Scholarships/Financial Aid

Finding a way to pay for college can be quite intimidating. The first step is to fill out Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The FAFSA is used by colleges to determine your financial aid eligibility. EVERY SENIOR MUST fill out a FAFSA, because it is also used by colleges to determine grant and scholarship eligibility. In addition to the FAFSA, there are other ways to find money for your postsecondary plans. Lastly, the "Find Scholarships" link allows you more opportunity to search for money for college.

What is the FAFSA and Why Should I Fill It Out?

• FAFSA stands for "Free Application for Federal Student Aid".
• What does that mean for you? Free money!
• ​The FAFSA is used to determine how much financial assistance you need to pay for school.
• Most schools require you to fill out the FAFSA to be eligible for any of their academic/merit scholarships. No FAFSA could mean no scholarship even if you aren't eligible for federal aid.
• ​The FAFSA is used by Federal Student Aid, an office of the Department of Education. As a federal program, you can count on your information to be safe and secure.
• FAFSA FAQ
• General Aid Resources
• Parent Resources

Starting the FAFSA

1. Create your FSA ID at https://fsaid.ed.gov/npas/index.htm

* This will be your username for as long as you fill out the FAFSA (which should be ever year you attend college). It will also serve as your signature on the last page of the FAFSA.

1a. A parent or guardian also needs to create a FSA ID. It will also serve as their signature and username. They need to fill it out with their information.

* It takes 1-3 days for the FSA ID to be verified. You can’t submit the FAFSA without the FSA ID being verified, so make sure to create both FSA IDs ASAP.

2. Start your FAFSA at fafsa.ed.gov

- Select start new FAFSA

- Select enter your (the student’s) FSA ID

- Enter in your FSA ID and password you just created

- Select the FAFSA year that you will be attending college.

- Go through the FAFSA. On the final page it will have you enter your FSA ID and password, then it will ask for the parent or guardian FSA ID and password

Tuition Incentive Program: TIP

• This program aims to help students attend and complete college by giving financial aid. If you are enrolled in Medicaid, there is a good chance you qualify.
• Student must have (or have had) Medicaid coverage for 24 months within a 36-consecutive month period between the ages of nine and high school graduation.
• Complete the TIP application no later than August 31 of the academic year in which the student graduates from high school or its recognized equivalent.
• Obtain a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent prior to age 20.
  • Students who attend a state-approved Early/Middle College have until age 21 to graduate and complete a TIP application.
• Be a Michigan resident as determined by institutional criteria.
• Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or approved refugee.
• Not be in default on a Federal student loan.
• Be enrolled at least half-time.
• For renewal, must meet institution’s Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy.
• You must file a FAFSA to be eligible for this free tuition option.

Helpful Infographics