The information about financial aid and scholarships can seem overwhelming, but it is important to research all possible resources. Our Special State Programs has basic information, links (where available) and telephone numbers for programs for special programs for select populations of students and funding opportunities for students who are willing to complete a service obligation.

Michigan Rehabilitation Services
Michigan Rehabilitation Services works with people with a wide range of disabilities. A person with a disability may be eligible for MRS services if the disability causes problems in preparing for, finding, or keeping a job. Educational assistance services can help with funds towards tuition and fees, books and supplies and transportation. Please contact the central office at 800.605-6722 to determine the MRS local office closest to you.

Michigan Educational and Training Voucher
The ETV program allows Michigan to provide up to $5,000 each year to youth in foster care on or after his/her 14th birthday because of neglect or abuse or former foster youth adopted from foster care on or after his/her 16th birthday. Youth must have a high school diploma or GED and enrolled prior to his/her 21st birthday. This program is administered by Lutheran Social Services 877.660-METV.

Youth in Transition Funding
Youth in Transition is a funding source available to cover expenses not covered by other government or community resources or to augment supplement services from other funding sources. Funding is available for Michigan youth who are active in the foster care systems, placed out of their home based on abuse and neglect from the age of 14 to 21. Funds are also available for Michigan youth ages 18-21 that have been in foster care on or after their 14th birthday but are no longer under Dept. of Human Services supervision.

Michigan Youth Opportunities Initiative (MYOI)
A partnership of foundation and Dept. of Human Services works to improve outcomes for foster youth as they age out of care.  Focus is on: education, employment, housing, transportation, health and social and community engagement.

Michigan Foster Youth in Transition Web site
This Web site created with the help of foster youth in Michigan provides a wealth of information about resources available to foster youth as well as information about obtaining vital documents, health, transportation, legal issues and the opportunity to get involved with other foster youth and foster youth alumni. 

Michigan Commission for the Blind
The Michigan Commission for the Blind provides educational, training and rehabilitation opportunities to persons who are blind. Educational support can provide funds towards tuition and fees and books. Please contact the local Detroit Office at 313.456-1646 or the Central Lansing Office at 800.292-4200 (toll free for the lower peninsula) for additional information.

Michigan Tuition Incentive Program (TIP)
This is a high school completion incentive program that offers to pay for the first two years of college and beyond for identified students who graduate from high school or complete their GED before age 20. Eligible students are identified by the Family Independence Agency (FIA) based on the receipt of Medicaid coverage for 24 of 36 consecutive months.

Benefits differ from a Phase I and Phase II school. At a Phase I school, all tuition within a certain dollar amount is coverage for up to 80 semester hours. Usually, but not always, a Phase I school is a community college. Phase II benefits pay $500 each term for up to four semesters of half-time enrollment. The University of Michigan-Dearborn is a Phase II school.

To qualify to use Phase II benefits, a student must have earned at least 56 credit hours (transferred from a Phase I school) or in residence at UM-Dearborn or earned an associate’s degree. Michigan TIP recipients must meet the UM-Dearborn requirements for satisfactory academic progress, be enrolled at least half-time and cannot be in default on any federal educational loan. Please call 888.447-2687 for additional information.

Michigan Indian Tuition Waiver
Michigan Indian Tuition Waiver provides tuition assistance (not fees) for qualifying Native Americans who are Michigan residents attending public colleges and universities in Michigan.

The Michigan Indian Tuition Waiver Application, Instructions and Eligibility criteria are available on the Michigan Department of Civil Right Web site.  Applicants are reminded to keep a copy of their application.

Additional information can be obtained by contacting the Michigan Department of Civil Rights: Melissa Claramunt, American Indian Specialist at claramuntm@michigan.gov  or by telephone at 517-241-7748.

Note: In 2010, the oversight of the Michigan Indian Tuition Waiver made the transition from the InterTribal Council of Michigan to the Michigan Department of Civil Rights.  All students enrolled at UM-Dearborn Fall 2010 are required to reapply by submitting the new MITW Application to the Michigan Department of Civil Rights.

Children of Veterans Tuition Grant Program
The Children of Veterans Tuition Grant Program offers a Tuition Grant to assistance to the children of Michigan veterans who were killed while in service, died as a result of service-related disabilities, or is considered 100% disabled because of service-connected disabilities. The child must be a Michigan resident between the ages of 16 and 25. Upon admission to a Michigan institution of higher learning, may be eligible for a Tuition Grant of up to $2800 each academic year for full-time undergraduate study (amounts are prorated for less than full-time enrollment.) Students must maintain a 2.25 or higher cumulative grade point average. Inquiries can be directed to 888-447-2687.

Police Officer and Fire Fighter Survivor Tuition Act
Tuition at public educational institutions can be waived for eligible survivors enrolled in classes leading to a degree or certificate. The applicant must be a spouse or a child (adopted or natural) of a Michigan police officer or fire fighter who was killed in the line of duty. A child must be less than age 21 at the time of death of the police officer or firefighter and apply for benefits for the first time before the age of 21. Approved survivors can enroll full- or part-time and meet the need threshold established (no more than 400% above poverty level without the inclusion of death benefits).