Michigan Scholarships

Studying in Michigan is an excellent choice for those looking to pursue higher education. With renowned universities like the University of Michigan and Michigan State University, students have access to some of the best learning opportunities in the world. University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, in fact, comes in the top 30 universities in America. In terms of education overall, Michigan ranks at #37 according to the U.S. News state education rankings.

Michigan houses around 491,957 students who are enrolled in higher educational institutions and the majority of them are undergraduates. The total college student enrollment in the state makes up about 2.6% of the total national college student enrolments – as around 18.58 million college students are studying in the U.S.

Many of the students, however, are unable to attend high-ranking institutions due to high tuition costs. Most who do attend good schools are studying with student loans and per student debt in Michigan equals $36,116. The state’s total student debt is one of the highest being more than 50 billion. This high debt has many problems associated with it for both the state’s government and the students.

The high debt restricts the state from spending more on other important programs. The students also suffer as they have to give up part of their monthly income to make repayments. Therefore, students must look for and exhaust all other financial aid options that are not a form of credit before moving on to loans to avoid rising debts. Scholarships and grants are the best alternatives to finance your education.

We have listed the best Michigan Scholarships available for Michigan students pursuing higher education. There are more than 30 scholarship options that can help pay for tuition and also other college-related living expenses. We have also provided detailed information on how to apply for Michigan Scholarships and some tips to win them.

Michigan has around 173 higher education institutions active within the state, out of which 48 are public institutes and 125 are private. Around 42% of the total institutes are 4-year colleges, 21% are community colleges, and 37% are trade schools. The top three universities include the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, Michigan State University, and Michigan Technological University. All three of these colleges are public universities.

University of Michigan campus in Ann Arbor ranks 21st on the list of the best national universities in America. It is one of the best educational institutions undertaking research also, with a city setting and an undergraduate enrollment of more than 32,000 students. The in-state tuition and fees here cost $17,786 but out-of-state students have to pay around $57,273. It is a harder university to get into with high GPA requirements and an 18% acceptance rate. Students looking to stay on campus must pay $13,171 for room and board in the year 2023-24.

Michigan State University, located in East Lansing, MI, has a suburban setting and a much higher acceptance rate of 88%. It has an undergraduate student enrolment of 39,201. The tuition and fees here are generally around $15,372 but this increases for those from out-of-state to 39,201. The room and board also cost less than the University of Michigan and equals $10,990 for the year 2023-24.

Michigan Technological University is another 4-year public college in Michigan that is located in Houghton, MI. It has a rural setting with a smaller undergraduate population of close to 6000. The acceptance rate at this school is 86% and in-state students pay around $18,392 for tuition and fees. Out-of-state tuition costs $12,774 and the most popular major here is Engineering.

There are options for 4-year colleges in Michigan that accept around a 3.0 GPA, or a grade ‘B’. Some of the top options to consider for those with average grades include Concordia University – Ann Arbor, Rochester College, and Finlandia University.

Concordia University located in Ann Arbor, MI, is a private institution with around a 70.2% acceptance rate. The average acceptance GPA of this school is around 3.19 and higher but SATs/ACTs are not compulsory. It is a free school to apply to as there is no admission fee charged.

Another private college that accepts average grades that are around ‘B’ is Rochester College situated in Rochester Hills. The acceptance rate here is around 71.4% and the average acceptance GPA falls around 3.13. SAT and ACT scores are not compulsory to submit but are considered if submitted. The average range of SAT scores submitted by accepted students at this university is between 840-1060, and the scores for the ACT are between 17-23. This college also does not charge any admission fee.

Finlandia University is a private university located in Hancock. It has a slightly lower acceptance rate, around 66.6%, than the previous two options. The average GPA of those students that are accepted is around 2.89 and the average grade is ‘B-’. This university has a test-blind policy and does not require SAT/ACT scores for admission, nor does it consider them if submitted.

The average cost of in-state tuition in Michigan is around $13,716. Private institutions, however, charge much more. College costs in Michigan are around 16.12% higher than the national average cost of attendance at a public 4-year institution. The room and board usually measure up to around $11,000 within the state.

The most expensive public universities in Michigan are also the top three and include the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, Michigan State University, and Michigan Technological University. The tuition and fees at these universities range between $41,340 to $57,273 for out-of-state students and $15,372 to $18,392 for in-state students. In terms of private institutions, the most expensive ones include Andrews University and the University of Detroit Mercy with tuition and fees costing approximately $33,710 and $31,058 respectively.

