Financial Aid + Scholarships 26/27

• Cost of College
• Financial Aid from the state of MI
• FAFSA
• CSS Profile
• What happens after the FAFSA
• Understanding Financial Aid Awards
• Scholarship Tips + Tricks
• Scholarships for Seniors (by due date)
• Scholarships for Juniors

Any scholarships that are sent to the counselors via mail or email will be added to this list. Scholarships are listed in order of due date. Scholarships just for seniors are separate from the scholarships that cover multiple grade levels.

We are hosting a Paying for College presentation to help students and families learn about the financial aid process. As a public service, a representative from Oakland University will deliver the presentation, but the information shared is able to be used at any school a student attends. Click here to register.

If you are unable to join the presentation on the date scheduled, you can always access any of the virtual presentations or watch the recorded version on the Financial Aid Events website for students and families (oakland.edu/financialevents).

The Michigan Achievement Scholarship could be for you!

Those who qualify could:

• Receive up to $27,500 to attend a Michigan public university, private college or university, or enroll in a four-year degree program at a Michigan community college.
• That’s up to $5,500 per year for up to five years.

Eligibility

• Be a Michigan resident since July 1 of the previous calendar year.
• Demonstrate financial need when they complete the FAFSA for Academic Year 2025-26 (available Dec. 1st), by having a Student Aid Index (SAI) of $30,000 or less.
• Enroll full-time at an eligible institution—including Michigan community colleges, tribal colleges, and public or private universities.
• Enroll at an eligible institution within 15 months of high school graduation or earning a high school equivalency certificate.

The Community College Guarantee could be for you!

• The Community College Guarantee helps recent high school graduates earn a skill certificate or associate degree at their local community college tuition-free!
• All recent Michigan high school graduates are eligible—regardless of family income.
• If you receive the federal Pell grant, you’re eligible for a $1,000 bonus to help pay for living expenses like books, transportation, and rent.

The Michigan Achievement Skills Scholarship could be for you!

Those who qualify could:

• Receive up to $2,000 per year for up to two years.
• Earn an industry-recognized certificate.
• Get on the fast track to a high-paying career.

Do *not* complete the 2027-2028 FAFSA before October 1, 2026

• Student applicants and each parent contributor must each create their own FSA ID at studentaid.gov more than 24 hours ahead of starting the FAFSA.
• Determine which parent(s) will contribute information to the FAFSA - https://studentaid.gov/sites/default/files/is-my-parent-a-contributor.jpg
• Record each studentaid.gov login in a secure location or on Step One of the FAFSA Worksheet.
• Review the FAFSA Checklist to gather information necessary to complete the FAFSA.
• Participants will need contributor social security numbers (if applicable), personal emails, and cell phone numbers.
• OU hosts FAFSA workshops that are open to anyone regardless of college choice on the Financial Aid Events website. Here are their upcoming sessions:

• The FSA ID is a username and password that is required to log in and access all Federal Student Aid websites, including the FAFSA. Serves as a legal signature when you submit your FAFSA. FSA ID is also referred to as the studentaid.gov login.

• Do not use your BRK email.

• 👉 All those contributing to a FAFSA (parent) must create separate FSA IDs.

• 🤷 Not sure who counts as a parent? Use the “Who is My Parent?” tool

• Gather the information needed to complete the FAFSA: You’ll need information on income, assets, and demographics. 📝This handy FAFSA checklist can help you organize everything you need.

• Begin the FAFSA, invite your parent as a contributor to the FAFSA. Enter your parent/guardian email, so they can complete their portion of the FAFSA.

• List the colleges, trade schools, that you applied to or are thinking of applying to. You can always log-in later and edit your ranking of schools.

• You and your parent/contributor will need to "sign" your FAFSA with your FSA IDs.

We are hosting a FAFSA Workshop to help families complete the application for financial aid. Click here to register for this event. By doing so, you will receive reminders and instructions for important steps to prepare for the workshop.

Before you attend the FAFSA Workshop:

• Student applicants and each parent contributor should each create their own studentaid log in at studentaid.gov (if a user does not have a social security number, they will need to create their account at least three days in advance.)

• Determine which parent(s) will contribute information to the FAFSA if there are multiple households to consider- https://studentaid.gov/sites/default/files/is-my-parent-a-contributor.jpg

• Record each studentaid.gov login in a secure location or on Step One of the FAFSA Worksheet.

• Review the FAFSA Checklist to gather information necessary to complete the FAFSA.

• If you are unable to join the workshop on the date/time selected, you can access OU hosted workshops open to anyone regardless of college choice on the Financial Aid Events website

The CSS Profile is an online application used by colleges and scholarship programs to award non-federal institutional aid. Families can provide a more complete picture of their financial circumstances than the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) may provide.

Some colleges may require the CSS Profile from both the custodial and noncustodial parent. Over 40% of all students qualify to submit the CSS Profile for free.

