University of Michigan Out of State Scholarships

The University of Michigan (U-M), located in Ann Arbor, is one of the most prestigious public universities in the United States, renowned for its academic excellence, cutting-edge research, and vibrant campus life. However, for out-of-state students, the cost of attendance can be a significant barrier, with tuition and fees for non-residents reaching approximately $72,154 annually for the 2025-2026 academic year.

To make a U-M education more accessible, the university offers a variety of University of Michigan Out of State Scholarships to help non-resident students offset these costs. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the scholarships available to out-of-state students, their eligibility criteria, application processes, and strategies for maximizing financial aid, with a focus on information relevant from 2020 to 2025.

Understanding the Cost of Attendance for Out-of-State Students

The University of Michigan, as a publicly supported state institution, charges higher tuition for non-residents because Michigan residents benefit from state subsidies. For the 2025-2026 academic year, the estimated cost of attendance for out-of-state undergraduates includes tuition and fees ($72,154), room and board, books, supplies, and miscellaneous expenses, totaling significantly more than the in-state cost of $33,556.

These figures, sourced from the U-M Office of Undergraduate Admissions, highlight the financial challenge for non-residents. University of Michigan Out of State Scholarships are critical in bridging this gap, offering merit-based, need-based, and donor-funded awards to make attendance more affordable. Unlike loans, scholarships are gift aid that does not require repayment, making them a highly sought-after resource.

Types of University of Michigan Out-of-State Scholarships

The University of Michigan provides a range of scholarships specifically designed for or accessible to out-of-state students. These can be categorized into institutional scholarships, merit-based scholarships, need-based scholarships, external scholarships, and specialized awards for specific groups or programs.

1. Institutional Scholarships

Institutional scholarships are funded by U-M or its donors and are administered through the Office of Financial Aid or individual schools and colleges, such as the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA) or the College of Engineering. These scholarships often consider a combination of merit, financial need, and other criteria like leadership or extracurricular involvement.

Regents Merit Scholarship

The Regents Merit Scholarship is one of the most well-known University of Michigan out-of-state scholarships. This merit-based award is automatically considered for out-of-state students upon admission, requiring no separate application. The scholarship amount varies based on academic credentials and financial circumstances, typically ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 annually. It is awarded to students with exceptional academic records, including high GPAs (3.5 or above) and strong SAT/ACT scores, though U-M’s test-optional policy allows consideration based on other factors like essays and extracurriculars.

Shipman Scholarship

The Shipman Scholarship is a prestigious merit-based award for out-of-state students demonstrating exceptional leadership potential. Valued at $30,000 per year for non-residents, it is renewable for up to four years. High school counselors typically nominate candidates, but all applicants are considered during the admissions process. The scholarship prioritizes students with outstanding academic achievements and significant contributions to their communities, making it highly competitive.

Tappan, Fairfax, Presidential, and Victor’s Scholarships

These institutional scholarships, administered by the Office of Financial Aid, are available to both in-state and out-of-state students. They vary in amount and are awarded based on academic merit, financial need, or a combination of both. For out-of-state students, these scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs. No separate application is required, as eligibility is determined through the admissions application and the “My Scholarship Profile” in Wolverine Access, which collects additional information about students’ backgrounds and achievements.

2. Merit-Based Scholarships

Merit-based University of Michigan Out of State Scholarships are awarded to students with outstanding academic and extracurricular achievements. These scholarships are highly competitive due to the caliber of students applying to U-M.

LSA Four-Year Renewable Scholarships

The College of LSA offers approximately 40 merit-based scholarships annually, funded by donors, which are available to out-of-state students. These awards, such as the Bentley Scholarship, provide up to $15,000 per year for four years to students demonstrating high academic achievement and leadership. The Bentley Scholarship, established by the Alvin M. and Arvella D. Bentley Foundation, targets students interested in public service, with 2 recipients selected annually from 6–8 nominees. No separate application is required, but students must complete their admissions application by the deadline and update their “My Scholarship Profile” by February 15 for full consideration.

College of Engineering Scholarships

The College of Engineering automatically considers out-of-state students for merit-based scholarships upon admission, including the Joseph M. Geisinger Scholarship and the Gloria Wille Bell and Carlos R. Bell Scholarship, which require separate applications. Other awards, known as Engineering Scholarships of Honor, are renewable for up to four years and range from $1,000 to full tuition, depending on academic credentials and essays. Out-of-state students with strong GPAs and recommendation letters are prioritized.

