Financial aid breaks down into three main categories: aid that does not need to be repaid (gift aid), aid that must be repaid (loans), and work programs. While many students use loans to round out their financial aid package, investing some time researching gift aid options could help lighten your debt load.
The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) determines your eligibility for many federal, state, institutional and private scholarships and grants. So even if you think your income is too high, it's always best to apply.
You may be offered a scholarship through the Office of Admissions simply by applying to MSU. Current and prospective MSU students may also check:
MSU programs and activities, including scholarships, are not restricted based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, national origin or other protected personal identity. Eligibility is not restricted based on protected identity. No preference based on a protected identity will be given in the selection of recipients.
Expand your search by using online scholarship search services. You will need to submit your application materials directly to the awarding organization and meet all their requirements and deadlines.
Watch out for scams!
MSU does not endorse any scholarship service that charges a fee. Be wary of companies that guarantee results. No company can guarantee that you will get a scholarship.
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There are scholarship opportunities all over campus, for a wide range of students. The MSU Scholarships Database helps match students with the scholarships for which they qualify, with just one application. As soon as you have your MSU Student ID number, you can visit scholarships.msu.edu to log in and sign up!
The State of Michigan offers a variety of scholarship and grant opportunities for resident students, each of which have their own requirements and application processes. Some of these offerings include the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, Children of Veterans Tuition Grant, MI Future Educator Fellowship, and the Tuition Incentive Program. View all State of Michigan Student Aid Programs.
Once you have submitted the FAFSA, you can access specific information about your eligibility for state programs using the MiSSG Student Portal.
Most states do not allow their aid programs to be used to pay for out-of-state schools, or only at schools in select neighboring states. One exception to this is the DC Tag program for residents of Washington, D.C.
Federal Pell Grant (PELL)
(FAFSA required) Pell Grant offers assistance to high need students working toward their first bachelor's degree. The Pell Grant is funded each year by Congress, which sets the minimum and maximum award amounts. If you are eligible for the Pell Grant, it will be listed on your MSU financial aid award offer. Eligibility is determined by the FAFSA. There is no separate application, and the award will disburse automatically once you are registered.
Students are limited to six years (12 semesters) of Pell eligibility, or the full-time equivalent of six years for those attending less than full time.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
(FAFSA required) FSEOG is a federal grant available to very high need students working toward their first bachelor's degree. If you are eligible for FSEOG it will be listed on your award offer. There is no separate application, and the award will disburse automatically once you are registered.
Students who plan to become teachers in a high-need field in a low income area may wish to consider the federal TEACH Grant program, which can cover up to $4,000/year for undergraduate and master's students who meet the following eligibility requirements:
Please note that TEACH Grant funds have a high potential for turning into a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan with retroactive interest to the day of disbursement. For this reason, if you are not committed to completing the 4 years of full-time teaching in a low-income school in a high-need subject, you should reconsider receiving this grant as a possible source of aid.
As the nation's premier land-grant university, we are dedicated to making an MSU education within reach for all Michigan residents. In support of this commitment, the Spartan Tuition Advantage is a financial aid program that covers the full cost of tuition for all qualifying in-state students through a combination of federal, state and institutional gift aid, beginning with the 2024-25 aid year.
MSU Student Aid Grant (SAG)
(FAFSA required) The MSU Student Aid Grant (SAG) is available to Michigan residents pursuing their first undergraduate degree, based on need.
There is no separate application other than the FAFSA, and the award will disburse automatically once you are registered.
All admitted students are automatically considered for Admissions scholarships. Admissions scholarships include awards for first-year students, out-of-state students, international students, transfer students, and more.
In most instances, the application for admission, including the required essay, is sufficient for award consideration. Any supplemental documents required for particular scholarships will be provided on their site.
Scholarship selection criteria vary. Satisfying the initial criteria listed does not guarantee that a student will receive an award.
The MSU Child Care Grant program provides funds to students with children to assist in meeting the cost of licensed child care during the school year. The maximum award for the MSU Child Care Grant is $1,000 per semester per child.
If you bring one or more private scholarships with you to MSU, you should be aware of our scholarship policy:
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