Michigan Achievement Scholarship 2026 – Amounts, Eligibility

College tuition in Michigan can be daunting, but the state has launched a game-changing program to lower the barrier to entry. 

If you are graduating high school in 2026 (or graduated recently), you could be eligible for up to $27,500 in financial aid through the Michigan Achievement Scholarship.

While many students have heard the “free tuition” headlines, the actual mechanics of the scholarship, such as “last-dollar” funding and the 15-month enrollment window, are often misunderstood.

What is the Michigan Achievement Scholarship?

The Michigan Achievement Scholarship is a state-funded financial aid program designed to make college more affordable for the majority of Michigan families. 

Sixty by 30

It was created to support the state’s “Sixty by 30” goal, which aims to have 60% of working-age adults hold a skill certificate or college degree by 2030.

Unlike traditional merit-based scholarships that rely heavily on GPA or SAT scores, this program is primarily driven by financial need (determined by the FAFSA) and residency status. It serves three distinct educational paths:

• Community Colleges
• Public Universities
• Private Colleges/Universities
• Career Training Programs

Scholarship Coverage: How Much Can You Get?

The award amount varies significantly depending on where you choose to study. 

It is important to note that this is often a “last-dollar” award, meaning it is applied after other state and federal grants (like the Pell Grant) have been used.

1. Community College Guarantee

For students pursuing an associate degree or skill certificate at a local community college, the coverage is extensive.

• Tuition-Free: The scholarship covers in-district tuition, contact hours, and mandatory fees.
• Bonus Cash: If you are eligible for a Federal Pell Grant, you receive an additional $1,000 bonus to help cover living expenses, books, or transportation.

2. Public Universities

If you attend a four-year public university (like Michigan State, U-M, or Wayne State), the financial support acts as a significant discount on tuition.

• Annual Award: Up to $5,500 per year.
• Total Value: Up to $27,500 over five years.

3. Private Colleges and Universities

For those attending independent, non-profit colleges in Michigan (such as Albion or Alma College).

• Annual Award: Up to $4,000 per year.
• Total Value: Up to $20,000 over five years.

4. Career Training

For students attending eligible private training institutions for specific industry certificates.

• Annual Award: Up to $2,000 per year (for up to two years).

Eligibility and Selection Process

One of the most common questions regarding the Michigan Achievement Scholarship is: “Do I qualify?” The criteria are broader than many families expect. 

The key metric used is the Student Aid Index (SAI), which replaced the old “EFC” metric on the FAFSA.

The following table outlines the core eligibility requirements for 2026 applicants.

Criteria	Requirement Details
High School Graduation	Must have graduated from a Michigan high school (diploma, certificate of completion, or equivalency) in 2023 or later.
Residency	Must be a Michigan resident since July 1 of the previous calendar year. (Dependent students’ parents must also meet this).
Financial Need	Must have a Student Aid Index (SAI) of 30,000 or less as determined by the FAFSA.
Enrollment Status	Must enroll full-time (usually 12+ credits) at an eligible institution.
Enrollment Window	Must enroll within 15 months of high school graduation.
Selection Method	Automatic consideration upon filing the FAFSA. No separate application essay is required.

The “15-Month” Rule Explained

This is a critical “gap” in knowledge for many applicants. You do not have an unlimited amount of time to claim this award.

• Class of 2025: Must enroll full-time by Fall 2026.
• Class of 2026: Must enroll full-time by Fall 2027.

If you take a “gap year” that extends beyond 15 months from your graduation date, you may lose eligibility.

2026 Application Timeline

Because there is no separate application form for the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, your timeline is dictated by the FAFSA cycle. 

Here is the estimated schedule for students planning to start college in Fall 2026.

Timeframe	Action Item
December 2025	FAFSA Opens: The 2026-27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid becomes available. File this as early as possible.
Spring 2026	Create MiSSG Account: After filing FAFSA, create a profile on the MiSSG Student Portal to monitor your state aid status.
May – June 2026	Award Letters: Colleges begin sending financial aid packages. Look for “Michigan Achievement Scholarship” listed on your offer.
July 1, 2026	Residency Check: You (and parents of dependents) must have been Michigan residents by this date the previous year (July 1, 2025).
August 2026	Enrollment Deadline: Ensure you are registered for 12+ credits (full-time status) for the Fall semester.
Fall 2026	Funds Disbursed: The scholarship is paid directly to your college to offset tuition bills.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply

Securing the Michigan Achievement Scholarship is simpler than most private scholarships because it relies on federal data you are likely already submitting.

Step 1: File the FAFSA

This is the only “application” required. Ensure you file the FAFSA for the upcoming academic year.

Tip: Be accurate with your financial data to ensure your Student Aid Index (SAI) is calculated correctly. 

An SAI of 30,000 or less covers a significant portion of middle-income families, not just low-income households.

Step 2: Create a MiSSG Student Portal Account

Roughly 3-5 business days after your FAFSA is processed, the State of Michigan receives your data.

• Go to the MiSSG (Michigan Student Scholarships and Grants) website.
• Create a student account to view your eligibility status.
• Crucial: Check that your “College Choice” in MiSSG matches the college you actually plan to attend, or the funds may be sent to the wrong school.

Step 3: Enroll Full-Time

You must register for, and maintain, full-time status (usually 12 credit hours per semester). Dropping classes below this threshold can result in the loss of the scholarship for that term or future terms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a GPA requirement?

To receive the initial award, there is no specific high school GPA requirement. However, to renew the scholarship in subsequent years, you must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) as defined by your college.

Can I transfer from a community college to a university?

Yes. You can use the scholarship at a community college (tuition-free) and then transfer to a university. However, the scholarship is capped at five years total of eligibility.

Does this cover online degrees?

Yes, provided the program is through an eligible Michigan-based institution. Out-of-state online programs (like Penn Foster) generally do not qualify.

Final Thoughts

By simply filing your FAFSA and ensuring you meet the 15-month enrollment window, you can access thousands of dollars in funding.

Don’t leave money on the table. File your FAFSA early, check your status in the MiSSG portal, and prepare for a more affordable college journey in 2026.