35 Miraculous Scholarships for Students in Michigan for 2024
Besides its lakes and major cities, Michigan has plenty to offer in terms of higher education and is home to some of the most popular universities in the country. In fact, when ranking by student population, the University of Michigan comes in as the 13th largest school in the nation, and Michigan State doesn’t follow far behind. Despite the popularity, paying for school in the Great Lake State is no easy feat.
In fact, Michigan frequently ranks among the top states with the highest in-state tuition…and out-of-state tuition is no better! For Michigan residents, one year at the University of Michigan costs an average of $16,736 while out-of-staters can expect to pay around $55,334. Similarly, Michigan State University charges around $15,372 for residents and $41,958 for non-residents.
Unsurprisingly, attending school in Michigan can be a burden on students and families. Luckily, it’s not hopeless! Scholarships in Michigan can be a great way to help you pay for tuition and cut down (or even avoid) student loans.
Why You Should Consider Scholarships
Scholarships are one of the best ways to pay for school because they don’t need to be paid back…ever! And who doesn’t like free money!? Also, scholarships exist for all different types of people from all different backgrounds and walks of life.
The best place to start is Going Merry! We match you with the scholarships you qualify for. The next step is to speak with your high school guidance office or college financial aid office. They’ll have plenty of info on local scholarships and awards that you qualify for.
If you’d like more information on the materials you’ll likely need to apply, check out our guide on how to apply for scholarships. Some scholarships don’t even require an essay (although your chances are usually much lower)! Now that you have all of the information, below are scholarships in Michigan to consider during your search. We’re in the process of adding all of these to Going Merry.
1. Bernice Barlow NAACP Scholarship
After graduating from Saginaw High School and later Michigan State, Bernice Barlow became the president of the NAACP in 1968. She participated in the 1968 Poor People’s March, the 1963 March on Washington, and even attended the funeral of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The Bernice Barlow NAACP Scholarship aims to continue her legacy and the spirit of the NAACP.
Amount: Varies
Provider: Saginaw Community Foundation
Who Can Apply: High School Seniors
Requirements: (a) Minimum GPA of 2.0, (b) Applicant, parent, or legal guardian must be current member of Saginaw NAACP Branch, (c) Residency in Saginaw, Bay, or Midland counties, (d) Full-time student status
2. Shelving.com Business Scholarship
The Shelving.com Business Scholarship is open to Michigan residents pursuing a major in business or business-related field of study.
Amount: $4,000
Provider: Shelving Inc.
Who Can Apply: College-bound high school student or current college student
Requirements: (a) Michigan resident, (b) minimum 2.8 GPA, (c) majoring in Public Administration, Agriculture Business, Sports Business and Management, Music Business, Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurial Studies, or Business
3. Meyer-Simon Latin Scholarship
Just because it’s not spoken, doesn’t mean it’s not important. In an effort to keep the study of Latin (and foreign languages in general) alive and help you carpe diem, the Meyer-Simon Latin Scholarship in Michigan is awarded to students studying a major that requires at least one college-level course in Latin.
Amount: Varies
Provider: Saginaw Community Foundation
Who Can Apply: High School Seniors at Heritage High School
Requirements: (a) Minimum GPA of 2.5, (b) Successful completion of Latin at Heritage High School, (c) Intention to enroll in a degree program that requires at least one college-level Latin class, (d) Full-time student status
4. Yellow Dog Studio Memorial Scholarship
Before passing away in a tragic car accident on July 2, 2015, Mari Zimmerman-Thompson and Christopher Thompson tirelessly pursued their passions for photography and journalism. The Yellow Dog Studio Memorial Scholarship is awarded to Michigan students pursuing degrees in the fields of art and/or photography.
Amount: Varies
Provider: Saginaw Community Foundation
Who Can Apply: High School Seniors
Requirements: (a) Graduating from high school in the Great Lakes Bay Region, (b) Minimum GPA of 3.0, (c) Intention to pursue an undergraduate degree in art and/or photography, (d) Full-time student status
5. Lloyd F. Hutt Scholarship
Established in 1990, the Lloyd F. Hutt Scholarship program honors the legacy of Lloyd F. Hutt – teacher and founder of LMCU. Each year, we establish a prompt for high school seniors to write about in the form of an essay and award twenty (20) $2,000 scholarships.