Some of the more affordable institutions include Ferris State University located in Big Rapids offering tuition and fees of $14,686 to both in-state and out-of-state students, Central Michigan University in the city of Mount Pleasant charging $14,790 for tuition and fees, and Eastern Michigan University that charges $15,170.

Students can also use Michigan scholarships to pay a part of tuition and related expenses. Some of the best scholarships to increase tuition affordability include the Rosa L. Parks Scholarship, the Courageous Persuaders Video Contest, and The SET Educational Fund. There are also full-ride scholarships in Michigan that can help offset tuition costs and related expenses completely like the Evans Scholars Program and Fund Your Future Scholarship for Hospitality Students.

Michigan has a total college student population of around 491,957, out of which approximately 281,765 are women. Almost 85% of the total student enrolment consists of undergraduate students and the rest are graduate students.

White Americans make up the largest proportion of the total enrolments in the state with approximately 311,082 white students, which makes up around 63% of the total student enrolment. The next largest student population is Black/African American with more than 54,000 enrollments. Hispanics follow with around 30,793 student population and Asians make up around 24,597 students in total. Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders make up the smallest percentage of the total with a student population of less than 500.

Michigan contributes one of the highest debt numbers, around $51.0 billion, to the national total. This debt is spread over more than 1,400,000 student borrowers and the average student loan debt is around $36,116. The average student debt is around 25% higher than the national average of $28,950. This high student debt not only creates a burden on the state government but also limits the students from spending on other necessities of life in the long term. This is because they have to let go of a certain part of their income to pay off the loans which they could have used to pay for a car or a house mortgage instead.

How To Apply

The following are the main steps to apply for any scholarship in Michigan:

1. Check Eligibility:

Scholarship websites are the easiest place to find most scholarship opportunities as they list all the available options under one roof. They also list scholarships according to state, college major, demographic, and grade level. You can also filter them according to the parameters provided to narrow down the list. This makes it easier to find scholarships that are best suited to you. Go through the eligibility requirements of the scholarships thoroughly to make sure that you qualify to save time. Some scholarships may be need-based and are awarded based on the financial need of the student, while others may be based on merit.

2. Understand the Application Requirements:

It is important to understand what the scholarship demands for submitting a strong application.

Scholarship applications may require some or all of the following:

• Scholarship Application Form: Scholarship application is unique for each scholarship and is a must to be considered as an applicant. It usually asks for general information about the application like their name, date of birth, education, address, and so on. It may also contain a few short answer questions relevant to the scholarship.
• Essay: Many scholarships require an essay along with the application form. Applicants can make themselves stand out via their essays. Therefore, you should take proper time and put in good effort when writing one. It’s important that your essay is original, and represents your personality and opinions.
• Letters of Recommendation: A letter of recommendation can be written by your personal or professional references. Some scholarships specifically demand letters of recommendation from teachers. The letter contains reasons for why the applicant is a deserving one. It assesses the applicant’s qualities, characteristics, strengths, capabilities, and academic performance, which kind of acts as a character certificate when applying for scholarships.
• Grade Transcripts: Many scholarships whether they are merit-based or need-based usually require school transcripts that show the academic performance of an individual. You can get a copy through your school’s website or the office and attach it to the application form.
• Resume: A resume is where an applicant can highlight their skills and accomplishments. It does not have to have work experiences only but can also include mentions of any societies or extra-curricular activities that you have been a part of, and any special courses that you have completed that equipped you with a certain skill.
• Financial Information: Many need-based scholarships may ask you to provide financial information, essays, and letters of recommendation to all organizations. It is better to thoroughly research the organization and what they are actually looking for before and customize your application and essays accordingly. You can also include information about your family income and any financial aid that you may have received.
• FAFSA: Some scholarships require applicants to apply for Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be eligible for them. These are mainly need-based scholarships.
• Portfolio or Video Submission: A few scholarships ask for video or portfolio submissions. This usually applies to art major scholarships as videos and portfolios allow applicants to show their skills. Some scholarships do not have other requirements and are like contests where participants have to make a project and provide a picture or video of it to enter and win.
• School Verification: A school verification letter verifies which school the candidate is attending or has attended, the dates when they started and finished a program, and also includes a list of any certificates or degrees earned.
• Standardized Test Scores: Occasionally, you may need to provide a copy of your SAT or ACT scores. These are standardized test scores that most colleges and universities require for admission.