Stamps Scholarship

U-M participates in the Stamps Scholarship Program, offering awards ranging from $6,000 to $90,000 per year for select admitted students, including non-residents. These scholarships are automatically considered during the admissions process, though some schools may require a separate application. The Stamps Scholarship rewards academic excellence and leadership, making it a valuable University of Michigan Out of State Scholarships option.

3. Need-Based Scholarships

While U-M guarantees to meet the full demonstrated financial need of Michigan residents through programs like the Go Blue Guarantee, out-of-state students can also access need-based University of Michigan Out of State Scholarships. These awards require completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the priority deadline, typically March 31 for incoming students.

M-Pact/Provost Award

The M-Pact/Provost Award provides gap funding for out-of-state students within low socio-economic parameters, determined annually. This award is combined with federal grants like the Pell Grant or Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) to cover tuition and fees. Out-of-state students with a Student Aid Index (SAI) of 30,000 or less may qualify, though awards are limited and prioritized for those with the greatest need.

Donor-Funded Need-Based Scholarships

Scholarships like the Bader Scholarship Fund, Betz (Kenneth and Judy) Scholarship, and 919 Scholarship Fund are available to out-of-state students with demonstrated financial need. These awards, administered by the Office of Financial Aid, range from $1,000 to $10,000 annually and often consider additional criteria like academic achievement or specific majors (e.g., STEM, humanities). Students must complete the “My Scholarship Profile” in Wolverine Access by February 15 to be considered.

4. External Scholarships

Out-of-state students can supplement University of Michigan Out of State Scholarships with awards from private organizations, nonprofits, or state programs. In 2021-2022, U-M students received significant external scholarship funding, with some awards covering tuition, fees, or other expenses up to the cost of attendance. Examples include:

• Kids’ Chance of Michigan: Supports students whose parents were killed or catastrophically injured in work-related accidents. Awards vary and can be used at U-M.

• InspirASIAN Scholarship: Offers national scholarships to students from states with participating chapters, applicable to U-M out-of-state students.

• Saginaw Community Foundation Scholarships: Provides over 235 scholarships for students from Michigan and beyond, some of which can be used for out-of-state attendance at U-M.

To apply external scholarships to U-M, students should ensure checks are sent to the Office of Financial Aid (1210 Student Activities Building, Ann Arbor, MI 48109) with a letter specifying the academic year, intended use, and donor contact information.

5. Specialized Scholarships

U-M offers University of Michigan Out of State Scholarships for specific groups, programs, or fields of study, enhancing opportunities for non-residents.

Wolverine Pathways Scholarship

The Wolverine Pathways Scholarship, available to out-of-state students from Detroit, Southfield, or Ypsilanti public school districts who complete the Wolverine Pathways program, covers four years of tuition and mandatory fees. This scholarship is automatically awarded upon program completion and admission to U-M.

Detroit Promise Scholarship

Administered by the Michigan Education Excellence Foundation and the Detroit Regional Chamber Foundation, this scholarship provides four years of tuition and fees for out-of-state students from Detroit public schools. It is automatically awarded to eligible admitted students.

Study Abroad Scholarships

Out-of-state students studying abroad can access scholarships like those listed by the Office of Financial Aid, which provide additional financial assistance for international programs. These awards are particularly valuable for non-residents facing high tuition costs.

Scholarships for Specific Majors

Scholarships like the Balakrishnan (Ruth Sager) Fund for science, math, or engineering majors, and the Bartholomew (Joseph) Scholarship for humanities students with credits in Greek, Latin, Italian, or French, are open to out-of-state students. These awards, ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, often require demonstrated financial need or academic merit.

Eligibility and Application Process

General Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility for University of Michigan Out of State Scholarships varies by award but typically includes:

• Admission to U-M as a degree-seeking undergraduate student.

• Non-resident status, as determined by the Registrar’s Office (734-764-1400).

• High academic achievement, typically a 3.5 GPA or higher, though some scholarships consider test-optional applicants based on essays, extracurriculars, or leadership.

• Completion of the FAFSA for need-based scholarships, with the U-M FAFSA code 002325.

• Submission of the “My Scholarship Profile” in Wolverine Access by February 15 for institutional and donor-funded scholarships.

• Specific criteria for certain scholarships, such as major, geographic origin, or extracurricular involvement.

Out-of-state students are not eligible for Michigan-specific programs like the Go Blue Guarantee or Michigan Achievement Scholarship, which are reserved for residents.

Application Process

The application process for University of Michigan Out of State Scholarships is streamlined to encourage accessibility:

• Admissions Application: Most merit-based scholarships, including the Regents and Shipman Scholarships, are awarded automatically upon admission. Students should submit the Common Application or Coalition Application, including transcripts, essays, and optional SAT/ACT scores, by the early action deadline (November 1) or regular decision deadline (February 1).