Amount: $2,000
Provider: Lake Michigan Credit Union (LMCU)
Who Can Apply: College-bound high school seniors
Requirements: (a) Michigan or Florida resident
6. Kostrzewa-Sivey Educational Scholarship
What better way to thank your parents than to help students reach their goals in life? In honor of their parents, John Sivey and Connie Kostrzewa created the Kostrzewa-Sivey Educational Scholarship fund to provide scholarships in Michigan to participants in the Career Links Program, a program aimed to help juniors and seniors within the county develop the skills they need for the job market.
Amount: Varies
Provider: Saginaw Community Foundation
Who Can Apply: High School Seniors
Requirements: (a) Participation in Career Links, (b) Residency in Saginaw County, (c) Attending a Michigan college/university unless the degree program requires an out-of-state school
7. William and Cordula Freese Scholarship
Created in 1982, the William and Cordula Freese Scholarship was created to help fulfill the educational dreams of students with physical or visual handicaps.
Amount: Varies
Provider: United Advisory Scholarship Commission
Who Can Apply: High School Seniors, College Freshmen, College Sophomores, College Juniors, College Seniors, Graduate Students
Requirements: (a) Residency in Saginaw County, (b) Visual or physical handicap, (c) Full-time student status
8. Saginaw High School Alumni Memorial Scholarship
Honoring the 60 Saginaw High School alumni killed in World War II, the annual Saginaw High School Alumni Memorial Scholarship is available to graduates of Saginaw High School.
Amount: $1,000
Provider: United Advisory Scholarship Commission
Who Can Apply: High School Seniors
Requirements: (a) Student at Saginaw High School, (b) Full-time student status
9. Nellie I. Kerry and Paul Sutherland Scholarship
The Nellie I. Kerry and Paul Sutherland Scholarship, which is awarded in various amounts each year, were founded in memory of Nellie I. Kerry and Paul Sutherland.
Amount: Varies
Provider: United Advisory Scholarship Commission
Who Can Apply: High School Seniors
Requirements: (a) Student at a Saginaw Public School, (b) Residency in Saginaw Public School District, (c) Full-time student status
10. Fred A. Ittner Scholarship
After Fred A. Ittner passed away in 1979, his wife, Lydia, founded the Fred A. Ittner Scholarship in his honor. Each year, this award is gifted to a student pursuing a degree in Business Administration.
Amount: Varies
Provider: United Advisory Scholarship Commission
Who Can Apply: High School Seniors
Requirements: (a) Student at Arthur Hill High School, (b) Intention to pursue a degree in Business Administration, (c) Full-time student status
11. Elbert Curtiss Fisher and Margaret Nienstedt Fisher Scholarship
Upon her death, Margaret Fisher requested that a scholarship fund be created in honor of her parents. This is why the Elbert Curtiss Fisher and Margaret Nienstedt Fisher Scholarship was created. This scholarship is for Michigan residents and is awarded to students pursuing a degree in the area of science, engineering, or liberal arts.
Amount: Varies
Provider: United Advisory Scholarship Commission
Who Can Apply: High School Senior
Requirements: (a) Female pursuing Liberal Arts Degree of Male pursuing Science/Engineering Degree, (b) Residency in Saginaw Public School District, (c) Full-time student status
12. Stiger Technical Scholarship
The Stiger Technical Scholarship will support students and their passion for a more hands-on career in trades such as electrician, welding, carpentry, HVAC, automotive restoration, etc. High school seniors from Michigan are eligible to apply if they are pursuing a trade after high school.
Amount: $1,000
Provider: Jerome Stiger
Who Can Apply: College-bound high school senior
Requirements: (a) Michigan resident
13. Tom Krzyzaniak Teaching Scholarship
Tom Krzyzaniak was a long-time employee of Garber Buick who had an appreciation for teaching. In 2014, his wife and kids created the Tom Krzyzaniak Teaching Scholarship fund in his honor and now aspiring teachers can add a little extra cash to their bank accounts.
Amount: Varies
Provider: Saginaw Community Foundation
Who Can Apply: High School Seniors, College Freshmen, College Sophomores, College Juniors
Requirements: (a) Graduated or intention to graduate from a high school in Saginaw, Bay, or Midland counties, (b) Pursuing or intention to pursue an undergraduate teaching degree, (c) Minimum GPA of 2.5
14. Tom Krzyzaniak Automotive Scholarship
Similar to the previous scholarship, the Tom Krzyzaniak Automotive Scholarship was created to promote study in fields related to the automotive industry, the field that Tom Krzyzaniak spent the majority of his life working in.
