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Future or current undergraduate students are encouraged to apply for the Michigan Competitive Scholarship, a prestigious program by MI Student Aid that awards up to $1,500 per academic year to outstanding students.
Michigan is one of the top states in the country for pursuing higher education. Great Lakes State is home to some of the world’s top universities, including the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor), Michigan State University (East Lansing), and Michigan Technological University (Houghton).
The sad reality is that more and more youngsters are deciding against attending college. Finding a way to pay for it is a major contributing factor for many students. As a result, it keeps them from going to school or even considering it.
Does this sound like you?
If this is the case, keep in mind that you have access to a wealth of resources. You, too may be eligible for financial aid, including scholarships. If you have been dreaming of attending one of the best universities in Michigan, it never hurts to apply for the Michigan Competitive Scholarship.
Keep reading to learn more about this life-changing opportunity.
About the Michigan Competitive Scholarship
The Michigan Competitive Scholarship is a financial aid available to undergraduate students pursuing their first degree. The scholarship takes into account the financial needs and merit of the applicants. Recipients may renew their scholarship acceptance period annually.
The opportunity is open to students from public universities, community colleges, and non-profit independent colleges. Some of the participating institutions are Bay Mills Community College, Michigan State University, and Kalamazoo College. To check out the full list, click here.
Meanwhile, the Michigan Competitive Scholarship is presented and sponsored by MI Student Aid. Since it was established by the Michigan Department of Treasury, it has become the go-to resource for monetary assistance for students in Michigan.
The office aspires to assist college-bound students like you in achieving greater success. All in all, MI Student Aid believes that offering competitive scholarships may help students in paying for colleges in Michigan.
Additionally, Governor Whitmer’s bipartisan signature of the state education budget for fiscal year 2023 makes it possible for the state to fund a number of scholarships, one of which is the Michigan Competitive Scholarship. A record amount was invested in Michigan schools thanks to the generous budget.
Program Benefits
Scholarship recipients will be awarded up to $1,500 per academic year. The award can only be used for tuition and mandatory fees. Nonetheless, by eliminating part-time job from your options, it is a fantastic aid in enabling you to completely concentrate on your studies.
Eligibility Requirements
As previously mentioned, the Michigan Competitive Scholarship is available to first-time pursuing students from a Michigan university or college only, meaning graduate students are not qualified to apply.
In addition, applicants must satisfy the following criteria:
- Being a Michigan resident since July 1 of the previous calendar year;
- Giving MI Student Aid their Social Security Number by the end of their final year of high school;
- Obtaining a qualifying SAT score of at least 1200 prior to enrolling in college;
- Having obtained a qualifying ACT score of at least 23 (composite) or 90 (scaled score) for students entering college prior to the Class of 2017;
- Holding a high school diploma or an equivalent qualification;
- Demonstrating financial need;
- Not being in default on a Federal Student Loan;
- Being a United States citizen, permanent resident, or approved refugee;
- Enrolling at least half-time; and
- Not being incarcerated.
Renewal Criteria
Suppose you were awarded the scholarship. To maintain your award, make sure to:
- Comply with the Satisfactory Academic Policy (SAP) of the university or college you attend; and
- Maintain a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 2.0.
The Michigan Competitive Scholarship Application
Applying for the Michigan Competitive Scholarship is a breeze. All you have to do is fill out and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and you are good to go!
To check the status of your application, log in to the MiSSG Student Portal at www.michigan.gov/missg. However, you will first need to create an account for it. To create an account, you must have a FAFSA on file, a Tuition Incentive Program (TIP) record, or a Reconnect application.
Limitation
The student’s eligibility for the scholarship expires after earning a bachelor’s degree, finishing the equivalent of ten semesters (or terms), or when a student has been out of high school for more than ten years, whichever comes first.
The availability of approved financing is another condition for both current and future awards. Most importantly, keep in mind that applicants for the classes of 2020 and 2021 may be evaluated based on alternative academic success standards chosen by the department.
Besides, the first college option indicated on the FAFSA is used to determine awards.
Closing Date
Complete and submit your FAFSA before or on March 1 of each year to be considered for this scholarship. Need help filling out your application? We have a comprehensive guide to the FAFSA that you may want to check to keep yourself informed about the form.
Contact Details
Have more questions regarding the program that we did not cover here? No worries! Write to MI Student Aid at mistudentaid@michigan.gov or call 1-888-447-2687 for a spot-on solution.
The Michigan Competitive Scholarship Official Website
Visit www.michigan.gov to apply today! Make sure to invite your friends or recommend the scholarship to those you think might benefit from the generous award.
Looking for other resources for undergraduate students? These scholarships may be perfect for you:
- Herbert Lehman Education Fund Scholarship
- Henry David Thoreau Scholarship
- Alpha Delta Pi Scholarship
