The Best Scholarships in Michigan

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In all, 93 different colleges and universities are listed in the state of Michigan, with approximately 117,311 graduating seniors. That means trying to get full ride scholarships in Michigan, or any scholarships, can be difficult. But the best scholarships in Michigan are still out there. You just need to know where to find them.

If you’re a high achieving student there are specific scholarships available for you. If you are a member of an underrepresented group or minority group there are specific scholarships available for you as well. Students who engage in community service and those who are looking for in state options to lessen the cost of their tuition can all find something within the state.

It can take a bit of hard work and effort, but if you’re doing your research, you can absolutely find the best scholarships in Michigan and a less expensive way to go to college.

Looking for scholarships in another state? Check out our other scholarship lists here.

This post is part of our Ultimate FAQ for Applying to Scholarships.

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The Best Scholarships in Michigan for High Achieving Students

The Best Scholarships in Michigan for High Achieving Students

The Best Scholarships in Michigan for High Achieving Students

1. ACC Foundation Scholarships

  • Description: The ACC Foundation is the Alpena Community College Foundation and it’s all about helping out students within their college. The opportunities are for both new and returning students and they are actually subdivided to a number of different groups to offer opportunities for specific programs and areas of study.
  • Amount: Up to $2,500
  • Requirements: Students must have a high school diploma or GED and must be taking at least 6 credits in a program for an associate or certificate program. They must also meet specific academic requirements, which are generally a 3.0 out of 4.0. Finally, they must show they have financial need.
  • How to Apply: Applications can be found on the website and must be mailed in by March 20th each year.

2. Joseph B. Olivieri Scholarship

  • Description: Sponsored by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers’ Detroit Chapter, this scholarship is specifically for students who are looking to pursue a future in HVAC.
  • Amount: $1,000
  • Requirements: Students must be attending an ABET accredited school in Michigan, full time. They must be pursuing a bachelor’s degree in either mechanical or architectural engineering and must have a GAP of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
  • How to Apply: Students can apply with an essay on sustainability and environmental control systems.

3. Roscoe Douglas Scholarship

  • Description: This scholarship actually comes from the Kalamazoo Chapter of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers Educational Foundation. It’s designed for students in Michigan who are looking for a future in machinery and tools.
  • Amount: $1,000 +
  • Requirements: Students must be attending Western Michigan University full time as an undergraduate student. They must be majoring in either manufacturing engineering or manufacturing engineering technology. Alongside this they must be a sophomore with at least 30 credits and must have a GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
  • How to Apply: Students must apply before February 1st and applications can be found here.

4. Michigan Retailers Association Scholarships

  • Description: The Michigan Retailers Association has been around since 1968 and this scholarship program actually offers a number of different scholarships that you can apply for no matter what grade you’re in.
  • Amount: Up to $1,500
  • Requirements: Students must be dependents of a business owner or employee of a MRA business. They must be attending a nonprofit, accredited college in any state of the United States. They must also be within the top 50% of their class with a GPA of at least 2.5 and an ACT of at least 18 or SAT of at least 850.
  • How to Apply: Applications must be submitted by the first of April through the online platform. Applications can be found here.

5. Skandalaris Family Foundation Scholarships

  • Description: This scholarship foundation is designed to help students who are Michigan residents and also who have high level traits and characteristics that will help them to succeed throughout their education and beyond.
  • Amount: $2,000 +
  • Requirements: Students must be U.S. citizens and attending an accredited college with a GPA of at least 3.4. They must have at least a 27 on the ACT or 1200 on the SAT and be involved in their school, community and/or athletics.
  • How to Apply: Students can apply by May 15th and must have official transcripts, records of their volunteer work and employment and also have an essay. Find more here.

The Best Scholarships in Michigan for Minorities or Underrepresented Groups

The Best Scholarships in Michigan for Minorities or Underrepresented Groups

The Best Scholarships in Michigan for Minorities or Underrepresented Groups

1. Sault Tribe Higher Education Scholarships

  • Description: This scholarship comes from the Federal Bureau of Indian Affairs and provides for the Chippewa Indians of Michigan. There are several scholarships available, with funds available to help tribal members with continuing on through their education.
  • Amount: $1,000
  • Requirements: Students must be registered full time as an undergraduate student and must be attending a state college or university in Michigan. They must have a GPA of at least 2.5 and also be considered in need of financial aid based on the FAFSA form.
  • How to Apply: Students can apply online through the higher education packet. The forms are available here.

