Does EMU superscore the SAT or ACT?

No. EMU does not superscore. Students should submit their single best test date if they choose to send scores.

What makes the Presidential Scholarship so competitive?

It is EMU’s top scholarship, offering full tuition, room, and board. Only a limited number of students are selected after an application and interview process.

Eastern Michigan University Scholarships (2025–2026)

← Back to the College Scholarships Hub

What This Page Covers:

Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way

Paying for college can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re the first in your family to navigate the process. At Eastern Michigan University, there are clear ways to lower the price—from automatic merit awards and the 4WARD program to selective full-tuition scholarships. This guide breaks it all down in plain English, with links to the Michigan state aid page and our main College Scholarships Hub so you don’t miss a step.

💰 Cost of Attendance at Eastern Michigan University

Expense	In-State	Out-of-State
Tuition & Fees (12–16 credits)	$16,684	$16,684
Housing & Meals	$12,256	$12,256
Books, Travel & Personal	$4,360	$4,360
Total (Before Aid)	$33,300	$33,300

Average Net Price: Families actually paid about $17,084 per year after scholarships and grants (no loans included), based on the latest federal data (College Scorecard 2022–23).

Reciprocity & Regional Programs: Eastern Michigan does not participate in the Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP), and there are no regional reciprocity discounts for out-of-state students. EMU instead offers its own “4WARD Graduation Scholarship” that locks tuition for the first two years and makes tuition free in years three and four if students live on campus and meet GPA/credit requirements.

Example Savings: A student paying about $14,500 tuition in years 1–2 would pay $0 in years 3–4, effectively cutting tuition costs in half over four years.

COA & Reciprocity FAQs

Who qualifies for lower prices? Unlike some public universities, EMU charges the same tuition for Michigan and non-Michigan undergraduates. Savings mainly come from scholarships like Emerald or the 4WARD program.

How much can families really expect to pay? On average, families paid around $17,000 after aid, though amounts vary by income and merit eligibility.

Do you have to apply separately for discounts? Automatic merit awards and the 4WARD program are tied to admission and simple opt-in agreements—no separate lengthy applications needed.

✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships

Scholarship	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?
Emerald Scholarship	$4,000–$8,000 per year	Automatic based on high school GPA (test-optional)	No	Yes — maintain satisfactory academic progress	3.25+ GPAs often see $6k+; 3.75+ typically land $8k
4WARD Graduation Scholarship	Years 1–2 locked tuition (~$14.5k/yr); Years 3–4 free tuition	First-year admits with 3.0+ GPA; must live on campus all four years; full-time & SAP required	No — opt-in agreement	Yes — up to 8 consecutive semesters (GPA ≥2.0 and 30 credits/year)	Students committed to on-campus living who stay on pace to graduate in four years
Education First Opportunity Scholarship (EFOS)	Covers tuition after federal grants (continuing for earlier cohorts)	Historically for Pell-eligible first-years; FAFSA by priority date	No	Yes — GPA ≥2.75, full-time, Pell eligibility each year	Pell-eligible students who keep grades and credits on track

Note: Ranges reflect published GPA tiers and renewal rules. Actual thresholds can shift slightly year to year based on funding and applicant profiles.

Automatic Merit FAQs

Do I need to apply separately? No. Emerald is awarded automatically with admission; 4WARD requires a simple opt-in agreement. EFOS (for earlier cohorts) is tied to FAFSA.

Are test scores required? EMU is test-optional. Strong GPAs alone can qualify for automatic merit.

Does EMU superscore? No. EMU does not superscore the SAT or ACT. If you choose to submit scores, send your single best test date.

Can I stack these awards together? No. 4WARD, EFOS, and Emerald typically do not stack when one already covers tuition; EMU applies the single best award.

🏆 Competitive Scholarships

These scholarships go beyond GPA cutoffs and require extra steps such as essays, interviews, or applications. They are limited in number and are the most prestigious awards EMU offers.

