Scholarship Basics Home » Alumni Groups » Toolbox » Scholarships » Scholarship Basics
Prepared by Allyn Shaw - MSU Assistant Director of Leadership Development Programs
Many alumni are asked about scholarships for incoming MSU students, whether first year or transfer. The MSU Office of Admissions handles over 1600 scholarships each year for incoming and transfer students.
To learn more about scholarships that are available through the MSU Office of Admissions, please visit their website: http://admissions.msu.edu/finances/scholarships.asp
To be awarded a scholarship, students must apply and be accepted to the university. For maximum consideration, students should apply for admission by November 1 of their senior year of high school. .Scholarship selection criteria vary. Academic performance, test scores, class rank, and a student's personal statement are often used to determine scholarship awards. Scholarship award letters are sent between November 1 and May 1.
Scholarships awarded by the Office of Admissions are organized into the following categories:
- Academic Merit Scholarships
- Specific Criteria Scholarships
- Scholarships for Michigan Residents
- Scholarships for Non-Michigan Residents
- Scholarships for Transfer Students
In addition to the scholarships awarded by the Office of Admissions, Michigan State University's searchable scholarship database contains hundreds of scholarships awarded by individual colleges and departments based on academic level or major preference.
The Office of Financial Aid offers additional information on scholarship resources and many students find free scholarship search services helpful for identifying supplemental gift funds.
Satisfying the initial criteria does not guarantee that a student will receive a particular award. In many instances, a limited number of students are able to be named as scholarship recipients for a particular award. Eligibility for out-of-state awards is contingent upon the student maintaining nonresident status.
