LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Students graduating high school in 2023 and later, will have greater scholarship opportunities if they pursue higher education in trade schools and colleges.  

At the start of the year, the Michigan Achievement Scholarship began, enabling some students to take advantage of the additional $12 million in the state’s general fund.  Qualified students can obtain at most $5,500 more annually as they pursue an education at a Michigan Public University.  Students can receive up to $2,000 if they attend an eligible private training provider in Michigan for up to two years.  Moreover, Michiganders pursuing an education at a community college can receive up to $2,750 for three years at most. Those attending a Michigan private college or university can receive $4,000 at most per year for up to five years. 

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This scholarship comes under the umbrella of Michigan’s Sixty by 30 Goal that Governor Gretchen Whitmer set in fall of 2022- which anticipates raising the number of working age adults with a skill certificate or college degrees in Michigan from 49% to 60% by 2030.  To determine a student’s eligibility, they must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  Those Michigan students whose family’s expected family contribution for college of $25,000 or less and graduated from high school or earn an equivalent certificate in 2023 will qualify.  

“It is really the most critical step in the financial aid process,” an outreach manager for the Michigan Department of Treasury, Chad Somerville said, “It’s the gateway application for students to be considered for many federal and state financial aid programs.”

The new scholarship program comes also in an effort to reduce costs to students for universities and colleges alike.  

The FAFSA application can be filled out online for free at the Federal Student Aid website. Keep in mind deadlines for applications, and what limitations each scholarship provides.