Scholarship	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?
Presidential Scholarship	Full tuition + room & board for 4 years (≈$100k value)	First-year admits; GPA 3.5+ with 25 ACT/1200 SAT (tests waived if GPA ≥3.85)	Yes — scholarship application & finalist interview	Yes — maintain program standards and progress	High-achieving students with rigorous coursework, strong writing, leadership, and service

Competitive Scholarship FAQs

Why are these scholarships so selective? EMU’s Presidential Scholarship is the university’s top award, with only a limited number of full tuition + room & board packages offered each year.

What extra steps are required? Applicants must submit a separate application, and finalists are invited to campus for faculty interviews and selection events.

Are test scores required? A 25 ACT or 1200 SAT is listed as a baseline, but students with a GPA of 3.85 or higher may qualify without scores.

Can I also receive Emerald or 4WARD? No. Presidential Scholarship winners receive a comprehensive package that replaces other automatic merit awards.

💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships

Beyond the big automatic and competitive awards, Eastern Michigan offers a variety of smaller or need-based scholarships that can quietly make a big difference for families. These often come from university initiatives, donor funds, ROTC benefits, or state partnerships.

Scholarship	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?
Eagle Guarantee	Covers full tuition + up to $2,000 housing	Michigan residents with family assets under $60k; FAFSA required	No — automatic with FAFSA	Yes — if Pell eligible each year and meeting GPA/credit rules	Pell-eligible Michigan students who live on campus and stay in good standing
Army ROTC & Air Force ROTC (Det. 390 Crosstown)	Up to full tuition or room/board; $600 books; $420 monthly stipend	Students meeting ROTC academic, fitness, and service requirements	Yes — national ROTC or in-college board	Yes — multi-year with service commitment	Cadets with leadership skills, strong fitness, and often STEM majors
Study Abroad Scholarships	$500–$2,500 (one-time)	Students enrolled in EMU-approved study abroad programs	Yes — via Study Abroad or Financial Aid office	No	Students with demonstrated financial need and clear academic plan abroad
Glenna Frank Miller Student Leadership Endowed Scholarship	Varies, typically $500–$1,000	Undergraduates with ≥2.5 GPA who have shown strong leadership and improved student life	Yes — leadership scholarship application	Usually one year	Student leaders active in campus organizations with a record of service
Stonewall Scholarship	Typically $500–$1,000	Undergrad or grad students engaged in LGBTQ+ advocacy or organizations	Yes — diversity scholarship application	Usually one year	Students visibly active in LGBTQ+ leadership or campus events
Gregory Peoples’ Scholarship	Up to $500 (one-time)	Undergraduates in financial need who are close to degree completion	Yes — apply through Financial Aid	No	Students in their final semesters who need a small boost to graduate
CORE Scholarship	Varies, typically $500–$1,000	Students of color with demonstrated financial need	Yes — via Center of Race & Ethnicity	Generally one year	Students of color active in campus or community service with clear financial need
Adelson-NSDAR Scholarship	Varies, often $500–$1,000	Female Native American students	Yes — donor application	No	Native American women with strong academic standing and financial need
Martin Luther King, Jr. Student Scholarship	$1,000	Students showing commitment to social justice and improving community life; requires essay & letter	Yes — annual MLK scholarship competition	No	Students with clear records of service and advocacy consistent with Dr. King’s ideals
Ted Smith Memorial Band Scholarship	Varies, often $500–$1,000	Music majors; GPA ≥2.5 overall and 4.0 in band; at least one semester of band participation	Yes — through Music Department	No	High-performing music majors dedicated to band with top academic records in the subject
Pietrzak, James E. Scholarship	Varies, often $500–$1,000	Non-music majors in band with ≥3.0 GPA and demonstrated financial need	Yes — through Music Department	No	Band members outside of music majors who also need financial support
Alexander Performance Awards	Varies, often $1,000+; tied to auditions	Music majors recommended at entrance audition	Yes — audition-based	No	Talented music majors identified during auditions
Adler Band Scholarship	Varies, typically $500–$1,000	Students in Wind Symphony or Symphonic Band; GPA ≥2.5 and financial need	Yes — via Music Department	No	Dedicated band members who maintain strong academics and demonstrate financial need

Disclaimer: Award amounts listed are based on published ranges or typical donor patterns. Exact amounts can change each year depending on funding availability. GPA/test score requirements are taken directly from official sources when published; where ranges were estimated from past awards, this is noted.

