University of Michigan–Dearborn Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- 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 doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. At the University of Michigan–Dearborn, families can see a clear picture of costs, automatic GPA-based scholarships, and extra programs that help lower the bill. If you’re a Michigan resident, make sure to also check out Michigan’s State Aid Programs alongside the full list of college scholarships in our CRP hub.
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Michigan–Dearborn
| Expense | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees (15 credits, two semesters) | $16,240 | $34,162 |
| Housing & Meals | $13,000 | $13,000 |
| Books & Supplies | $1,300 | $1,300 |
| Transportation | $1,700 | $1,700 |
| Personal/Misc. | $1,476 | $1,476 |
| Total | $35,216 | $53,800 |
Michigan Aid & Guarantees:
- Go Blue Guarantee: Covers full undergraduate tuition & mandatory fees for in-state students with family income ≤$125,000 and assets ≤$125,000. Students must also maintain the minimum GPA set by UM-Dearborn.
- Michigan Achievement Scholarship: Up to $5,500/yr for eligible Michigan high school graduates with a Student Aid Index (SAI) of $30,000 or less.
Example: An in-state student with a $16,240 tuition bill could see it reduced to $0 if they qualify for Go Blue. With the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, a qualifying student could bring that bill down to about $10,700 before other aid.
Cost & Aid FAQ
Who qualifies for the Go Blue Guarantee?
Michigan residents with family income ≤$125,000 and assets ≤$125,000, who also meet the GPA and FAFSA requirements set by UM-Dearborn.
How much is the Michigan Achievement Scholarship worth?
Up to $5,500 per year for students attending a Michigan public university; minimum $2,500 if eligible. The exact award depends on FAFSA results and SAI.
Do I need to apply separately?
Both the Go Blue Guarantee and Michigan Achievement Scholarship are awarded automatically once you submit the FAFSA. No CSS Profile is required at UM-Dearborn. While the university encourages early filing, always confirm the most up-to-date FAFSA priority deadline on the UM-Dearborn financial aid site.
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
UM-Dearborn automatically considers every admitted first-year student for merit scholarships. Awards are based on high school GPA and are renewable if your student maintains good standing. No separate application is needed.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dean’s Scholarship | $7,000–$10,000/yr | High school GPA at admission | No | Yes — 3.0 GPA & 24 credits/yr | Students with ~3.8–4.0 GPAs* |
| Dearborn Scholars | $5,000–$7,000/yr | High school GPA at admission | No | Yes — 3.0 GPA & 24 credits/yr | Students with ~3.6–3.85 GPAs* |
| Distinction Scholarship | $3,000–$5,000/yr | High school GPA at admission | No | Yes — 3.0 GPA & 24 credits/yr | Students with ~3.3–3.6 GPAs* |
| Gateway Scholarship | $1,000–$2,500/yr | High school GPA at admission | No | Yes — 3.0 GPA & 24 credits/yr | Students with ~3.0–3.3 GPAs* |
| Non-Resident Merit Award | $7,500–$12,500/yr | High school GPA at admission (non-resident students) | No | Yes — 3.0 GPA & 24 credits/yr | Students with ~3.25+ GPAs* |
*Estimates based on published award bands and typical recipient profiles. Actual cutoffs may shift year to year depending on the applicant pool and available funding.
Automatic Merit FAQ
Do I need to apply for these scholarships?
No — all admitted first-year students are automatically reviewed for merit awards.
Does UM-Dearborn superscore the SAT/ACT?
UM-Dearborn does not list a superscore policy for automatic scholarships. Awards are based on GPA, and test scores are not required for admission or merit aid.
Can these awards stack with other aid?
Yes, most automatic scholarships can be combined with state or federal aid. However, if you earn a full-tuition award like the Chancellor’s Scholarship, you may not be able to stack additional tuition-based awards.
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
Some of UM-Dearborn’s biggest awards aren’t automatic — they require an extra application, essays, or an interview. These scholarships are limited in number and highly selective, but for families they can make a big difference if your student stands out academically and personally.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chancellor’s Scholarship | Full in-state tuition & mandatory fees (up to 8 semesters) | Michigan residents with strong academic records (typically ≥3.8 GPA*), invited to compete | Yes — essay & competition steps; February deadline | Yes — must maintain GPA and full-time enrollment | Top academic students with leadership, service, and strong writing; usually Honors-eligible |
| Detroit Promise Scholarship | Covers full tuition after other grants and scholarships | Graduates of Detroit high schools who meet GPA and residency requirements | Yes — apply through Detroit Promise | Yes — must maintain satisfactory progress | Detroit students who file FAFSA early and meet GPA benchmarks (around 3.0+) |
| Michigan Achievement Scholarship | Up to $5,500/yr at public universities | Michigan high school graduates with a Student Aid Index ≤$30,000 | No separate app — FAFSA required | Yes — up to 5 years, must remain eligible | Students with financial need who complete FAFSA early |
*GPA ranges marked with an asterisk are estimates based on past awardees and published criteria. Actual cutoffs can shift each year depending on the applicant pool.
