Dear Financial Aid Directors,
The Michigan Legislature recently passed the Fiscal Year 2025 budget (currently awaiting signature from the Governor), which includes changes to the Michigan Achievement Scholarship that go in effect this fall including:
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At two-year institutions: The Community College Guarantee providing a tuition-free skill certificate or associate degree for recent high school graduates at their local community college. The Community College Guarantee is part of the Michigan Achievement Scholarship.
- -year institutions: Students are now eligible to use the $5,500 scholarship towards their full Cost of Attendance. Students at Private Colleges and Universities are also now eligible for up to $5,500 awards (an increase from the previous $4,000 award).
This initial update shared is what we know now and what you can expect in the coming weeks and months as we partner to launch this opportunity for students.
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Community College Guarantee
Beginning Fall 2024, students from the Class of 2023 and beyond are eligible for the Community College Guarantee, which includes:
- In-district tuition, contact hours, and mandatory fees.
- An additional $1,000 living expenses award for students eligible for a Federal Pell Grant.
Students choosing the Community College pathway do not need to meet the Student Aid Index criteria previously established for the Michigan Achievement Scholarship. These changes will expand your eligible student population and will require repackaging of aid.
Four-year Public or Private College or University
Beginning Fall 2024, students from the Class of 2023 and beyond may be eligible for up to $5,500 towards their Cost of Attendance. Students pursuing a baccalaureate degree program at a Michigan community college may also be eligible for up to $5,500 towards their Cost of Attendance.
Students enrolling at a Four-year Private College or University are now eligible for up to $5,500 (an increase from the previous $4,000 award).
Students choosing the Four-year Public or Private College or University pathway do need to meet the Student Aid Index or Rollover criteria previously established for the Michigan Achievement Scholarship.
For both pathways, incarcerated students may now be considered eligible for the Michigan Achievement Scholarship.
Community College Guarantee
Students must meet the following criteria to be considered eligible for the Michigan Achievement Scholarship at a Community College or Tribal College:
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- Be a Michigan resident since July 1 of the previous calendar year.
- If a dependent student, parent(s) must also be a Michigan resident since July 1 of the previous calendar year.
- Graduate from high school in Michigan with a diploma or a certificate of completion or achieved a high school equivalency certificate in 2023 or after.
- Enroll full-time as defined by the eligible institution.
- Eligible institutions include Michigan Community Colleges and Tribal Colleges.
- Enroll at an eligible institution within 15 months of high school graduation or earning a high school equivalency certificate.
- Students are not eligible if they are in default on a Federal student loan.
- Meet the institution’s Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy.
- Students may be eligible to receive the Michigan Achievement Scholarship for up to five consecutive years total, with no more than three years at a Michigan Community College and Tribal College.
- Students enrolled in a baccalaureate degree program at a Michigan Community College may be eligible to receive the Michigan Achievement Scholarship for up to five consecutive years.
Four-year Public or Private College or University
Students must meet the following criteria to be considered eligible for the Michigan Achievement Scholarship at a Four-year Public or Private College or University:
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- Demonstrate financial need when they complete the FAFSA, for Academic Year 2024-25, by having a Student Aid Index (SAI) of $30,000 or less.
- Students who received the Michigan Achievement Scholarship in Academic Year 2023-24, and have completed a 2024-25 FAFSA, shall be considered meeting the financial need component of the Michigan Achievement Scholarship for Academic Year 2024-25 regardless of their SAI. Received is defined as:
- A student receiving payment of Michigan Achievement Scholarship, or
- A student who met all eligibility criteria and was certified as exceeds Cost of Attendance (COA).
- Be a Michigan resident since July 1 of the previous calendar year.
- If a dependent student, parent(s) must also be a Michigan resident since July 1 of the previous calendar year.
- Graduate from high school in Michigan with a diploma or a certificate of completion or achieved a high school equivalency certificate in 2023 or after.
- Enroll full-time as defined by the eligible institution.
- Eligible institutions include Public or Private Colleges or Universities or students enrolled in a baccalaureate degree program at a Michigan Community College.
- Enroll at an eligible institution within 15 months of high school graduation or earning a high school equivalency certificate.
- Students are not eligible if they are in default on a Federal student loan.
- Meet the institution’s Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy.
- Students may be eligible to receive the Michigan Achievement Scholarship for up to five consecutive years total, with no more than three years at a Michigan Community College and Tribal College.
- Students enrolled in a baccalaureate degree program at a Michigan Community College may be eligible to receive the Michigan Achievement Scholarship for up to five consecutive years.
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Review and adjust financial aid packages to include revised Michigan Achievement Scholarship: Community College Guarantee and Michigan Achievement Bonus for 2024-25 Michigan Achievement Scholarship eligible students at Community Colleges and Tribal Colleges. Review and adjust financial aid packages to include revised Michigan Achievement Scholarship for 2024-25 Michigan Achievement Scholarship eligible students at Four-year Pubic and Private College and Universities.
A revised Michigan Achievement Scholarship Packaging Guidance is now available.
Communication: Update the state website and launch communications campaign. Continue providing status updates via GovDelivery to financial aid administrators.
Policy Updates: Issue policy and guidance via State Programs Procedures Manual and GovDelivery communication.
Training: Offer training and office hours to support financial aid professionals.
MiSSG System: Update MiSSG for students and financial aid professionals.
In addition to sharing update with financial aid directors, the Office of Higher Education, within MiLEAP, is also partnering with the Community Colleges President's Offices to help more students take advantage of this opportunity.
We are committed to providing you with support and guidance as we work together to implement these exciting opportunities for students.
Sincerely,
The MI Student Aid Team
The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential is not affiliated with National Merit Scholarship Corporation or its registered trademarks National Achievement®, Achievement Scholarship®, or Achievement Scholar®.
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