Additional broad scholarships exist through student clubs, Greek organizations, and campus groups. These vary widely in amount and eligibility and are best explored through EMU’s general scholarship portal.

Hidden Gem FAQs

Are these scholarships automatic? Not usually. Most require a FAFSA, separate application, or departmental nomination.

Can they stack with Emerald or 4WARD? Yes — many hidden-gem awards are smaller stipends that can be combined with bigger merit packages, though full-tuition awards may cap stacking.

Do they renew? Some (like Eagle Guarantee and ROTC) renew annually with GPA and eligibility; others, like donor or study abroad funds, are one-time only.

How do I apply? Check EMU’s scholarship portal, Financial Aid office, or specific program departments for deadlines and forms.

⭐ College Specialty

Eastern Michigan has always stood out for its practical, career-focused programs. Families know it as one of the Midwest’s most affordable public universities with a strong legacy in preparing teachers, alongside growing recognition in aviation, cybersecurity, and health fields. While not classified as an R1 research university, EMU balances applied learning with nationally respected programs.

Top Program Highlight: Teacher Education — EMU has been one of the largest producers of teachers in Michigan for over a century, with deep partnerships across public school districts and a reputation for strong Special Education programs.

Cybersecurity & IT: Recognized as a National Security Agency Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense through 2028; also ABET accredited.
Aviation Flight & Management Technology: One of the few Michigan programs with AABI accreditation, offering hands-on training through regional airport partnerships.
Health & Human Services: Growing programs in dietetics, nursing, and social work, with statewide recognition for online and flexible degree pathways.
Game Design & Online Learning: Ranked in Newsweek’s 2025 “Top 250 Online Programs,” with expanding applied technology and design programs.

🎖️ Honors College

The Honors College at Eastern Michigan is designed for high-achieving students who want small seminars, faculty mentorship, and a strong community of peers. It’s a self-apply program that adds extra opportunities without extending time to graduation.

What a Typical EMU Honors Student Looks Like:
High school GPA of 3.5+ (or 3.85+ with test scores waived), strong college prep coursework, and a record of leadership or service. Many students submit essays or recommendations to demonstrate their readiness.

Perks That Matter:

Priority registration for classes
Honors housing options and a strong campus community
Small, discussion-based seminars with faculty
Research and thesis opportunities with faculty mentors
Support for internships, study abroad, and graduate school preparation

Looking for EMU’s top full-ride? See the Presidential Scholarship details here.

Additional Honors College Scholarships (for continuing students)

Thomas Sidlik Honors Leadership Scholarships: For Honors students with ≥24 EMU credits who show campus leadership. Requires resume and essay.
Honors College Undergraduate Research Fellowship: Stipends to support scholarly or creative projects, including senior projects.
Anaruth Gordon Endowed Honors Scholarship: Awarded to Honors students in good standing who have completed required Honors hours.
Beatrice Cozetta Jordan Endowed Honors Scholarship: Recognizes students who show exceptional service despite personal or financial challenges.
Founders Award: Supports experiential learning opportunities like unpaid internships or special projects.
Black Honors Student Organization (BHSO) Scholarship: For BHSO members who promote scholarship and service within the organization.

Honors College FAQs

Is admission automatic? No. Students must submit an application to the Honors College, though Presidential Scholars are invited automatically.

Does Honors add time to your degree? No. Requirements are built into your existing coursework and can be completed within a four-year plan.

Are there extra scholarships just for Honors students? Yes — continuing students can apply for research fellowships, endowed awards, and leadership scholarships. These are usually smaller stipends rather than full tuition.

When should students apply? Ideally during the admission process or in the first year at EMU to take full advantage of seminars and opportunities.

📎 Official Links

Final Thoughts

Eastern Michigan has built its reputation on being affordable and practical — a place where strong students can unlock big opportunities without drowning in debt. Whether your student earns an automatic Emerald award, opts into the 4WARD program, or aims high with the Presidential Scholarship, there are clear paths to real savings. Add in hidden gems like the Eagle Guarantee or leadership and identity-based awards, and EMU shows that parents don’t have to choose between cost and quality.

✅ Last updated: September 17, 2025