3. Order Scholarships According to Submission Deadlines:

It is important to arrange the scholarships according to the deadlines to make sure that you take advantage of every opportunity. Timing is critical and the earlier you apply the better it is. It is always wise to start early too because it may take time to complete all the submission requirements like writing essays and getting letters of recommendation in hand. Time should, especially, be invested in scholarships that require an essay as it takes a lot of time, planning, and effort to write a good one.

4. Proofread:

Once you have completed your application and the associated requirements, make sure to go through them all thoroughly at least once. You can also get a friend or someone from the family to help you proofread for mistakes and errors.

5. Submit your Application:

After you have taken your time filling out the application form, writing the essay, collecting all the required documents, and proofreading – it is time to submit. Most applications now require online submissions and may take a few minutes only if you have everything ready to upload. Keep track of the status of your application process and keep in mind that it may take some time to receive an answer. You may put in a follow-up email if you haven’t received any reply for some time.

Tips For Applying

• Start looking early: Don’t wait until the last minute to look for Michigan scholarships. Many organizations have deadlines that are months before the school year even starts, so it pays to begin your search as soon as possible. Make sure you research, apply, and submit all necessary documents on time to maximize your chances of winning scholarships.
• Network: Many of the scholarship opportunities come through networking and contacts, so make sure you take full advantage of your connections. Utilize family members, friends, contacts from any organizations or clubs you are part of, and even faculty members at your school to learn about different scholarship options in the area.
• Seek out local scholarships: Many organizations offer scholarships specifically for local students. Look up businesses and community groups in the area, as they often have scholarship programs available. You can also check with your school’s guidance office or college counseling department to see if they know of any opportunities.
• Read the requirements carefully: Once you have a narrowed-down list of scholarships, make sure to read the requirements carefully so you fully understand what is required.
• Do not rush when applying: Take your time and apply early. This allows sufficient time to gather all the required documents and also write a great essay if needed.
• Brainstorm for an essay and outline: If an essay is required, always start with brainstorming, then arrange your ideas and make an outline to follow. Unique, personalized, and lively essays have a better chance of qualifying than general and dull ones. Make sure that you understand the topic before starting.
• Customize application: Some students submit the same application the organization is looking for to people who are writing your recommendation letters so they can make it more relevant rather than general. However, it is important to be honest and avoid including things just for the sake of qualifying and getting a scholarship.
• Check and Proofread: You may be surprised at the amount of grammatical mistakes and other errors that you may come across when rereading your application and essays. Those applicants who submit applications full of errors appear irresponsible and undetermined to scholarship providers.

Kelsey’s Law Scholarship awards up to $5,000 in total to the scholarship winner. Applicants need to take part in a contest that is only open to high school students in the 11th and 12th grades. Moreover, students applying must be Michigan residents and have a valid driving license.

Following are some of the best scholarships to consider for high school seniors in Michigan. These scholarships can help collect money to pay for college which is why it is best to apply to as many as one can.

1. MTU Leading Scholar Award – The Resident Value
2. Michigan First Scholarship Competition – High school
3. MSPE Scholarships
4. Steve Wagner Scholarship
5. Rosa L. Parks Scholarship
6. Society of Women Engineers – Detroit Section High School Scholarship

Undergraduates can apply for the following scholarships to pay for college and avoid taking loans.

1. Jay Charles Levine Scholarship
2. Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation Scholarship
3. ¡Lánzate!/Take Off! Higher Education Travel Award program

A lot of graduate students find it hard to complete their education due to high tuition and related expenses without financial aid. The following scholarships can help make college more affordable and allow students to pay a part of their tuition and related expenses.

1. Applegate-Jackson-Parks Future Teacher Scholarship
2. Michigan First Scholarship Competition – College

Applegate-Jackson-Parks Future Teacher Scholarship is distributed by the National Institute for Labor Relations Research (NILRR). NILRR awards scholarships to two deserving Michigan students and one of these scholarships is a future teacher scholarship with an award of $1,000. The other scholarship is awarded to those pursuing journalism.

There are not many scholarships in Michigan for nursing students specifically but those majoring in nursing can apply for all those Michigan scholarships that do not have a specific major requirement. Following are some of the best options to consider that are not limited by major choice.

