The State of Michigan has resources to help families plan for cost and better understand the cost of attending a college or university. Access those resources at "Paying For College."
Important information
- You must be a Michigan resident to qualify for grants and/or scholarships through the State of Michigan.
- All students must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for state aid, including the Tuition Incentive Program (TIP).
- The submission deadline of May 1 is only required for the Michigan Competitive Scholarship (MCS). You will still be considered for other aid after that date.
Financial aid opportunities
As a Michigan resident, you have many financial aid opportunities available:
- Children of Veterans Tuition Grant.
- Fostering Futures Scholarship.
- Michigan Achievement Scholarship
- Michigan Competitive Scholarship.
- Michigan Indian Tuition Waiver.
- Michigan Reconnect Scholarship.
- Police Officer and Firefighter’s Survivor Tuition Grant.
- Tuition Incentive Program (TIP).
You may also want to go to the MI Student Aid Video Library for more information regarding state programs.
Children of Veterans Tuition Grant (CVTG)
This grant provides tuition assistance to children of Michigan veterans who are totally and permanently disabled, MIA, or deceased due to a service-related injury or illness.
The renewable award pays a maximum of $2,800 per academic year.
CVTG eligibility and application
Fostering Futures Scholarship (FFS)
This scholarship provides eligible foster youth with scholarship funds for tuition, fees, room/board, books, and supplies required for enrollment.
You must have been in foster care on or after your 13th birthday to qualify.
FFS eligibility and application
Fostering Futures State Information
Future for Frontliners Scholarship
Beginning with the 2021 Winter semester, the State of Michigan launched the Future for Frontliners Scholarship Program. You may no longer apply for this program. Please visit our webpage for more information on how to maintain eligibility: Future for Frontliners.
Michigan Competitive Scholarship (MCS)
The MCS is based on both financial need and academic merit. The FAFSA must be submitted by May 1st each year.
To be eligible you must:
- Provide your Social Security number to Michigan Student Scholarships and Grants by phone by fall of your senior year in high school.
- Achieve a qualifying score on the ACT (minimum of 23) or SAT (minimum 1200) prior to entering college.
- Possess a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent.
- Enroll in six credit hours or more.
Michigan Indian Tuition Waiver
To be eligible you must be:
- One-quarter or more Native American blood quantum as certified by your Tribal Enrollment Department.
- An enrolled citizen of a U.S. Federally Recognized Tribe.
- A legal resident of the State of Michigan for not less than 12 consecutive months.
Michigan Indian Tuition Waiver eligibility and application.
Michigan Reconnect Scholarship
Beginning with the 2021 Summer semester, the State of Michigan launched the Michigan Reconnect Scholarship Program. Please visit this webpage for more information: Michigan Reconnect Scholarship.
Police Officer and Firefighter’s Survivor Tuition Grant (STG)
The STG provides a tuition waiver at state and public institutions of higher education for surviving children (adopted or biological) and spouses of Michigan police officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty.
Children must be under the age of 21 at the time of the deceased officer or firefighter's death, and must also apply for the first time before the age of 21.
STG eligibility and application
Tuition Incentive Program (TIP)
You can now learn more about TIP on the Financial Aid channel on GRCCtv on YouTube!
You are eligible for TIP if you have or have had Michigan Medicaid coverage for 24 months within a 36-consecutive month period. ALL students must complete a FAFSA to be considered for state aid, including the Tuition Incentive Program (TIP).
TIP applications must be received prior to August 31 of the year you graduate from high school (or your equivalent education system) and before your 20th birthday. Graduates of an early/middle college have until age 21 rather than 20.
Additionally, you must submit a copy of your high school diploma. Depending on the results of your FAFSA, you may be asked to provide a birth certificate or other proof of citizenship to GRCC for verification.
TIP eligibility and Fact Sheet
Summer 2024 TIP
If you are coming to GRCC as a guest student for 2024 Summer, to receive TIP funds at GRCC, you need to complete the Guest Student Verification form. You will also have to submit to GRCC a copy of your high school diploma and birth certificate.
TIP Benefits at GRCC
Phase 1 benefits cover the standard tuition cost of 80 total credits and up to $250 in mandatory fees per semester.
Only 80 credits of benefits are available in Phase 1, even if you have not completed your degree.