Michigan Higher Education Leaders Urge Parents of 2023 High School Graduates to Complete FAFSA Application This Holiday Season

New Michigan Achievement Scholarship Eligibility Will Be Based on FAFSA

LANSING —To ensure Michigan’s graduating seniors maximize their ability to receive the new Michigan Achievement Scholarship in 2023, Michigan higher education leaders are urging parents to prioritize filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form this holiday season.

“The Michigan Achievement Scholarship is a game-changer for graduating seniors and their families,” said Brandy Johnson, president of the Michigan Community College Association. “For many students, this scholarship will be the difference in being able to afford higher education.”

Through the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, students who graduate from high school in Michigan or achieve a high school equivalency certificate in 2023 or after will be eligible for significantly more financial aid from the State of Michigan. Eligibility for the scholarship includes:

• Michigan public university: Up to $5,500 per year for up to five years
• Michigan private college or university: Up to $4,000 per year for up to five years
• Michigan community colleges: Up to $2,750 per year for up to three years
• Eligible training provider: Up to $2,000 per year for up to two years

“The value of a college degree has never been higher but the cost of earning that degree has remained out of reach for too many Michigan families,” said Dan Hurley, chief executive officer of the Michigan Association of State Universities. “The new Michigan Achievement Scholarship fundamentally changes that equation by opening the doors to affordable higher education for thousands of middle class and less affluent students across Michigan. It is a transformative investment that will strengthen our state, our workforce and our economy.”

Eligibility for the Michigan Achievement Scholarship can only be determined by filling out the FAFSA. If the FAFSA shows that a person has an Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) of $25,000 or less, then that student is likely eligible for the scholarship. This means that a family making $150,000 or more a year could qualify. This is a major change from other aid programs that do not help nearly as many students. This program will double the number of students in Michigan with college scholarships from the state. It is estimated that the scholarship will cover:

• 94% of students attending community colleges
• 79% of students attending a private college or university
• 76% of students attending a public university.

 “This scholarship opportunity puts a college education within financial reach and that is extremely exciting,” said Robert LeFevre, President of Michigan Independent Colleges and Universities. “We encourage Michigan parents to ensure their children are included in this opportunity by making filling out the FAFSA a priority.”

For more information on the scholarship, visit MIAchievement.org.  

ABOUT MCCA
The Michigan Community College Association is the unified voice for Michigan’s community colleges, empowering members to lead in the areas of student success, talent development, and community vitality.  MCCA exists to strengthen public awareness and recognition of the role of community colleges, and support members in delivering education and training that is responsive to changing labor-market needs. It is focused on fostering collaboration, connection, and partnerships among community colleges and stakeholders. Learn more at www.mcca.org.

ABOUT MASU
The Michigan Association of State Universities serves as the coordinating board for Michigan’s 15 public universities, providing advocacy and fostering policy to maximize the collective value these institutions provide in serving the public interest and the State of Michigan.

ABOUT MICU
Michigan Independent Colleges & Universities represent the state’s not-for-profit independent colleges and universities. Our goal is to increase awareness of the impact MICU members have on higher education in Michigan. With nearly 80,000 students at our institutions, Michigan independent colleges educate approximately 20 percent of all college students in the state.

MICU serves its members through government relations, public policy development and advocacy. For more information and data related to Michigan’s independent colleges and universities, please visit www.micolleges.org.

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