1. Hillsdale
2. University of Olivet
3. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

We are hosting a Financial Aid Finish Line visit to help seniors who have any remaining financial aid questions, require help with their FAFSA, or ther financial aid related tasks. As a public service, a representative from Oakland University will be available to help you no matter where you choose to attend college.

Please register using this link and follow the instructions to prepare:

• Bring the following things with you to be prepared for the workshop:
• All financial aid offers and usernames and passwords for student accounts for the colleges/universities where you’ve been admitted
• Your FSA ID and password and/or your Student Aid Index number from your FAFSA if you need help with your application.
• Any financial aid questions with which you need help!

• Create a list of your accomplishments (from your college applications or resume if you have one.)
• You can start a list in Google Docs. Include things like sports, clubs, babysitting, church, leadership, work experience, volunteering, family obligations, etc.

• Pay attention to qualifications and requirements (EVERY scholarship is different)

• Look for similar scholarships or scholarships in similar categories (like females in science, student athletes, overcoming an obstacle, etc.)

• Make a list of scholarships you will apply for.
• Keep track using this pre-made chart, Google Docs, or in the search engine you're using (if applicable) to keep track!
• Add details of all materials required for submission (like transcripts, letters of rec, etc)
• Prioritize your list by deadline.

Check out the links below and decide which one looks/feels the best. Create an account for 1 or 2 search engines, so you don't overwhelm yourself!

• GetSchooled
• Appily
• Big Future
• MI Student Aid Scholarship Finder
• U.S. Dept. of Labor Career One Stop Scholarship Finder
• StudentScholarships.org
• Scholarships.com

They often have additional scholarships outside of the merit scholarships that are usually awarded based on a student's admissions application.

Ex. Google "name of college and private scholarships"

Ask family members to check if employers, civic clubs, places of worship, etc. offer scholarship opportunities.

Check if brands/companies you like to eat or shop award scholarships

Check national and state professional associations or organizations of the career field or profession you intend to pursue.

Ex. Google "american association of name of profession and scholarships for high school students"

The BigFuture Scholarship is a program by the College Board that offers students opportunities to win scholarships by completing steps in their college and career planning process on BigFuture.org, such as building a college list or completing the FAFSA. Students are automatically entered into monthly drawings for $500 or $40,000 scholarships when they complete these qualifying tasks. The program is open to eligible high school students in the Class of 2027 and beyond. There are no GPA, test score, or citizenship requirements for entry.

How it Works

• Complete Planning Steps:

  Students earn entries into drawings by completing specific college and career planning steps on their BigFuture dashboard.

• Monthly Drawings:

  Completed steps automatically enter students into monthly drawings for scholarships.

• Scholarship Amounts:

  Students can win $500 or $40,000 scholarships.

• More Chances to Win:

  The more qualifying steps a student completes and the earlier they start, the more chances they have to win.

  
  

Qualifying Steps

For the Class of 2027, the qualifying steps include:

1. Start a Career List: Save at least three careers to a list on BigFuture.
2. Start Your College List: Build a college list with at least three colleges.
3. Start Your Scholarship List: Save three or more scholarships on a scholarship list.
4. Strengthen Your College List: Create a college list with a mix of "safety," "match," and "reach" colleges.
5. Complete the FAFSA: Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®).
6. Apply to Colleges: Apply to at least two colleges.

   
   

Eligibility

• High School Students: Open to students in the Class of 2026 and beyond.
• College Board Account: Students must have a College Board account.
• Location: U.S. students attending high school in the United States, Puerto Rico, or other U.S. territories.
• DoDEA Students: U.S. citizens and residents attending Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) schools abroad are also eligible.

Horatio Alger Association administers over 70 scholarship programs, offering opportunities for students in various stages of their academic careers to achieve their educational goals and realize their potential. Click here to determine eligibility, learn how to apply, and for a list of all of the available scholarships.

FULL-RIDE Scholarship to ~140 U.S. universities!

• List of participating colleges
• Winners who choose to use the scholarship would be required to commission as an officer in either the Navy or Marine Corps.
• If you change your mind, you can use the scholarship for freshman year.
• There is no obligation to pay back (only applicable prior to starting Sophomore year of college).

Who should apply?

• Students who excel academically and are involved in the their school or community.
• Students interested in STEM careers or medicine.

Learn more at: Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps - Home Page (navy.mil)

2026 Kelsey’s Law Distracted Driving Awareness Scholarship Overview

Michigan Auto Law is proud to announce that we will be awarding 4 winners this year for our annual Kelsey’s Law Distracted Driving Awareness Scholarship, totaling to $5,000 in scholarships. Michigan Auto Law hopes to inspire change and raise awareness, by encouraging Michigan high school juniors and seniors to submit a compelling message that convinces young drivers to reduce distractions while driving and persuades all drivers, especially teen drivers, to stop texting while driving.

