Financial Aid
Applying for financial aid is an important step for many students and families. It’s something every student should do whether they plan to attend a trade school, community college or university. There are no fees to apply for financial aid.
Community College Guarantee
Beginning Fall 2024, students from the Class of 2023 and beyond may be eligible for the Community College Guarantee, which includes:
- In-district tuition, contact hours, and mandatory fees.
- An additional $1,000 Michigan Achievement Bonus award for Pell-eligible students, which can be used toward additional college costs.
- For more information visit the website
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
The FAFSA is a form used to apply for student financial aid from the federal and state government, as well as most colleges and universities. The government uses the information from your FAFSA to determine your expected family contribution.
Students may begin applying for FAFSA Oct. 1 each year and they are highly encouraged to complete it before March 1 of the following year.
Before applying, the student and a parent/guardian will need to create an Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID. Create that ID here.
Questions? Contact Kelly Miller at (231) 582-8070.
Michigan College Access Network: Introduction to Financial Aid Presentation
Tuition Incentive Program
The Tuition Incentive Program (TIP) encourages eligible Medicaid recipients to complete high school by providing tuition assistance during an eligible student’s qualifying certificate or associate degree program and also during the student’s bachelor’s degree program.
Visit the Tuition Incentive Program website
Questions? Contact Kelly Johnson at Char-Em ISD, (231) 582-8070, or your high school counselor.
Service club scholarships
Many local service clubs, such as Rotary and Kiwanis, offer scholarships. Consider researching what scholarships might be available with your local service club.
College/university scholarships
Be sure to check the website of the school to which you are applying to check for freshmen, currently enrolled students, and transfer student scholarships.
Community Foundations
Community Foundations in Northern Michigan offer scholarships for students attending trade schools, community colleges and universities.
Charlevoix County Community Foundation Grants and Scholarships
Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation Grants and Scholarships