Financial Aid
Frequently Asked Questions
Basic types of financial aid
Grant Programs
Federal Pell Grant (FPELL)
This federal grant program is for students without a bachelor's degree in an undergraduate program who demonstrates exceptional financial need. The federal government each academic year determines award eligibility and amount. The current range is $400-$4,050. Enrollment requirements range from less than half-time to full-time depending on individual eligibility.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
This federal grant program is for students without a bachelor's degree in an undergraduate program who demonstrates exceptional financial need. The award is determined by the College and is based on funds available each year. Enrollment requirements range from less than half-time to full-time depending on individual eligibility.
Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG)
This federal grant program is for those who are 1st and 2nd year students. This grant is for students who have completed a rigorous high school program of study after 1/1/2006 if they are a 1st year student; and after 1/1/2005 if a 2nd year student (GED students are not eligible). 1st year students are eligible for $750 ($325 per semester), and 2nd year students are eligible for $1300 ($650 per semester). A student may receive only one first year grant and one second year grant.
Michigan Native American Tuition Waiver
Michigan residents who are native North Americans and are certified one-quarter blood quantum by their tribal association may be eligible for tuition assistance funds. Information and requirements are available through the Office of Financial Aid. The Office of Financial Aid determines eligibility.
Tuition Incentive Program (TIP)
This state grant program provides funding for tuition and mandatory fees to students who are under age 20, are high school graduates or have earned a GED. The Michigan Department of Treasury through Family Independence Agency Medicaid records certifies eligibility for each recipient. TIP only pays for tuition and fees at the resident college rates. Students must enroll in at least six credit hours per semester.
Transition Center Special Populations Program
The Special Populations Program, administered through the Transition Center, has funds available for single parents, displaced homemakers and persons in programs considered nontraditional for their genders. This assistance is granted for tuition, textbooks and child care. Contact the Transition Center at (734) 462-4443 or visit the office in the McDowell Center.
Scholarship Programs
In addition to the scholarships listed here, students should consult the Scholarship Book in the Office of Financial Aid or the Radcliff Center main office. The Scholarship Book contains the current scholarship opportunities.
Michigan Merit Award
This state scholarship provides a $2,500 award, $1,250 awarded in each of two consecutive years, to graduating high school seniors who meet Michigan Education Assessment Program (MEAP) High School Testing scores and other criteria as determined by the Michigan Merit Award Board. Those students who meet the criteria for the middle school MEAP exams, as determined by the State of Michigan, may be eligible for additional funds of up to $500.
Schoolcraft College Athletic Scholarship
Contact the Athletic Department at (734) 462-4400, ext. 5564 for information.
Schoolcraft College Institutional Scholarships
The Office of Financial Aid awards a limited number of scholarships each academic year to students who demonstrate financial need. Contact the Office of Financial Aid for more information.
Schoolcraft College Foundation Scholarships
Through generous public and private scholarship donations, the Schoolcraft College Foundation helps students reach their educational goals. Community members and organizations are encouraged to establish scholarships and endowments honoring special persons or groups while assisting Schoolcraft College students.
In general, most scholarships require a 3.0 cumulative grade point average and enrollment in at least six credit hours. Consult the Scholarship Book in the Office of Financial Aid or the Radcliff Center main office for current scholarship opportunities. Foundation scholarships are generally awarded for the fall and winter semesters.
Schoolcraft College Faculty Academic Scholarships
This scholarship is available to students who have earned 12 credit hours at Schoolcraft College, have a minimum 3.0 grade point average and meet individual departmental scholarship criteria. Faculty committees establish scholarship requirements and select the recipients of these awards. Students must enroll in at least six credit hours. Faculty scholarships are normally awarded for the winter semester only.
Consult the Scholarship Book in the Office of Financial Aid or the Radcliff Center main office for current scholarship opportunities.
Transition Center Scholarships
Transition Center scholarships are available to those who may or may not qualify for federal or state financial aid. The Transition Center works vigorously to ensure scholarship opportunities are available for all women, with a special emphasis on adult women returning to school. Scholarship information is available at the Transition Center.
Work-Study Employment
Federal Work-Study (FWS)
This federal work-study program provides funds for part-time employment on campus.
Student Loans
Federal Direct Stafford Loans
Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans are long-term, low-interest loans from the U.S. Department of Education.
To become eligible to receive a Federal Direct Stafford Loan, you must begin by filing the annual FAFSA application.
The Subsidized Direct Loan is need-based. The federal government pays the interest on the loan during: (1) your enrollment in school on at least a half time basis, (2) a six-month grace period immediately following your separation from school, and (3) a deferment, which is a temporary, authorized time when your payments may be postponed.
The Unsubsidized Direct Loan is non-need-based. “Unsubsidized” means the federal government does not pay the interest on your behalf. You are responsible for paying all interest on the loan. Interest is charged beginning the day the loan is paid to you until the day the loan is repaid in full. You either may choose to pay the accumulated interest while you are in school, or to have the unpaid, interest capitalized, i.e., added to the principal balance of the loan. Note: If your loan interest is capitalized, it will increase the amount you have to repay.
Direct PLUS Loan
Direct PLUS Loans are for parents who want to borrow money to help pay for their children’s education. PLUS loans are not based on demonstrated financial need; however, the student must first apply for need-based aid before applying for a PLUS loan. Schoolcraft College policy requires that the student exhaust his/her Direct Loan eligibility before a parent may apply for the Direct PLUS loan. The interest rate is fixed at 7.9%. Parents who have no adverse credit history may apply for PLUS Loans.
You may receive information about PLUS loans from private lenders. Schoolcraft College participates only in the Direct PLUS Loan program, therefore you cannot use a private lender for a PLUS loan.