Amount: Varies
Provider: Saginaw Community Foundation
Who Can Apply: High School Seniors, College Freshmen, College Sophomores, College Juniors
Requirements: (a) Minimum GPA of 2.5, (b) Graduated or intention to graduate from a high school in Saginaw, Bay, or Midland counties, (c) Pursuing or intending to pursue an undergraduate degree in an automotive-related field
15. Tiderington Family Scholarship
While the Tiderington Family believed that education was important, they also recognized the need for plumbers, carpenters, and other trades. Created in 1996, the Tiderington Family Scholarship is awarded to talented students planning to enter a vocational trade after graduation.
Amount: Varies
Provider: Saginaw Community Foundation
Who Can Apply: Students pursuing vocational studies.
Requirements: (a) Minimum GPA of 2.5, (b) Residency in Saginaw County, (c) Pursuing vocational studies, (d) Full-time student status
16. SET Educational Fund Scholarship
The SET Educational Fund Scholarship provides scholarships in Michigan to residents planning to attend an in-state school. Two of these $5,500 scholarships are awarded per year.
Amount: $5,500
Provider: SET Educational Fund
Who Can Apply: High School Seniors, College Freshmen, College Sophomores, College Juniors
Requirements: (a) One Letter of Recommendation, (b) Parent’s or personal tax forms, (c) Residency in Michigan, (d) Proof of undergraduate status in the fall semester
17. The John F. & Edith L. Wilsterman Scholarship Trust
Unlike most scholarships, the John F. & Edith L. Wilsterman Scholarship Trust based in Michigan is intentionally based on talent, ambition, ability, and work ethic rather than grades or athletics. Students who show a strong character and potential for achievement have the best chance of winning this scholarship. So, if grades aren’t your strong point, this scholarship could be perfect for you.
Amount: Up to $5,000 over 4 years
Provider: The John F. and Edith L. Wilsterman Scholarship Trust
Who Can Apply: High School Seniors
Requirements: (a) Graduating from a Genesee County public high school or from Luke M. Powers High School, (b) Minimum GPA of 2.3
18. Monsignor Forbes Scholarship Award
Awarded annually, the Msgr. Forbes scholarship was inspired to honor the legacy of the late Msgr. Eugene A. Forbes whose dedication and commitment to encouraging the pursuit of higher education, coupled with the credit union’s philosophy “People Helping People”, continues to be an integral part of Jolt.
Amount: $2,500
Provider: Jolt Credit Union
Who Can Apply: High school senior
Requirements: (a) Michigan resident, (b) member of Jolt Credit Union
19. The Gerber Foundation Merit Scholarship
Worth $2,600, the Gerber Foundation Merit Scholarship is available to students in the Newaygo, Muskegon, and Oceana school districts who demonstrate potential and academic success.
Amount: $2,600
Provider: The Gerber Foundation
Who Can Apply: High School Seniors
Requirements: (a) Graduating from a high school in one of the school districts listed above, (b) GPA between 2.0 and 3.7
Loving these scholarships, but need help applying for your government financial aid? We can help you fill out your FAFSA and state aid.
20. The Gerber Foundation Dan Gerber Sr. Medallion Scholarship
High school seniors graduating from Fremont High School, Grant High School, Hesperia High School, Newaygo High School, or White Cloud High School and homeschool students within the school district are eligible for the Gerber Foundation Dan Gerber Sr. Medallion Scholarship. Academic achievement, recommendations, leadership qualities, and involvement in extracurricular activities are considered during the application process.
Amount: $10,600 over 4 years
Provider: The Gerber Foundation
Who Can Apply: High School Seniors
Requirements: (a) Minimum GPA of 3.71, (b) Graduating from a high school in one of the school districts listed above
21. The Ability Center of Greater Toledo Scholarship
The Ability Center of Greater Toledo Scholarship for Michigan residents was created in order to help college students with disabilities. Residents of Monroe and Lenawee County are eligible to apply.