2. Michigan Pagan Scholarship Fund

  • Description: Intended to support pagan students who are looking to attend higher education, the Michigan Pagan Scholarship Fund is for students who are at least seniors in high school but also for those who are undergraduate or graduate level students.
  • Amount: $500
  • Requirements: Students must be at least a senior in high school, live in Michigan and have a GPA of at least 2.85. They must also be pagan and accepted for a full time program at an accredited four-year program.
  • How to Apply: Applications can be completed online with a transcript and essays regarding their need. Applications can be found here.

3. Junior Horizons Award

  • Description: The Women in Defense program from Michigan stated this program in 2009 and works with female students who are pursuing some type of STEM career that will aid in the defense interests of the United States as well as national security.
  • Amount: $2,500
  • Requirements: Students must be female citizens of the United States and specifically Michigan. They must also be high school seniors who are attending full time with an interest in STEM. They must also have a GPA of at least 3.25 out of a 4.0 scale.
  • How to Apply: Applications must be completed by the end of June each year and are available online. You can take a look at the application here.

4. Fostering Futures Scholarship

  • Description: This program offers students who are within the foster program support and assistance in trying to further their education and work toward overcoming their difficult history.
  • Amount: Up to $3,000
  • Requirements: Students must have been in foster care at some point after they turned 13 and must be attending a private or public college in the state of Michigan. They must be taking at least part time classes and must be eligible for a Pell Grant based on the FAFSA form.
  • How to Apply: Students must complete the FAFSA form as well as the application in order to apply. The application is available here.

5. Rosa Parks Scholarship Foundation

  • Description: This scholarship was created to commemorate the woman whose name it bears. The historic involvement of Rosa Parks in both the Black Power Movement and the Montgomery Bus Boycott are very important to this program and the foundation then uses their money to support students.
  • Amount: $2,000
  • Requirements: Students must express how they’re going to address social issues using Rosa Parks’ philosophy. They must also be seniors at a Michigan high school, have a GPA of at least 2.5 and show their involvement in community leadership.
  • How to Apply: Students must submit their transcripts, ACT/SAT scores and letters of recommendation with their application. The application can be found here.

6. Kids’ Chance of Michigan Scholarships

  • Description: This scholarship is designed for those who are legal dependents of employees who have been found to be disabled or killed while on the job and covered under Workers’ Compensation. Students must prove themselves to be dependents and must then submit the additional documents.
  • Amount: Up to $5,000
  • Requirements: Students must be between 17 and 22 years old and studying at an in-state college for an undergraduate program. They must also demonstrate that they have financial need as a direct result of their parents injury or death and have a GPA of at least 2.0.
  • How to Apply: Students can apply with a student air report, transcripts, letters of recommendation and legal documentation. Applications are available here.

7. Margaret Ellis And Anona White Scholarship

  • Description: Sponsored by the National Association of Women in Construction, this scholarship is designed to help women who are looking to get into a future as a tradeswoman. There are also other scholarships from the foundation that are available for both men and women.
  • Amount: $500
  • Requirements: Students must be majoring in architecture, civil engineering or other construction related programs with a GPA of at least 3.0. Students must be enrolled full time at a Michigan undergraduate program and must have at least a full semester before they graduate.
  • How to Apply: Applications must be completed by the end of February and must include an essay. Applications are available here.

8. U-M Alumnae Club Scholarship

  • Description: This scholarship is offered through the Grand Rapids Community Foundation and offers scholarships to students in Kent County.
  • Amount: Variable
  • Requirements: This scholarship is awarded to female students who are attending the University of Michigan as a Sophomore or higher in an undergraduate or graduate degree program. They must also exhibit financial need and have a GPA of 3.0 or above.
  • How to Apply: Applications can be filled out online and are available here.

9. CBC Spouses Education Scholarship

  • Description: Organized by the Congressional Black Caucus to provide additional assistance to people of color and academically gifted African-American students, this scholarship rewards those students pursuing specific educational programs.
  • Amount: $8,200
  • Requirements: Students must be African-American or black students pursuing degrees in specified programs including political science, international relations, mass communication, legislative affairs, criminal justice and others. They must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, be enrolled full time and have a GPA of at least 2.5 as well as exhibiting leadership and community service.
  • How to Apply: Applications must be completed online along with  a resume and photograph. Information can be found here.