• FAFSA: For need-based scholarships, submit the FAFSA by March 31 for priority consideration. This determines eligibility for federal grants and institutional awards like the M-Pact/Provost Award.

• My Scholarship Profile: Complete this feature in Wolverine Access by February 15 to provide additional information for donor-funded scholarships. Prospective students can use a Friend Account to access this feature.

• School/College-Specific Scholarships: Some scholarships, like those in the College of Engineering, require separate applications. Contact the relevant department for details.

• External Scholarships: Apply directly to sponsoring organizations and ensure funds are sent to the Office of Financial Aid with proper documentation.

Tips for a Successful Application

1. Apply Early: Submitting applications by the early action deadline (November 1) increases chances for merit-based University of Michigan Out of State Scholarships.

2. Complete the FAFSA: Even if you’re unsure about need-based eligibility, filing the FAFSA ensures consideration for federal and institutional aid.

3. Enhance Your Profile: Update “My Scholarship Profile” with detailed information about your achievements, leadership, and financial need to maximize eligibility.

4. Seek External Awards: Use scholarship search engines like Scholarships.com or the U-M Library’s funding resources to find external scholarships.

5. Avoid Scams: Legitimate scholarships do not require application fees. Verify opportunities through the Office of Financial Aid.

Maximizing Financial Aid for Out-of-State Students

Beyond University of Michigan Out of State Scholarships, non-residents can explore additional funding options:

• Federal Aid: Out-of-state students are eligible for federal Pell Grants and SEOG if they demonstrate financial need via the FAFSA. These grants can be combined with institutional scholarships.

• Private Loans: For students ineligible for need-based aid, Federal Direct PLUS Loans or private education loans can cover remaining costs, though they require repayment.

• State Grants from Home States: Some states offer grants for residents attending out-of-state schools. Check with your state’s education department.

• Work-Study: Out-of-state students with financial need may qualify for Federal Work-Study, providing part-time jobs to offset expenses.

• Departmental Awards: Contact your academic department for scholarships specific to your major or interests, such as the Brehm Scholars website for Fordson High School graduates.

Combining multiple funding sources can significantly reduce the cost of attendance, but total aid cannot exceed U-M’s cost of attendance. Excess funds may result in adjustments to institutional awards.

Challenges and Considerations

Out-of-state students face unique challenges when pursuing University of Michigan Out of State Scholarships:

• High Tuition Costs: Non-resident tuition is substantially higher, making scholarships critical but competitive.

• Limited Need-Based Aid: Unlike in-state students, out-of-state students are not guaranteed full need coverage, requiring proactive scholarship applications.

• Competitive Awards: Merit-based scholarships like the Shipman and Bentley are highly selective, requiring exceptional credentials.

• Non-Renewable Awards: Some scholarships require annual reapplication, and eligibility may depend on maintaining a minimum GPA or Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).

• Residency Restrictions: Out-of-state students cannot access Michigan-specific programs like the Michigan Achievement Scholarship.

Recent Trends and Updates (2020–2025)

Recent data underscores U-M’s commitment to financial aid for out-of-state students. In the last year, over 3,000 LSA students received donor-funded scholarships to reduce unmet need and loan debt. The test-optional admissions policy, implemented in recent years, allows out-of-state students to forgo SAT/ACT scores, with admissions officers emphasizing GPAs, essays, and extracurriculars.

The LSA Scholarships Office reported a significant increase in admitted students for Fall 2025, with a proportional increase in scholarship recipients. Additionally, U-M’s participation in the Coalition for College ensures support for lower-income and first-generation students, including non-residents, through application fee waivers and robust financial aid.

Conclusion

University of Michigan Out of State Scholarships provide a vital pathway for non-resident students to afford a world-class education at one of the nation’s top public universities. From merit-based awards like the Regents and Shipman Scholarships to need-based options like the M-Pact/Provost Award, U-M offers diverse opportunities to reduce the financial burden of out-of-state tuition. By applying early, completing the FAFSA, updating “My Scholarship Profile,” and exploring external scholarships, students can maximize their funding potential. While challenges like high tuition and competitive awards persist, strategic planning and thorough research can make a U-M education accessible.

For more information, visit the Office of Financial Aid (finaid.umich.edu), LSA Scholarships (lsa.umich.edu/scholarships), or contact the Registrar’s Office for residency questions. With diligence and preparation, out-of-state students can leverage University of Michigan Out of State Scholarships to achieve their academic and professional goals in Ann Arbor.