The Michigan Merit Award scholarship program began in 1999 to assist a large number of Michigan's high achieving students in attending the college or university of their choice. Since its inception, over 170,000 students have received a Merit Award scholarship as a result of earning a Level 2 or Level 1 score on each of the four MEAP high school tests, or by satisfying the alternate criteria. The award amount is at least $2,500 for students attending an in-state college or university and $1,000 for those studying out of state, with bonuses available for outstanding performance on middle school MEAP tests.

2002-03 Award Recipients, by Michigan Public University

INSTITUTION	STUDENTS AWARDED	AMOUNT PAID
Central Michigan University	3,170	7,074,376
Eastern Michigan University	1,440	3,226,625
Ferris State University	1,182	2,663,000
Grand Valley State University	2,726	6,415,625
Lake Superior State University	358	805,250
Michigan State University	5,983	13,895,667
Northern Michigan University	941	1,947,188
Oakland University	1,290	2,868,750
Saginaw State University	866	1,850,375
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor	3,464	8,108,500
University of Michigan-Dearborn	734	1,657,750
University of Michigan-Flint	469	996,000
Wayne State University	1,063	2,356,500
Western Michigan University	3,526	8,107,750
Totals	28,092	$63,980,981

Funding for the scholarship program is provided from the Merit Award Trust fund, which was established following the 1998 state settlement with the major tobacco companies. Up to 75% of this "tobacco money" is available for the scholarships, should it be needed in the future.

More Information

Visit the official Michigan Merit Award website for certification of your award and more detailed on the history and qualifications for receiving a Merit Award.

In April 2002, the Michigan Senate Fiscal Agency prepared a document analyzing the Merit Award which is available here.