The Best Scholarships in Michigan for Community Service

The Best Scholarships in Michigan for Community Service

The Best Scholarships in Michigan for Community Service

1. JTM I Matter Scholarship

  • Description: The Join the Movement initiative is designed to help students that come from a background of urban communities. One of these is Detroit in Michigan.
  • Amount: Up to $5,000
  • Requirements: Students must live in a metropolitan area which also has a VILLA store as well as having full-time attendance at an accredited school within the United States. They must have a GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale and be involved in community service.
  • How to Apply: Applications must include a statement about how the neighborhood the student grew up in shaped their lives. Applications can be found here.

2. The Ability Center Scholarships

  • Description: This organization is part of the Ohio Abilities Network and offers support to students who have had to overcome disabilities in order to pursue their college dreams.
  • Amount: $20,000
  • Requirements: Students must have a physical, mental or emotional disability and be attending a college or university in a U.S. institution. They must have a GPA of at least 3.0 and be participating in community service and other extracurriculars.
  • How to Apply: Students must have complete the application and mail it by the end of March along with a transcript, proof of enrollment, their essay and references. The application can be found here.

The Best In State Scholarships and Grants for Michigan Colleges

The Best In State Scholarships and Grants for Michigan Colleges

The Best In State Scholarships and Grants for Michigan Colleges

1. Joshua Esch Mitchell Aviation Scholarship

  • Description: Sponsored by the Grand Rapids Community Foundation, this scholarship is intended for students who are pursuing an aviation degree or program. This scholarship can be used at any university or college that you would like to attend within the state.
  • Amount: $1,000
  • Requirements: Students who are looking to earn this scholarship must have a valid pilot’s certificate and be looking to improve their flight training. They must also be living in Kent County, be attending an AABI accredited flight school either full or part-time, major in an aviation related field and have a GPA of at least 2.75.
  • How to Apply: Applications must include transcripts, aviation recommendation letter, a resume and an essay for personal goals. Applications are available on the website of the GRCF.

2. Grand Rapids Community Foundation

  • Description: There are a number of different scholarships and opportunities through the Grand Rapids Community Foundation, which offer hundreds of thousands of dollars overall. Students can receive scholarships for a number of different types of students.
  • Amount: Variable
  • Requirements: Students must be attending college or technical programs and be from Kent county or surrounding areas. Each scholarship has its own specific requirements.
  • How to Apply: Students can apply by filling out the general scholarship application or can apply through the specific applications for specialty programs. Applications can be found here.

3. Michigan Society of Professional Engineers Scholarships

  • Description: The Michigan Society of Professional Engineers offers scholarships that are designed for constructing engineering careers. Students must be going to a specific college or university within the state of Michigan.
  • Amount: Up to $33,500
  • Requirements: Students must be graduating from a high school in Michigan and must be going to an in-state college, that is ABET accredited and attending full-time. They must also be majoring in some type of engineering program and must have a GPA of at least 2.5.
  • How to Apply: Students must fill out the application and send it by email or U.S. Mail to the MSPE chapter representative in your area.

4. Kreager Family Scholarship

  • Description: Sponsored by the Kalamazoo Community Foundation, this scholarship and others from the Foundation support those at either Gull Lake or South Haven, though students from other areas are also able to apply and earn the scholarship.
  • Amount: Up to $2,500
  • Requirements: Students must be graduating from a high school in Kalamazoo County and must be working toward an associate or bachelor’s degree. They can be attending full or part time and must show that they are working to overcome adversity and have financial need.
  • How to Apply: Students can apply by filling out the online scholarship application which is applied to all scholarships through the foundation.

5. Leadership Speech Contest

  • Description: This speech contest is actually nationwide and it’s all about being able to showcase your own leadership and be vocal. It’s about giving a high quality speech, which must actually be presented at a meeting by the convention that runs the contest.
  • Amount: Up to $5,500
  • Requirements: Students must be public, private or home schooled high school students in southeast Michigan. They must compete in regional contests and move on to a nationwide contest if they are able to pass the first level.
  • How to Apply: Information can be found on the website of the scholarship organization and must be filled out online. It can be found here.

6. Michigan Tuition Grant Program

  • Description: This program is designed to offer assistance to students who are looking to attend college but need assistance because of extensive financial need. The program began in 1966 and continues to aid students attending independent institutions.
  • Amount: Variable
  • Requirements: Students must demonstrate financial need, which will be demonstrated through the FAFSA form.
  • How to Apply: Students will be automatically entered for this scholarship if they demonstrate financial need through the FAFSA form.

