“Why Apply Day is about opening doors and expanding opportunities,” said Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, director of MiLEAP. “Applying to college is a critical step, and we want every student in Michigan to know that resources are available to support them on their postsecondary journey. Whether it’s financial aid, scholarships, or guidance from caring adults, no student should feel alone in this process.”

MiLEAP offers a multitude of programs to help students access affordable pathways to earn a degree or skill certificate after high school:

• 7 in 10 students are eligible to receive up to $27,500 to attend a Michigan college or university through the Michigan Achievement Scholarship.
• All students are eligible for a tuition-free or low-cost pathway through the Community College Guarantee, allowing them to earn a skill certificate, associate degree or to start taking classes toward a bachelor’s degree at a Michigan community or tribal college.
• All students are eligible for up to $4,000 – up to $2,000 per year for two years – through the Michigan Achievement Skills Scholarship to earn an industry-recognized certificate at a qualifying career training program.
• Michigan Reconnect also supports adults ages 25 and older to earn a tuition-free associate degree or skill certificate at their local community college.

Last fall, more than 60,000 Michigan students enrolled in the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, saving families over $252.3 million in tuition costs. More than 18,000 students attended a community college at no or low cost, 7,000 attended private colleges, and more than 34,000 students attended public universities, saving up to $5,500 per year. Additionally, more than 200,000 Michiganders have applied for Michigan Reconnect, with more than 10,000 having already earned their degree or certificate.

“Why Apply Day is a celebration of possibility. It’s a reminder to students across Michigan that their future is wide open and that college — in all its forms — is within reach,” said Ryan Fewins-Bliss, executive director of MCAN. “At MCAN, we believe every student, particularly low-income, first generation and students of color, deserves the opportunity to pursue education beyond high school. We work with our network partners to ensure students have the support needed to complete the FAFSA, which opens the door to critical national, state, and institutional financial aid. When more students apply, enroll, and complete college, Michigan gains a stronger, more skilled workforce, benefiting families, communities, and the economy.”

Earlier this month, MiLEAP announced that more than 65,500 students from Michigan’s Class of 2025 have already completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), surpassing last year’s total applications. FAFSA completion is one of the most important steps students can take to unlock federal and state aid that make college or career training more affordable.

Why Apply Day builds on this momentum, encouraging students to apply to college or career training programs now to take an important next step toward their future. These efforts also help move Michigan closer to its Sixty by 30 attainment goal, to increase the percentage of working age adults with a degree or credential to 60% by 2030.

“We want students to know it’s not too early for them to start planning their futures, and that we’re here for them when they do,” said Sarah Szurpicki, deputy director of MiLEAP’s Office of Higher Education. “Applying to college or career training now is the first step and completing the FAFSA when it opens this fall will be the next. We are committed to supporting students along the way with the guidance, resources and encouragement they need to reach their goals.”

For more information on financial aid, FAFSA completion, and other resources to support your college journey, visit Michigan.gov/MiStudentAid.