Michigan’s state motto, inscribed on the state’s flag in the original Latin, looks like something out of the works of Cicero or Ovid. Below the state’s seal, supported by an elk, a moose, and an eagle, lie the words Si quaeris peninsulam amoenam circumspice. Literally translated, it is an advertisement for the state: If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look around you.
Michigan is a state of ingenuity; it’s also the home of Henry Ford and Charles Lindbergh. From its rocky shores came the American automobile, Kellogg’s cereal, Domino’s Pizza, and countless writers and musicians. For Michigan students that seek opportunities for their future, who plan to go out into the “real world” and earn a high-level education, the pleasant peninsula truly is the land of hopes and dreams. Thus, here are a few scholarships for those living in Michigan.
Grand Rapids Community Foundation Scholarships
Deadline:TBD for 2021-2022
Amount: Varying
The city of Grand Rapids lies just inland from Lake Michigan, about thirty miles east of the shoreline. It is the second-largest city in the state after Detroit, home to businessmen, actors, athletes, artists, and even a former president. The diverse culture and demographics of Grand Rapids also lends itself well to the diverse awards open for application to Grand Rapids students.
The Grand Rapids Community Foundation, or GRCF, is devoted to helping Michigan students from the area pursue a college education, motivating them with various scholarships and awards. With over a hundred scholarship open to Grand Rapids residents or students from the surrounding Kent County area, there’s definitely something for everyone to be found. All scholarships require a general application that will then sort students by which specific award they are eligible for.
Kids’ Chance of Michigan Scholarship
Deadline: July 31, 2020 (Fall); November 29, 2020 (Spring)
Amount: $5,000
Michigan, the seat of the American auto empire, has perhaps depended on man-made resources to sustain its economy more than any other state. This, of course, leads to the fact that many employees in the state work in manufacturing, industry, or other fields involving manual labor. Careers in manual labor come with a high risk of injury, which can often leave families mourning or caring for a loved one.
To help the children of those injured on the job in Michigan, the Kids Chance of MI organization lends a helping hand to those in their state with a college scholarship for those who have been through so much. To be eligible, the injury to the parent must be eligible for compensation in accordance with the Michigan Worker’s Compensation Law; and the student must be a Michigan resident between the ages of 17-22 that demonstrates financial need.
Michigan Tuition Grant Program
Deadline: March 1
Amount: Varying
Michigan’s economy has taken a hard hit in recent years, leaving the state in financial distress. Although the state has rebounded impressively from the critical conditions, many families are still in dire straits financially. The Michigan Tuition Grant Program, provided under an act of the state’s legislature, offers financial assistance from the state government to students who both show a need for monetary help and meet certain qualifications.
The application dovetails with the FAFSA form, with both due on March 1. Students must be U.S. residents, in good financial standing (i.e. no bad credit lines), and attending eligible high schools. Those that apply for the program are also automatically eligible for several specific Michigan scholarships and grants under the SSG (Student Scholarships and Grants) umbrella.
And remember, the individual colleges/universities have scholarships for students who attend their schools, so make sure you look for financial aid opportunities at the school of your choice!
| Lender | Rates (APR) | Eligibility | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
5.50%-16.12%* Variable
3.99%-15.61%* Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CITIZENS |
 |
5.54% - 15.70% Variable
3.99% - 15.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT SALLIE MAE |
 |
4.63% - 17.99% Variable
3.49% - 17.99% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CREDIBLE |
 |
6.00% - 13.75% Variable
3.99% - 13.75% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT LENDKEY |
 |
5.66% - 14.72% Variable
3.69% - 14.56% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ASCENT |
|
|
3.70% - 8.75% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ISL |
 |
5.62% - 16.85% Variable
3.69% - 16.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT EARNEST |
 |
5.00% - 14.22% Variable
3.69% - 14.22% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ELFI |