7. Michigan Youth Livestock Scholarship Fund

  • Description: This fund is for students who are exhibitors at a Michigan State Fair, Michigan Livestock Expo or Michigan Diary Expo for the previous three years or more. There are competitions for both smaller and statewide scholarships.
  • Amount: $3,000
  • Requirements: Students must have presented at a specified event for at least three previous years and be a graduate or high school senior who will be attending an accredited program within the same year as well as being a resident of the state of Michigan.
  • How to Apply: Students can apply online and find the application here.

8. MetLife Foundation Scholarship

  • Description: Created by the organization of the same name, this scholarship is designed to help high school seniors in a range of different programs. There are a range of different scholarships available to students depending on other specific information.
  • Amount: Up to $2,000
  • Requirements: Students must be entering into one of the specified programs and must complete additional requirements based on the specific scholarship they wish to apply for.
  • How to Apply: Application information can be found here.

9. Michmerhuizen Family Scholarship

  • Description: This scholarship was created by the Michmerhuizen family to showcase their faith within the Christian education sphere. The scholarship specifies that students must graduate from and attend specific programs in order to receive the scholarship.
  • Amount: $1,400
  • Requirements: Students must graduate from Holland Christian High School and attend Calvin College with a GPA of at least 3.0. Students with strong Christian character and faith as well as financial need and specified disabilities are given priority.
  • How to Apply: Applications can be filled out through the website and can be found here.

10. OCRP Lincoln Scholarship

  • Description: This scholarship is all about why America is the land of opportunity and students from high schools, colleges, home schooling and vocational programs throughout Oakland County can apply.        
  • Amount: $1,000
  • Requirements: Students must submit the essay as required and must also be living or attending school within Oakland County.
  • How to Apply: Applications can be found here and can be filled out and submitted through the online platform by the  middle of April each year.

11. Jewel Continuum Foundation

  • Description: This program is relatively new, as the foundation itself was established only in 2015.
  • Amount: $500
  • Requirements: Students must be enrolled at a two or four year institution and must include a letter from the college or university stating their acceptance as well as a letter from the registrar and a tuition bill.
  • How to Apply: Applications are only available when the enrollment period is open and must be received by May 1. Information can be found here.

12. Toyota Motor Sales, USA Inc. Scholarship

  • Description: This scholarship is designed by the Toyota Motor Company and rewards students living in Michigan as well as several other U.S. states who are engaged in activities throughout their community.
  • Amount: $2,500
  • Requirements: Students must be a high school senior or college student and must be pursuing a bachelor’s degree in agricultural engineering or agricultural science or technology. They must as demonstrate financial need and extracurricular involvement.
  • How to Apply: Students can apply by February of each year by completing the online information and application available here.

13. NIADA Foundation Regional Scholarships

  • Description: The National Independent Automobile Dealers Association awards students from different regions specific scholarships based on their leadership and community endeavors and is judged by Northwood University.
  • Amount: $3,500
  • Requirements: Students must be high achieving academically and must also be engaged in leadership and service activities within the community.
  • How to Apply: Applications can be found here and must be turned in by mid-March each year.

14. Stuck at Prom Scholarship Contest

  • Description: This scholarship contest is a fun one that’s designed to help students show off their creative side and get a little bit more spontaneous and fun. It’s offered throughout the United States as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
  • Amount: $10,000
  • Requirements: Students must create a dress or tux out of Duck brand duct tape to wear to their prom. They must be at least 14 years old and must submit a photo to the program to be entered. They are then voted on and the winner will receive the scholarship.
  • How to Apply: Applications and more information can be found here.

There are more Michigan scholarships out there than you might think, but you’re going to need to put some work into it. While some of these scholarships in Michigan are only going to require a little bit of work to fill out the application, others are going to require you to write reports or essays or meet more stringent criteria. Make sure you know what you’re getting into, and don’t stop looking for the best scholarship opportunities in Michigan.

Applying to schools in another state? Check out our other scholarship lists here.

Finally, if you need go-to places for scholarships, you’ll want to read our post on the top scholarship sites to use here.

> The Best Scholarships in Wisconsin

> The Best Scholarships in New York

> The Best Scholarships in Minnesota

> The Best Scholarships in Pennsylvania

> The Best Scholarships in Ohio

> The Best Scholarships in West Virginia

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