1. KASF Midwestern Regional Chapter Scholarships
2. Rosa L. Parks Scholarship
3. Jay Charles Levine Scholarship
4. North Central Region 9 Scholarship

There are scholarships in Michigan specifically targeted towards the female student population within the state. One of these scholarships includes the Society of Women Engineers – Detroit Section High School Scholarship which awards $1,000 to women who are high school seniors at least and are enrolled in accredited engineering, engineering technology, and computer science programs in a higher education institution. It also has a minimum GPA requirement of 3.0.

Another women’s scholarship is the American Transmission Co. Scholarship which is also distributed by the Society of Women Engineers and awards $1,125 to two full-time undergraduate women. This scholarship is also only available to those who are majoring in engineering, engineering technology, or computer science, and have a GPA of 3.0+. Moreover, the American Transmission Co. Scholarship gives greater preference to those from underrepresented groups, veterans, disabled candidates, and/or candidates demonstrating financial need.

Many universities in Michigan offer merit-based scholarships to their students. Some of the best universities with such scholarships include the University of Michigan, Central Michigan University, and Michigan State University.

The University of Michigan – College of Literature, Science, and Arts (LSA) awards scholarships to around 40 first-year incoming students based on merit. There is no separate application required for most of these scholarships as students are considered upon admission based on the the information they have provided. Along with the academic achievement of the student, the university looks at the student’s field of study, career interests, leadership experience, and community engagement when deciding the scholarship recipients.

Some of the most prestigious scholarships LSA offers include The Alvin M. and Arvella D. Bentley Scholarship and the Gloria Wille Bell and Carlos R. Bell Scholarship Program. The Bentley Scholarship is for students with high academic achievement and leadership qualities. It awards $15,000 per year for four consecutive years of undergraduate study. The Bell Scholarships require a separate external application for scholarship consideration. It offers $10,000 per year to in-state new students and $20,000 to out-of-state students with exceptional academic talent, and who reside in an eligible geographic area and are pursuing an undergraduate, science-related degree.

Central Michigan University (CMU) is another university that offers merit-based scholarships to students. Their Maroon and Gold Merit Scholarships are awarded to incoming freshmen based on high school academics and new admissions are automatically considered for these. The awards are renewable and depend on SAT/ACT scores and high school GPA – the higher both are, the higher the award. They usually range between a minimum of $3,500 to a maximum of $8,250.

CMU also offers competitive scholarships that require a separate application. These awards are based on multiple factors including academic achievement, community engagement, leadership, enhancing diversity, multiculturalism and inclusion, etc. Some of the main scholarships offered include the Centralis Scholarships and the Centralis Gold Award offsetting the full cost of attendance, the Leader Advancement Scholarship offering $2000 annually for four years, and Multicultural Advancement/MAC Scholarships ranging between $4,125 to the full cost of tuition.

Michigan State University also offers multiple scholarships to their high-achieving students that range from $1,000 annually to the full cost of attendance including tuition, fees, food, and housing. Some of their main scholarships include the Alumni Distinguished Scholarship, Distinguished First-year Scholarship, MSU National Merit Scholarship, Merit Recognition Scholarship, and Honors College Excellence Scholarship.

Scholaroo has provided more than 30 Michigan scholarships for students across all higher education levels. These include scholarships from private organizations and universities too. There are also some state-based scholarships programs for Michigan residents to consider.

The MI Government website contains many state-based scholarship options for students. They also have a scholarship search engine on their website using which students can find relevant scholarships. Some of the main scholarships they provide include the Fostering Futures Scholarship, Michigan Achievement Scholarship, and Michigan Competitive Scholarship. These awards range from $1,500 to a maximum of $3,000 per year and the amount awarded depends on the needs of the student too.

Students aspiring to leadership roles in their community within Michigan can also find some scholarship opportunities on the Michigan Townships Association website. Another organization that offers Michigan scholarships includes the Michigan Society of Professional Engineers (MSPE). MSPE offers scholarships to support future engineers studying within the state. The Michigan First Credit Union is another place students can look for scholarships, and some are even full-ride.

Students can contact their local churches and the non-profit organizations within their community for more scholarship opportunities. They can also contact their school’s financial aid office to inquire about and avail the in-house scholarships available to enrolled students.

The Michigan state government programs provide grants to Michigan residents for their college education. Three of their main grants include the Children of Veterans Tuition Grant which grants an award amount depending on the enrolment status with a maximum of $2,800, the Michigan Tuition Grant offering a maximum of $3,000, and the Police Officer’s and Fire Fighter’s Survivor Tuition Grant which is based on the need of the student.