Messages may be in the form of a YouTube video or graphic that resonates with teens and influences their driving behavior. Entries will be judged and critiqued on the following factors:

• Ability to persuade others, especially teen drivers, to stop texting while driving.
• Ability to grab the attention of other teen drivers, peers, and drivers of all ages.
• A clear and understandable message.
• Demonstration of the applicant’s personal creativity and ingenuity.
• We’re looking for your unique perspective. Video submissions must use original footage you’ve created, not stock footage.

Kelsey’s Law Distracted Driving Awareness Scholarship winners will be notified by March 1st, 2026, and winners will be announced sometime during April 2026 to coincide with National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Scroll down to complete your application in our online form.

For more information or to apply go here!

Applicants for the Michigan Auto Law Car Accident Injury Survivor Scholarship must:

• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident;
• Be currently enrolled as a full- or part-time student in an accredited college or university within the United States;
• Have innocently sustained injuries from a car or truck accident at some point in your life (i.e., you were not at-fault in causing and/or contributing to the accident that resulted in your injuries); and
• Have a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher.

Selection is based on the overall strength of the application and how that applicant has overcome the challenges he or she has faced from being injured in a car accident.

For more information click here!

Each year (April) $1,000 grants will be awarded to graduating high school seniors in the United States, who plan to continue their education at accredited vocational or industrial schools within the United States.

Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors in the United States. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this scholarship.

The number of grants awarded annually will be at the discretion of the United States JCI Senate Foundation. The monies must be used for educational expenses in the first year of full-time study. Checks awarded will be made out in the name of the recipient and the educational institution of their choice.

Each year (April) $1,500 grants will be awarded to graduating high school seniors in the United States, who plan to continue their education at accredited postsecondary colleges, or universities within the United States.

Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors in the United States. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this scholarship.

The number of grants awarded annually will be at the discretion of the United States JCI Senate Foundation. The monies must be used for educational expenses in the first year of full-time study. Checks awarded will be made out in the name of the recipient and the educational institution of their choice.

The scholarship portal will open in January 2027 for the 2026-2027 academic year.

Please subscribe to our mailing list to receive current updates!

The Hagan Scholarship is a nationwide need-based merit scholarship, providing recipients with the opportunity to achieve their goals and graduate college debt-free. The scholarship provides $2,000 to help pay for essential items to attend college and up to $7,500 each semester for up to 8 consecutive semesters.

Free workshops, Free Schwab Brokerage Accounts, and Free Study Abroad provide recipients with a practical understanding of important life skills not typically covered in the school curriculum. Hagan Scholars have attended 637 colleges and universities located in 49 states and the District of Columbia and have studied abroad in 58 countries.

The Hagan Graduate Scholarships are for Hagan Scholars who have graduated college while in the Hagan Scholarship Program and are good for up to four additional semesters in college, providing up to $7,500 each semester to attend graduate school or the first two years of a professional program.

The Hagan International Scholarships are similar to the Hagan Graduate Scholarships. Applicants must have graduated or will graduate from a foreign institution, and must have received an acceptance letter for enrollment for the upcoming fall semester as a first-time graduate student at a college or university located in the U.S.

Future teachers: Secure up to $15,000 in paid summer professional development at Scholar Institute and kickstart your teaching career in Michigan!

Click here to register to attend a virtual info session!

Apply to the Golden Apple Scholars Program in Michigan today: https://www.goldenapple.org/scholars-michigan

• Be enrolled full time as a high school junior in the United States

• Exhibit a strong commitment to pursue and complete a bachelor’s degree at an accredited non-profit public or private institution in the United States (students may start their studies at a two-year institution and then transfer to a four-year institution)

• Demonstrate financial need ($65,000 or lower household income)

• Be involved in co-curricular and community service activities

• Display integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity

• Maintain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0; and

• Be a United States citizen

Apply

Top colleges and universities are looking for students who have excelled academically despite financial hardship, and they partner with QuestBridge to find students like you. If you are a high-achieving high school junior from a low-income background, the College Prep Scholars Program can equip you with knowledge, confidence, and resources to connect with the nation's most sought-after colleges.

Eligibility:

1. High school juniors, regardless of citizenship, currently attending high school in the U.S., and U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents living abroad
2. Earning primarily A’s in the most challenging courses offered
3. Demonstrating strong writing skills and intellectual curiosity, plus resilience, integrity, and motivation to succeed
4. Typically from a household earning less than $65,000 annually with minimal assets (for a household of four members)

Benefits:

• College application head start. Get a head start on applying for FULL four-year scholarships to over 50 college partners with an application that carries over to the National College Match your senior year!

• College prep. Receive guidance and resources to develop a strong college application

• Exclusive access. Get access to summer program scholarships, college admissions conferences, writing workshops, and even a chance to visit top colleges for free!
• Community. Gain a supportive community of motivated peers who are also applying to top colleges.

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