Amount: Varies
Provider: The Ability Center of Greater Toledo
Who Can Apply: College Freshmen, College Sophomores, College Juniors, College Seniors
Requirements: (a) Have a disability, (b) Residency in Monroe or Lenawee County, (c) Minimum GPA of 3.0, (d) Enrollment in a post-secondary degree program
22. Sue Dilts Memorial Art Scholarship
An art teacher at Ithaca High School, the late Sue Dilts inspired her students to release their creativity. With that very spirit in mind, the Sue Dilts Memorial Art Scholarship is awarded to students pursuing a degree related to art.
Amount: Up to $800
Provider: Gratiot County Community Foundation
Who Can Apply: High School Seniors
Requirements: (a) Graduating senior in Gratiot County, (b) Intention to pursue a degree in the arts, (c) Extracurricular activities in the arts
23. ACEC Michigan Scholarship
Engineering is important for continuing to improve our world and society, so the American Council on Engineering Companies of Michigan created the ACEC Michigan Scholarship and awards varying amounts each year. In order to be eligible, you’ll need to be pursuing a degree in engineering and have work experience in the field.
Amount: Varies
Provider: ACEC Michigan
Who Can Apply: College Sophomores, College Juniors, College Seniors, Graduate Students
Requirements: (a) Working experience with a private engineering, architectural, or surveying firm in the past 24 months, (b) Must have completed freshman year, (c) Enrollment in an ABET-accredited engineering or surveying program
24. St. Charles Community Foundation Scholarship
Rather than selecting a handful of candidates, the St. Charles Community Foundation wants to help as many St. Charles High School students as possible! Established in 2015, the more money the foundation raises, the more they give! Apply to the St. Charles Community Foundation Scholarship today!
Amount: Varies
Provider: St. Charles Community Foundation
Who Can Apply: High School Seniors
Requirements: (a) Minimum GPA of 2.75, (b) Graduating high school senior from St. Charles Community Schools, (c) Minimum of 9 years attending the school district, (d) Full-time students, (e) Leadership skills, (f) Involvement in the community and school organizations
25. Shannon Mayes Memorial Scholarship
Before she was tragically killed by a drunk driver in 2000, Shannon Mayes had a passion for life and thrived living every day as if it were the best day of her life. Continuing her name, the Shannon Mayes Memorial Scholarship aims to help students pursue their dreams.
Amount: Varies
Provider: Saginaw Community Foundation
Who Can Apply: College Freshmen, College Sophomores, College Juniors, College Seniors, Graduate Students
Requirements: (a) Minimum of 2 years as a student at Heritage High School, (b) Pursuing a graduate or undergraduate degree, (c) At least college freshman status, (d) Full-time student
26. Scott Durand Memorial Scholarship
Established in 2000, a knack for both sports and academics is required for the Scott Durand Memorial Scholarship, which carries on the memory of Scott Durand.
Amount: Varies
Provider: Saginaw Community Foundation
Who Can Apply: High School Seniors
Requirements: (a) Minimum GPA of 3.25, (b) Graduating senior at Swan Valley High School, (c) Varsity athlete
27. Norman D. Osborne Memorial Scholarship
If you love helping out in the community and voicing your opinion about social questions and issues, the Norman D. Osborne Memorial Scholarship could be the perfect opportunity to help you pay for college.
Amount: Varies
Provider: The Saginaw Social Service Club
Who Can Apply: College Sophomores, College Juniors, College Seniors, Graduate Students
Requirements: (a) Minimum GPA of 3.0, (b) Residency in Saginaw County, (c) Pursuing a graduate or undergraduate degree in a human services-related field, (d) At least college sophomore status
28. Saginaw Education Association Member Scholarship
Regardless of their intended major, students with parents who are members of the Teachers’ Union for Saginaw Public School can apply for the Saginaw Education Association Member Scholarship.
Amount: Varies
Provider: The Saginaw Education Association
Who Can Apply: High School Seniors
Requirements: (a) Minimum GPA of 3.0, (b) Parent or legal guardian must be a member of the Saginaw Education Association, (c) Pursuing an undergraduate degree, (d) Full-time student status
29. Frank N. Andersen Memorial Scholarship
Do you love community service? Do you especially love helping out children? The Frank N. Andersen Memorial Scholarship for Michigan residents aims to carry on the name of Frank N. Andersen by awarding college money to students who play an active role in their communities.
