Top Michigan Scholarships to Apply for in October 2025

About Michigan Students

If you're looking for information about higher education in Michigan (e.g., student demographics, enrollment, student debt, and even Michigan scholarships), you've come to the right place. Read below to learn more about what graduating high school seniors, along with other students pursuing a degree, can look forward to in the coming years.

Michigan Student Demographics

Michigan's student population is not only diverse in terms of ethnicity but also in socioeconomic backgrounds. Many students come from families with varying income levels, and some may be the first in their families to pursue a college education.

Michigan has a population of just over 10 million people. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 31.1% of Michigan residents aged 25 and over have a bachelor's degree or higher, based on data from 2018 to 2022. In the 2022-3023 school year, approximately 487,000 students were enrolled in college in Michigan.

Of the students enrolled in college, approximately 74% were aged 24 and under. The data show that 240,017 were enrolled in community college statewide.

Enrollment and Degree Attainment in Michigan

Enrollment and degree attainment rates are indicators of educational success in Michigan. According to the most recent data from the Census Bureau, Michigan's overall enrollment rate for post-secondary education remains steady, with a high percentage of students attending community colleges and four-year institutions.

However, degree attainment rates present a more concerning picture. Michigan has struggled to match the national average (~37.7%) in terms of bachelor's degree or higher attainment. This issue underscores the importance of scholarships and financial aid programs in increasing access to higher education and supporting students throughout their academic journey.

Student Debt in Michigan

While scholarships and financial aid can alleviate the burden of student debt, it remains a pressing issue in Michigan. The average student debt in Michigan is above the national average. The rising cost of tuition, coupled with limited financial aid options, has contributed to this growing problem.

In the 2019-20 academic year, 58% of Michigan's college graduates had student loans, averaging $29,863 in debt. Of this, 19% was nonfederal debt, mainly from private loans, which affected 11% of graduates, carrying an average debt of $29,745. Most graduates, 80%, came from public colleges, while 20% attended private nonprofit institutions, which generally incur higher costs and debt levels.

Because of the prevalence of student loans among Michigan college students, it is important that they get scholarships in order to pay for their college education. Financial aid is more than possible! You can read more about finding Michigan scholarships below on Bold.org.

Best Michigan Scholarships

Scholarships in Michigan for High School Students

By applying for scholarships early, high school seniors in Michigan can get a head start on scholarships for college. Below, you can find some scholarship options for high school students. A graduating senior doesn't need to worry about leaving high school and pursuing higher education when the scholarships below are available.

Scholarships in Michigan for High School Seniors

In Michigan, high school seniors have access to various scholarships aimed at supporting their transition to higher education. These scholarships offer a financial boost, helping students manage the costs associated with college education within the state.

Are you a graduating high school senior? Apply for these scholarships for high school seniors today!

Scholarships for College Students in Michigan

For students who are no longer in high school, there are plenty of college scholarships that can help them with their college education. The list ranges from scholarships for an undergraduate degree to scholarships for a technical school.

Scholarships for Women in Michigan

In Michigan, women make up a large percentage of college graduates. In the 2020-2021 academic year, Michigan colleges had a gender distribution of 43.04% male and 56.96% female students. It is important for women in Michigan to get the help that they need in order to get a college education.

Nursing Scholarships for Students in Michigan

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Michigan has been dealing with a shortage of nurses. In 2018, Michigan had 137,541 licensed nurses, or 13.8 nurses per 1,000 people. This rate exceeded the national average of 12.0 nurses per 1,000 people, but Michigan still falls behind many of its neighboring states. In order to help prospective nurses in Michigan, here are some scholarships for nursing students.

Merit-Based Scholarships

Michigan offers several merit-based scholarships that recognize and reward students for their exceptional academic achievements. These scholarships are highly competitive and often require a high GPA, standardized test scores, and a strong record of extracurricular activities.

Need-Based Scholarships

Many scholarships in Michigan are need-based, meaning they are awarded to students who demonstrate financial need. These scholarships can be a lifeline for students who come from low-income backgrounds and may not have the means to afford college without financial assistance.

With the diverse range of scholarships available in Michigan, it's important to thoroughly research and explore all your options. Don't limit yourself to just one avenue of scholarship search. Consider looking into scholarships offered by local community organizations, professional associations, and even employers in your area.

Gerber Foundation Merit Scholarship

The Gerber Foundation Merit Scholarship is a competitive award designed for students graduating from select high schools in Newaygo, Muskegon, or Oceana counties in Michigan. This scholarship is intended for students who demonstrate academic achievement with a GPA between 2.0 and 3.7 and are involved in extracurricular activities.

How to Apply for Scholarships in Michigan

When applying for scholarships on Bold.org, it's a good idea to create your free Bold.org profile. Once your profile is complete, you can begin to apply for scholarships. Some scholarships only require applicants to have a complete profile, but many require an additional essay or submission in order to apply.

Although scholarships with essays take a bit more time, writing a good essay can help an applicant win. If you are a strong writer or have a unique story, an essay can be a great way to make your application stand out. Once you have completed your profile and/or write your essay, applying for scholarships only requires a few clicks.

When applying for scholarships for Michigan students, make sure that you check the eligibility requirements. Some scholarships may require students to be from a certain city. Additionally, some scholarships may be for specific demographics and identities, while other international scholarships seek out applicants who display academic merit or financial need.

Read our complete guide on how to apply for scholarships.

Tips for Applying for Scholarships in Michigan

Applying for scholarships may be time-consuming, but it is an opportunity for you to gain funds for college. Here are some tips to help you navigate the scholarship application process in Michigan:

Start Early!

Many scholarships have early application deadlines, so it's important to begin your search and gather the necessary materials well in advance.

Read Eligibility Criteria Carefully

Make sure you meet all the requirements before applying. Some scholarships are restricted to specific majors and academic achievements or have a minimum grade point average requirement. Some may even have particular academic year requirements, such as college freshmen or only high school seniors. Moreover, a scholarship could require that an applicant must be attending school at Western Michigan University.

Write a Compelling Scholarship Essay

Take the time to craft a well-written essay that highlights your accomplishments, aspirations, and why you deserve the scholarship.

Gather Strong Letters of Recommendation

Choose individuals who can speak to your character, work ethic, and academic potential.

Submit a Complete and Polished Application

Double-check that you have included all the required documents and that your application is free from errors.

Follow Up

After submitting your application, follow up with any requested additional materials or updates. There's no harm in reaching out to scholarship providers as it shows initiative and that you're interested in their scholarship.

When applying for scholarships in Michigan, also consider reaching out to current or past recipients. They can provide valuable insights into the application process, share tips on how to stand out and offer guidance on presenting your best self on paper.

Networking with scholarship alumni can also open doors to mentorship opportunities and valuable connections within your field of interest. Remember, the scholarship application process is not just about securing funding; it's also about building relationships and tapping into a supportive community that can help you thrive academically and professionally.