Topic guide · Graduates since 2023
The Michigan Achievement Scholarship
The Michigan Achievement Scholarship gives students who finished high school in 2023 or later one of three awards: up to $5,500 a year at a Michigan university, free in-district community college through the Community College Guarantee, or up to $2,000 a year for career training. You file the FAFSA (or a separate application for career training) and enroll within 15 months of graduating.
Last checked: October 2026 against MI Student Aid (MiLEAP).
The three awards
University
Up to five years at a Michigan public or private university, or a community college bachelor's program. Family income limit: a Student Aid Index of 30,000 or less.
Community college
In-district tuition and mandatory fees for up to three years, no income limit, plus $1,000 for Pell-eligible students. Details
Career training
Up to two years toward training programs of 150+ hours, like CDL, welding, HVAC or medical certificates. Since 2026-27 it can be combined with the other award in the same year.
Who qualifies for the Michigan Achievement Scholarship?
- A high school diploma, certificate of completion or equivalency earned in 2023 or later.
- Michigan residency since July 1 of the previous year. You no longer have to have graduated from a Michigan high school (as of 2026-27).
- U.S. citizen, permanent resident or approved refugee.
- Enrolled within 15 months of graduating, full time for the college awards.
- Not in default on a federal student loan.
How do you apply?
For college: file the FAFSA. That's the application. For career training: apply through the MiSSG Student Portal from MI Student Aid. Questions go to MI Student Aid at 888-447-2687.
Official Michigan Achievement Scholarship page
Live in a Promise Zone, Detroit or Kalamazoo? A local Promise scholarship can stack with this one.
Sources: MI Student Aid · College and university award · Career training award · MiLEAP FY2027 bulletin
Common questions
How much is the Michigan Achievement Scholarship for a university?
Up to $5,500 a year for up to five years at a Michigan public or private university, for students whose family Student Aid Index is 30,000 or less.
Source: MI Student Aid
Do you have to graduate from a Michigan high school for the Michigan Achievement Scholarship?
Not anymore. Starting in 2026-27 you need to be a Michigan resident, but you no longer have to have graduated from a Michigan high school.
Source: MiLEAP FY2027 budget bulletin