Amount: Varies
Provider: Saginaw Community Foundation
Who Can Apply: High School Seniors, College Freshmen, College Sophomores, College Juniors
Requirements: (a) Minimum GPA of 2.75 for high school students or 2.5 for college students, (b) Residency in Saginaw County, (c) Full-time student status
30. Detroit Promise Scholarship
If you plan to attend one of the six participating community colleges or 17 participating 4-year universities, the Detroit Promise Scholarship provides a fantastic opportunity. Created with the intention of using tax dollars to provide tuition-free education, the scholarship can be used for Associate’s degrees, Bachelor’s degrees, or technical certificates.
Amount: Full tuition
Provider: Michigan Education Excellence Foundation
Who Can Apply: High School Seniors
Requirements: (a) Graduating from a Detroit High School, (b) Attendance of a Detroit high school for a minimum of 2 years, (c) Completion of the FAFSA, (d) Detroit Promise Registration, (e) Acceptance to a participating college, (f) Participation in mandatory activities
31. Clarence A. “Buck” Iles Scholarship
Even though Mr. Iles never had the chance to get a formal education, he wanted to make sure that others could. Inspired by his company, the Iles Electric Company, Inc., this annual Michigan scholarship (Clarence A. “Buck” Iles Scholarship) is awarded to students majoring in a building or trade field.
Amount: Varies
Provider: Saginaw Community Foundation
Who Can Apply: High School Seniors
Requirements: (a) Minimum GPA of 2.5, (b) Residency in Saginaw County, (c) Major in a building or trade field
32. Albert Smith Conservation Scholarship
Our planet can only give so much before we need to start giving back. Albert Smith founded the law firm Smith Bovill, P.C. and, in 1976, was recognized for his wildlife conservation efforts. The Albert Smith Conservation Scholarship in Michigan is awarded to young conservationists with a love for the environment.
Amount: Varies
Provider: Saginaw Community Foundation
Who Can Apply: College Freshmen, College Sophomores, College Juniors
Requirements: (a) Residency in Saginaw County, (b) Pursuing a degree in Conservation Management
33. Bud & Katherine Rae Aviation Scholarship
Throughout his life, Bud Rae had a love for aviation and flying. If you share the same passion and plan to pursue a degree in a related field, the Bud & Katherine Rae Aviation Scholarship can help you fly high above student debt.
Amount: Varies
Provider: Saginaw Community Foundation
Who Can Apply: College Freshmen, College Sophomores, College Juniors
Requirements: (a) Residency in Saginaw County, (b) U.S. Citizen, (c) Enrollment in an aviation-related program, (d) Personal characteristics fit for a career in aviation, (e) Involvement in aviation-related activities, (f) Full-time student status
34. Circle Michigan Scholarship
If you love Michigan and think that tourists should consider it as a destination, the Circle Michigan Scholarship is the perfect fit for you. With the aim of promoting the state as a top group travel destination, this scholarship is granted to students studying Hospitality and Tourism.
Amount: $500
Provider: Circle Michigan
Who Can Apply: College Freshmen, College Sophomores, College Juniors, College Seniors, Graduate Students
Requirements: (a) Enrollment in a Michigan school, (b) Major in Hospitality and Tourism, (c) Minimum GPA of 2.5, (d) Residency in Michigan
35. Judith Heavenrich Memorial Scholarship
The aim of the Judith Heavenrich Memorial Scholarship is to help low-income mothers hoping to return to school. Despite polio and losing the use of her legs in a car accident, Judith Heavenrich stayed dedicated to her community and provided inspiration by continuing to follow her passions.
Amount: Varies
Provider: Saginaw Community Foundation
Who Can Apply: Single, low-income mothers pursuing an undergraduate degree, associate’s degree, or vocational training, or who are planning to return to school.
Requirements: (a) Single, low-income mother, (b) Residency in Saginaw County, (c) Financial need
Still need help with financial aid and college scholarships in Michigan?
We get it. Financing college tuition can be quite the process, and with so many scholarships out there, how do you know which ones to apply for? Start by submitting your FAFSA form as soon as possible since this will help determine what financial aid you might qualify for.
Check out these scholarships in Michigan application options:
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But it’s not just about access; we also care about making the process easy. Here’s how it works: You’ll answer a few questions, and then we’ll match you to only scholarships you’re eligible for. You can then filter or favorite whichever scholarships you like and apply for them. Now that’s easy!
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