College is expensive, but financial aid can make it more affordable. One of the most important steps to securing federal financial aid for students in Michigan is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
For Michigan families, filling out FAFSA opens doors to federal grants, student loans, state scholarships, and institutional aid. Here’s what parents need to know to navigate FAFSA in Michigan in 2025.
What is FAFSA and why is it important?
FAFSA determines your child’s eligibility for:
- Federal Pell Grants (free money that doesn’t need to be repaid)
- Student loans (borrowed funds to help cover tuition)
- Work-study programs (part-time jobs to offset costs)
- Michigan-based scholarships, like the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, which awards up to $5,500 per year for in-state college students
“It’s always good to file the FAFSA upfront, whether or not you believe you’re going to qualify,” says Gabriela Garfield, former senior director of student financial aid at Wayne State University.
Key FAFSA changes for 2025
FAFSA received a major overhaul as part of the FAFSA Simplification Act. Here’s what’s different:
- New formula – The Student Aid Index (SAI) replaces the Expected Family Contribution (EFC), changing how financial aid is calculated.
- IRS data transfer – Families must opt in to automatically pull tax data from the IRS, replacing the old Data Retrieval Tool (DRT).
- More Pell Grant eligibility – Income adjustments mean more students qualify for free money for college.
How to apply for FAFSA in Michigan
Filling out the FAFSA is easier than ever and can be done in about 30 minutes. Here’s what you need to do:
- Create an FSA ID at studentaid.gov for both the student and parent.
- Gather required documents, including:
- Social Security numbers
- 2023 tax returns (for the 2025-26 FAFSA)
- Bank and asset information
- Complete FAFSA online at fafsa.gov.
- List up to 20 colleges where you want FAFSA sent.
- Submit early – the sooner you file, the better.
Students do not need to wait for college acceptance letters — they can list colleges before they apply.
FAFSA Michigan deadlines and financial aid opportunities
- The 2025-26 FAFSA opened in November 2024. Submit as early as possible to avoid delays.
- Michigan’s state FAFSA deadline is July 1, 2025.
- College deadlines vary — check with your student’s school to ensure all forms are submitted on time.
- For Michigan students, federal financial aid for students in Michigan can also include tuition-free community college through the Michigan Achievement Scholarship and Michigan Reconnect program.
Common FAFSA mistakes to avoid
- Not filing at all – Even if you think you won’t qualify, FAFSA is the key to grants and scholarships.
- Missing deadlines – Some aid is first-come, first-served. File early.
- Not using the IRS data transfer – Avoid errors by importing tax info directly from the IRS.
- Leaving blanks – FAFSA considers an unanswered question as $0 income, which could impact aid.
Where to get FAFSA help in Michigan
For FAFSA help, check your child’s high school, college financial aid offices or visit fafsa.gov for support.
Final thoughts: Take action now
Filing FAFSA early is the best way to secure the most financial aid possible. Even if you’re unsure about college plans, submit the application to keep all options open.
“Be prepared to read everything you receive,” Garfield says, noting that a lot of times, answers to frequently asked questions are included — as well as information you need to know.
This post was originally published in 2014 and has been updated to reflect new information and to make the article easier to find.
This content is sponsored by Michigan Education Savings Program. Find more articles like this at Metro Parent’s Making Your Child’s College Dreams Come True.
