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The Michigan Legislature recently passed the Fiscal Year 2025 budget (currently awaiting signature from the Governor), which includes changes to the Michigan Achievement Scholarship and other updates to State financial aid programs that go in effect this fall.
New and Noteworthy
Michigan Achievement Scholarship
- 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.
- At four-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).
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.
Michigan Tuition Grant
Effective Academic Year 2024-25, students who have not initiated (received a paid award) in 2023-24 or prior will no longer be eligible for the Michigan Tuition Grant (MTG). Students who remain eligible for MTG and Michigan Achievement Scholarship for Academic Year 2024-25 may receive up to $3,000 from MTG and up to $5,500 from Michigan Achievement Scholarship provided all eligibility and packaging guidelines are met.
Michigan Indian Tuition Waiver
Effective Academic Year 2024-25, Bay Mills Community College is now considered a participating institution for the Michigan Indian Tuition Waiver (MITW).
Increased Appropriations
For Fiscal Year 2025, the following programs received additional appropriations to align with the demand of increased utilization, which will allow for prompt payments to institutions:
- Children of Veterans Tuition Grant/Police Officer’s and Fire Fighter’s Survivor Tuition Grant: $600,000 increase ($2 million total appropriation)
- Michigan Achievement Scholarship: $30 million increase ($330 million total appropriation)
- Tuition Incentive Program: $20 million increase ($93.8 million total appropriation)
Here to Help
Michigan Achievement Scholarship Special Sessions
Join us for upcoming informational sessions to review the revised Michigan Achievement Scholarship Packaging Guidance and for an opportunity to submit questions.
Additional communication will be sent soon with updates and guidance as we work together to implement these changes for our students.
View past GovDelivery messages, including recent updates to financial aid directors.
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