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Dear High School Counselors,
The Michigan Legislature recently passed the fiscal year 2025 budget (currently awaiting signature from the Governor), which includes changes to the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, such as a Community College Guarantee, and other updates to State financial aid programs that go in effect THIS FALL.
Below are several significant changes in MI Student Aid programs that have an impact on students from the graduating class of 2023 and beyond. These changes will need to be communicated immediately so that students can make appropriate decisions.
- At two-year institutions: The Community College Guarantee provides 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).
Beginning Fall 2024, students from the Class of 2023 and beyond are eligible for the Community College Guarantee, a component of the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, which includes:
- In-district tuition, contact hours, and mandatory fees.
- A $1,000 Michigan Achievement Bonus award for Pell-eligible students, which can be used toward additional college costs.
- Same eligibility requirements:
- Complete the FAFSA (there is no deadline to complete the FAFSA)
- 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 in college within 15 months of your high school graduation
- Class of 2023 spring graduates: Must enroll by Fall semester 2024
- Class of 2024 spring graduates: Must enroll by Fall semester 2025
- If a student graduated at a different time of year, and are concerned about initiating in time, they should contact their college’s financial aid office.
The Community College Guarantee applies to graduating students from Class of 2023. Sharing this message with former graduates is imperative for FAFSA submission. Incarcerated students may now be considered eligible for the Michigan Achievement Scholarship.
Students choosing the Community College pathway do not need to meet the Student Aid Index criteria previously established for the Michigan Achievement Scholarship – that means there are no income requirements.
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.
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 guidelines are met.
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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