The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) has announced that a new version of the federal financial aid application known as the FAFSA is available and will provide more scholarship and grant opportunities for more Michigan students –AND– make it easier for them to apply.
According to MiLEAP, some of the changes made by the Biden administration include expanding eligibility for financial aid for low- and middle-income students, cuts the number of questions on the FAFSA form and makes it easier to import financial information.
In Michigan, nearly 20,000 more students are expected to gain eligibility for a Pell Grant and over 38,000 more students are expected to receive the maximum grant award, according to data released by the U.S. Department of Education.
Michelle Richard, acting director of MiLEAP says one of the most common barriers to filling out the FAFSA is the assumption that they’re not eligible for financial aid.
“That’s simply not the case. The Michigan Achievement Scholarship is a real game changer. Everyone should complete the FAFSA to learn if they are eligible for it or other scholarships, grants or assistance.”
MiLEAP says with the new changes, it takes most applicants less than an hour to complete the FAFSA and learn if they’re eligible for scholarships such as the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, which provides eligible students up to $27,500 for college.
Students and families can complete the FAFSA by visiting studentaid.gov.
