEAP funds to existing funding in the Michigan Competitive Scholarship program. As a result, there is not a separate LEAP program within the state; however, state scholarship funds are increased by the annual federal LEAP allocation, thereby allowing additional Competitive Scholarship awards to be granted.

Paul Douglas Teacher Scholarship

The Paul Douglas Teacher Scholarship is a federally funded program administered by the individual states. The federal government has not appropriated funds for this program since the beginning of the 1995-96 academic year. Therefore, applications are no longer being accepted. Former scholarship recipients must continue to fulfill the teaching obligation they made upon receipt of the scholarship. If they fail to meet that teaching obligation, they are required to repay the amount of the scholarship received as well as accrued interest.