March 11, 2025

More than 2,000 Ferris State students tapped Michigan Achievement Scholarship funds, making a quality education more accessible

More than 2,000 Ferris State University students have saved more than $10.4 million on tuition though the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, making earning a college degree more accessible and affordable for Michigan students and families—opening more pathways to good paying jobs.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer this week said nearly 60,000 students statewide are receiving the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, saving Michigan families $252.3 million in tuition costs statewide.

“In Michigan, we are delivering on our promise to make college and career training more accessible and affordable because every student deserves a fair shot at a great-paying job,” Whitmer said.

“This year alone, nearly 60,000 students are saving thousands on tuition thanks to the Michigan Achievement Scholarship. These scholarships put real money back in families’ pockets while putting students on track to get the skills they need to build their futures and strengthening our talent pipeline so businesses can grow and thrive. I will continue working with anyone dedicated to lowering costs and expanding more opportunities so that every Michigander has a chance at a brighter future.”

At Ferris State, 2,073 students received Michigan Achievement Scholarships, covering $10,407,395. Ferris State freshmen and sophomores averaged $5,020 in MAS financial support.

Information about additional Ferris State scholarships is available at 231-591-2110, via email at 
[email protected], and on the Ferris State website here.

“We are pleased to see tens of thousands of students across our state taking the next step in their education journeys without the financial burden that often stands in the way,” said Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, director of MiLEAP. “The Michigan Achievement Scholarship is making a significant impact not just for students – but for families and communities across the state. MiLEAP remains committed to ensuring that every Michigander, no matter where they live, or their financial situation has the support they need to succeed in the classroom and their career.”

Students in all 83 counties are using the Michigan Achievement Scholarship to earn a skill certificate, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree at reduced or no-cost tuition – with an average award over $4,200 per student. Nearly 60,000 students are benefiting from the program this year including:  

• 18,226 students attending a community college at no or low cost.
• 7,009 students at private colleges saving up to $5,500 a year.
• 34,371 students at public universities saving up to $5,500 a year.

“Everyone deserves a path to a good paying job. Regardless of a student’s plans after high school, the Michigan Achievement Scholarship saves them money while they prepare for their future. This includes opportunities to enroll in career training, community college, and a four-year institution,” said Michelle Richard, deputy director of Higher Education at MiLEAP. “This spring, 125,000 students are receiving state scholarships, including the Michigan Achievement Scholarship. That investment is positioning our students, communities, businesses, and state for success.”

At community colleges, students can enroll in programs that lead to in-demand, high-wage jobs such as dental hygienists, electricians, physical therapist assistants, and beyond. They can also take courses that help prepare them to transfer to earn a bachelor’s degree.   

Demand for four-year degrees also continues to grow. 35 of the Hot 50 high-demand, high wage jobs projected through 2032 require a four-year degree including careers in accounting, registered nursing, engineering, and social work.   

The Michigan Achievement Scholarship is one of several state initiatives designed to boost educational attainment and get Michigan closer to reaching the state’s Sixty by 30 goal of 60% of adults with a skill certificate or college degree by 2030.  

“Making the decision to attend college can be intimidating, especially when finances are a concern,” said parent Laura Wright of Portage. “After seeing the financial strain we faced sending our oldest daughter to college, my youngest, Katie, was nervous about attending herself. The Michigan Achievement Scholarship not only eased that burden but also gave our family a sense of support and encouragement. It allowed Katie to enroll in community college to become an agricultural diesel mechanic without taking on loans, so she can focus on her education and internship instead of juggling a job. Knowing that someone values her time and future made all the difference.”

Additional information about the Michigan Achievement Scholarship is available at Michigan.gov/Achievement. Additional information about state scholarship programs is available at Michigan.gov/MiStudentAid.