Applying To Scholarships
When To Apply: Scholarship Timeline
To be considered for as many scholarships as possible, start your search at least one year in advance. Most scholarship deadlines will be between December and March for the upcoming year. You may consider inputting these dates into your calendar with a yearly repeat, as many of these dates remain the same every year. Start early and stay organized.
Searching for Scholarships
Step 1: What scholarships are you eligible for?
Step 2: Start Searching Scholarships
Step 3: Apply!
Writing the Winning Essay
When writing scholarship essays, tell your story and highlight attributes to your character, while being certain to answer the essay prompt/question. Depending on the prompt, you may want to include information on your family background, obstacles faced, community engagement, or your life purpose and passions. The Fred Meijer Center for Writing and Michigan Authors is available by virtual appointment and is a great resource to help you at any stage of your writing process.
Scholarship Support
Email the Scholarships Team! We are here to help you! If you would like to schedule an appointment for assistance with your scholarship search and to receive feedback on your general application, please email [email protected].
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®)
Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form can be a straightforward and easy process.
Incoming Transfer Merit Scholarships 2026-2027
Consideration for scholarships are based on a complete admissions application submitted by March 1st for spring/summer admission, July 1st for fall admission and November 1st for winter admission (unless otherwise noted). Documents received after the deadline will not be used for scholarship consideration.
Regional Scholarships
Northern Michigan Community Foundation Scholarships
Adult & Non-Traditional Learner Scholarships
Cherryland Electric Adult Scholarship
- Applicant must be a Cherryland Electric Cooperative member.
- Applicant must be enrolled in college classes.
Leelanau County Prospectors Club Scholarship
- Must be a resident of Leelanau County (open to high school seniors, adults returning to college or trade school, and community members with vocational or professional development needs).
- Submit to Leelanau County Prospectors Club - reach out to Chet Janik via email at [email protected]
TAHRA (Traverse Area Human Resource Association) Scholarship
- Pursuing a degree in human resource or business management at the bachelor’s or master’s level (this can be major, minor or certificate)
- Part-time or full-time students, including non-traditional students
- A current resident and/or high school graduate of one of the following counties: GrandTraverse, Leelanau, Benzie, Manistee, Wexford, Missaukee, Kalkaska, and Antrim.
Zonta Scholarships & Grants (Women Specific)
- Zonta Young Women in Leadership Award
- Zonta Women in STEM Award
- Zonta Women in Business Leadership Award
- Pioneed Award, Study Abroad, Fellowship, Dissertation Fellowship, Graduate Research, Love of Learning, Litercy, Mary Todd Sabbatical, Distinguished Service, Scholar & Artist
PEO Women's Chapter Scholarships
- PEO International Program for Continuing Education
- Leelanau & Grand Traverse Women
- Need-based grant for tuition for women pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree
- Email Georgine at [email protected]
Grand Valley makes it easy to find and apply for funding available through the university and external sources through the myScholarships portal. This system automatically matches you with opportunities you qualify for, including those specifically for adult learners of any major.
- Alpha Sigma Lambda Adult Honor Society Scholarship
- Grand Forum Endowed Scholarship
- Kendal J Denbleyker Scholarship
- Endowed Scholarship for Non-Traditional Students Through the Gayle R. Davis Center
- Thomas A. & Cheryl L. Butcher Non-Traditional Student Scholarship
- Dr. Esther and Enrico Sobong Scholarship
With over 500 opportunities available, you can find additional scholarships you may be eligible for based on your major, academic performance, future goals, or interests. Use keywords in the search function to explore additional funding you may be eligible for. While most applications for awards for the next academic year are due in February or March, there are opportunities with various deadlines available year-round.
Physician Assistant Studies Scholarships
TIMELINE: A majority of PA scholarships open on November 11th and close on March 1st. Current PA students in Traverse City will receive emails reminding them to apply to scholarships to their GVSU email.
TIPS:
- Consider working on applications over the fall and winter holiday breaks.
- Check to see if recommendation letters are required. You will need to provide your references with lead time to send you a letter.
- If you find a new scholarship, share it with your cohort, the TC site director, and TC staff.
Grand Valley's myScholarships
Grand Valley offers a scholarship-matching tool to help admitted students match with GVSU scholarships, as well as external scholarship opportunities. myScholarships will prompt you to answer questions to help match you to scholarships for which you might qualify. Every student, each year, should log into the scholarships system! By just logging in, you may match to scholarships that do not require an application. Scholarships will be available to view and apply to starting November 1 each year.
Visit GVSU's myScholarships Page