Competitive Scholarship FAQ
Why are these considered competitive?
They’re not guaranteed — you’ll need strong academics, essays, or to meet extra eligibility rules. Only a limited number of students are chosen each year.
Are these worth the extra effort?
Yes. Full-tuition programs like the Chancellor’s Scholarship can completely cover tuition, saving families thousands of dollars.
Can I stack these with automatic scholarships?
Some competitive awards (like the Chancellor’s) replace other merit awards. Others, like the Detroit Promise or Michigan Achievement Scholarship, act as “last dollar” aid and combine with institutional awards.
What deadlines should families watch?
Chancellor’s steps are typically due in February of senior year. Detroit Promise has a February 1 GPA/eligibility cutoff. The Michigan Achievement Scholarship follows FAFSA timelines — file as early as possible.
⭐ College Specialty
If your student is considering UM-Dearborn, you’ll hear a lot about how it’s rooted in Metro Detroit’s industries and community connections. This is a campus that pairs strong professional programs with small-class support — especially in engineering, business, and applied sciences. Families looking for career-ready pathways in Michigan often find UM-Dearborn to be a practical and respected choice.
Automotive & Mobility Engineering — UM-Dearborn is nationally recognized for its automotive and mobility systems programs, benefiting from its location in the heart of the auto industry. Students tap into internships and careers with Ford, GM, Stellantis, and the growing EV/AV sector.
- College of Business (AACSB-accredited) — Consistently ranked among the Top 3 undergraduate business programs in Michigan and Top 100 nationally (Poets&Quants, 2025).
- Online & Professional IT Programs — U.S. News (2025) ranked UM-Dearborn’s online IT graduate programs #41 nationally and #2 among Michigan public universities.
- STEM Pathways — Strong pipelines in computer science, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering, with ties to regional employers.
- Regional Public Recognition — Repeatedly named a Top Public Regional University in the Midwest by U.S. News (2024–25 editions).
🎖️ Honors College
If your student thrives in small, discussion-based classes and wants extra challenge without extra time, UM-Dearborn’s Honors Program is a great fit. It’s an invite-to-apply experience for high-achieving first-years, with a supportive cohort and courses that count toward degree requirements—so families don’t pay for “extras” that delay graduation.
How admission works: Eligible admits (typically ≥3.5 HS GPA) are invited to apply. Notifications often go out in January, required steps are due in late February, and decisions/confirmations follow in spring. Continuing eligibility in Honors requires maintaining good academic standing (UM-Dearborn lists a minimum 3.2 UM GPA for Honors standing).
- GPA: 3.7–4.0 in rigorous college-prep courses*
- Rigor: AP/IB/dual-enrollment or top-tier senior schedule
- Leadership & Service: consistent roles in school, community, or work
- Fit: enjoys small seminars, discussion, and faculty engagement
*Honors eligibility begins around ≥3.5 HS GPA; the range above reflects common admits and is an estimate.
- Small seminars (≈25 students) with close faculty interaction
- Counts toward degree: Honors courses fulfill general-education (Dearborn Discovery Core) requirements
- No extra fees for being in Honors
- Advising & community: a supportive cohort and structured guidance
Honors-Linked Scholarships
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chancellor’s Scholarship | Full in-state tuition & mandatory fees (up to 8 semesters) | Michigan residents; invited Honors-eligible first-years with top academics | Yes — complete Honors steps (deadline typically late Feb) | Yes — maintain GPA and full-time progress per award letter | ~3.8–4.0 GPA*, strong essays, rigor, leadership/service |
| John J. Brownfain Scholarship | Varies | Available through UM-Dearborn’s scholarship portal; targeted for Honors students | Yes — separate application required | Varies | Honors students who demonstrate strong academics and campus involvement |
| Charles M. Krafchak Scholarship | Varies | Available through UM-Dearborn’s scholarship portal; prioritized for Honors students | Yes — separate application required | Varies | Selected Honors students with strong applications and demonstrated potential |
*GPA ranges are estimates based on past profiles and campus guidance; actual selection varies year to year.
Honors FAQ
Is admission automatic if I meet the GPA?
No. Students who meet eligibility are invited to apply and then complete required steps; selection is holistic and space-limited.
Does Honors add time or extra credits?
No. Honors seminars satisfy existing general-education requirements, so students stay on track for a four-year plan.
When should we act?
Watch for the January invitation, complete all steps by the late-February deadline, and monitor email for spring confirmations.
Are there extra dollars for Honors?
Yes — top candidates may compete for the Chancellor’s Scholarship. Additional named funds are listed in the university’s scholarship portal and may require separate applications.
📎 Official Links
📌 Final Thoughts
For families weighing UM-Dearborn, the picture is clear: this campus pairs affordable tuition with meaningful scholarships and strong professional pathways. From automatic GPA-based aid to competitive awards and hidden gems like the Go Blue Guarantee or Detroit Promise, there are many ways to make college more affordable. Add in the Honors Program and standout majors like automotive engineering or business, and UM-Dearborn becomes a practical, career-focused choice in the heart of Michigan’s economy.
✅ Last updated: September 6, 2025