LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – This past semester, more than 25,400 students had the cost of college reduced thanks to the Michigan Achievement Scholarship. 

“The Michigan Achievement Scholarship has lowered the cost of college for over 25,400 students, helping them chase their dreams,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “By expanding the path to community college, private college, or a public university, we are helping more Michiganders ‘make it’ in Michigan. Together, we will achieve our Sixty by 30 goal, to have 60% of our working age population earn a post-secondary degree or skills training by 2030. Since I took office, we have made significant progress thanks to programs like Michigan Reconnect and the Michigan Achievement Scholarship.” 

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The Michigan Achievement Scholarship grants scholarships to undergraduate students who graduate from a Michigan high school with a diploma, or certificate of completion, or achieve a high school equivalency certificate in 2023 or after. Students have to attend an eligible Michigan postsecondary institution and “demonstrate financial need when they complete the Free application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)” according to the governor’s office. 

Students may be awarded up to: 

• $2,750 if they attend a Michigan community college, per year, up to three years. 
• $4,000 if they attend a Michigan private college or university, per year, up to five years. 
• $5,500 if they attend a Michigan public university or are enrolled in a baccalaureate degree program at a Michigan community college, per year, up to five years. 

Prospective applicants are encouraged to begin by applying online for the FAFSA. According to the governor’s office, a new 2024-25 FAFSA form is expected to open before the end of December. 

 “The Michigan Achievement Scholarship is going to be a game-changer, making college more affordable for families across Michigan. Students can learn if they are eligible for this scholarship or other scholarships, grants and other forms of assistance by filling out a FAFSA,” said Michelle Richard, acting director of Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement and Potential (MiLEAP). “If you are thinking about attending college after graduating from high school, please take a few moments to complete the FAFSA when it becomes available. The time you take to complete this application could considerably reduce the cost of a college degree or certificate.” 

This scholarship builds on Governor Whitmer’s leadership to lower the cost of college through scholarships like Michigan Reconnect, Futures for Frontliners, and Mi Future Educator Fellowship. These investments get Michigan closer to reaching the state’s Sixty by 30 goal of 60% of adults with a skill certificate or college degree by 2030. 

The Michigan Achievement Scholarship is administered by MiLEAP’s Office of Higher education. For more information about the Michigan Achievement Scholarship can be found here.

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Questions about the Michigan Achievement Scholarship should be directed to MI Student Aid, one of the state’s resources for finding the financial resources needed to pay for college. For more information, contact MI Student Aid at mistudentaid@michigan.gov, 1-888-447-2687.