Michigan Competitive Scholarship

Merit + Need-Based Aid for Michigan Residents

The Michigan Competitive Scholarship (MCS) is a renewable financial aid program that supports undergraduate students based on academic achievement and financial need. This state-funded award helps cover tuition and mandatory fees at eligible Michigan institutions—including Glen Oaks Community College.

Quick Facts

  • Award Amount: Up to $1,500 per year
  • Eligibility: Michigan residents with qualifying SAT/ACT scores and financial need
  • Enrollment Requirement: Minimum of 6 credit hours
  • Renewable: Yes, if you meet GPA and academic progress requirements
  • Application Deadline: May 1 annually (via FAFSA)
  • Use: Tuition and mandatory fees only

Who Is Eligible?

To qualify for the Michigan Competitive Scholarship, you must:

  • Be a Michigan resident since July 1 of the prior year (same applies to your parent if you're a dependent)
  • Have a high school diploma or equivalent
  • Achieve a qualifying SAT or ACT score:
    • SAT score of 1200 or higher (Class of 2017 and later)
    • ACT composite score of 23 or higher (Class of 2016 or earlier)
  • Demonstrate financial need through your FAFSA
  • Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or approved refugee
  • Be an undergraduate student and not in default on federal student loans
  • Enroll in at least six credit hours at a participating Michigan college
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress and a minimum 2.0 GPA to renew

 Glen Oaks Community College is a participating institution in the MCS program.

How to Apply

  1. Submit your FAFSA before the MCS deadline: May 1
  2. Make sure your Social Security number is on file with MI Student Aid
  3. List Glen Oaks Community College as your first college choice on the FAFSA
  4. Monitor your application status in the MiSSG Student Portal

Program Limits

  • Scholarships are limited to tuition and mandatory fees only
  • You cannot receive both the Michigan Competitive Scholarship and the Michigan Achievement Scholarship in the same semester
  • You’re eligible for up to 60 check counts (about 10 full-time semesters)
  • Program ends when:
    • You earn a bachelor’s degree
    • You’ve used up your check counts
    • It’s been 10 years since high school graduation, whichever comes first

FAQs

Q: What is a “qualifying score” for MCS?
A: SAT score of 1200+ (Class of 2017 and later) or ACT score of 23+ (Class of 2016 and earlier).

Q: Can I use MCS at GOCC?
A: Yes. Glen Oaks is a participating institution.

Q: Do I need to apply every year?
A: You must file the FAFSA each year and meet renewal requirements (GPA, SAP, credit hours).

Q: Can I lose the scholarship?
A: Yes. If you fall below 2.0 GPA, drop below 6 credits, or exceed the check count limit, you may lose eligibility.

Q: Is the scholarship automatically renewed?
A: If you continue to meet the criteria (FAFSA, GPA, SAP), the award may be renewed.

Next Steps