Types of Aid

Scholarships

Scholarships are gift aid — they do not need to be repaid. Merit scholarships are awarded based on high school achievement. If you are an incoming student, your admissions application serves as your application for merit-based scholarships at Hope. Additional sources for scholarships include community foundations, organizations and churches. 

Learn more about merit scholarships for incoming students 

Grants

Grants are gift aid — they do not need to be repaid. Eligibility is determined by completing your financial aid application. 

HOPE GRANT & RCA GRANT

The Hope Grant & RCA Grant are based on demonstrated financial need. 

• There is no required grade point average
• Eligibility is limited to full time students for a maximum of eight semesters
• Awards are renewable based on continued demonstrated financial need

ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

The Academic Achievement Award is based on demonstrated financial need plus a cumulative high school GPA of at least 3.0 at the time of admission.

• Available to students who are not already receiving other Hope merit awards
• Eligibility is limited to full time students for a maximum of eight semesters
• Renewable based on continued demonstrated financial need

FEDERAL PELL GRANT

The Pell Grant is based on exceptional financial need.

• Eligibility is determined by the FAFSA
• Recipients are limited to the equivalent of six years of full time payments
• Award amount is prorated if enrolled less than full time

FEDERAL SUPPLEMENTAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY GRANT (FSEOG)

The Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant is based on exceptional financial need.

• Awarding priority is given to those who are eligible to receive a Federal Pell Grant

FEDERAL TEACH GRANT

The TEACH Grant is available for education majors who are interested in classroom teaching in a high-need field at a low-income school.

• Teaching service after graduation is required or the grant reverts to a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan
• Students must fully understand the intricacies of this program before accepting the grant

Learn more about TEACH Grant 

MICHIGAN COMPETITIVE SCHOLARSHIP

The Michigan Competitive Scholarship is based on financial need and SAT test score.

• Hope must be first school listed on FAFSA; update your college choice using the MiSSG Student Portal
• Renewal requires continued financial need and a cumulative grade point average of 2.0
• Must be enrolled full-time for maximum eligibility; however, students enrolled at least half-time are eligible for a prorated award
• Eligibility is limited to 10 semesters
• Award is limited to tuition costs

MICHIGAN TUITION GRANT

The Michigan Tuition Grant is available to residents attending Michigan private colleges. The grant is based on financial need.

• Hope must be first school listed on FAFSA; update your college choice using the MiSSG Student Portal
• Must be enrolled full-time for maximum eligibility; however, students enrolled at least half-time are eligible for a prorated award
• Eligibility is limited to 10 semesters
• Award is limited to tuition costs

MICHIGAN ACHIEVEMENT SCHOLARSHIP

The Michigan Achievement Scholarship is available to students who graduate from high school in Michigan in 2023 or after.

• Hope must be first school listed on FAFSA; update your college choice using the MiSSG Student Portal
• Must submit the FAFSA annually and demonstrate an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of $25,000 or less
• Must be enrolled full time
• Eligibility is limited to 10 semesters
• Award is limited to tuition and mandatory fee costs
• Additional information can be found on the MI Student Aid website

MICHIGAN FUTURE EDUCATOR FELLOWSHIP

The Michigan Future Educator Fellowship is available to students enrolled in an approved education program and working towards their first teacher certification.

• Hope must be first school listed on FAFSA; update your college choice using the MiSSG Student Portal
• Must submit the FAFSA
• Begin first semester in education program in the Fall 2022 or after
• Must be enrolled full time
• Must have earned at least 56 semester credits
• Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0
• Sign a Commitment to Teach in Michigan
• Award is limited to tuition and mandatory fee costs
• Additional information can be found on the MI Student Aid website

Loans

Loans must be repaid. Federal loans often have the best interest rates, deferment and repayment options. We recommend you exhaust your federal options before considering private educational loans. 

Most loans require that you are enrolled in at least six credits each semester. All first time loan borrowers must complete entrance loan counseling and a master promissory note. 

FEDERAL DIRECT SUBSIDIZED LOAN 

The subsidized loan is available to students who demonstrate financial need as determined by the FAFSA. You must be enrolled at least half time. You are not charged interest while you remain enrolled at least half time or qualify for other deferments.  

Interest Rate & Fee: 

• 4.99% (fixed) for loans disbursed between July 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023
• 1.057% of the amount borrowed is assessed as a processing fee by the federal government

FEDERAL DIRECT UNSUBSIDIZED LOAN

The unsubsidized loan is available to students who file a FAFSA and are enrolled at least half time. You are charged interest on the loan from the time it is fully disbursed until it is paid in full. You may choose to pay the interest while in school or postpone the interest payments and allow the interest to be capitalized. 

INTEREST RATE & FEE: 

• 4.99% (fixed) for loans disbursed between July 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023
• 1.057% of the amount borrowed is assessed as a processing fee by the federal government

FEDERAL DIRECT PLUS LOAN 

The PLUS loan is available to parents (or stepparents) of dependent students. Parents may borrow up to the full cost of their child's education minus other aid. Credit checks are required. 

Interest is charged on the loan from the time it is fully disbursed until it is paid in full. You may choose to pay the interest while in school or postpone the interest payments and allow the interest to be capitalized. 

INTEREST RATE & FEE: 

• 7.54% (fixed) for loans disbursed between July 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023
• 4.228% of the amount borrowed is assessed as a processing fee by the federal government

Apply for a Federal Direct PLUS Loan 

PRIVATE EDUCATIONAL LOAN

Private educational loan programs are designed to supplement a student’s awarded financial aid. You may apply through any private loan program you choose.

Be sure to understand the loan terms and benefits of each loan you may be considering. It is extremely important that you are aware of all possible rates, fees, grace periods, repayment terms and borrower benefits each lender may offer before you make a decision.

Compare loan options and apply for a private loan 

WORK STUDY 

Work study allows you to work on-campus and earn money to help cover your expenses. Most students are able to work 9 to 10 hours a week and maintain their academics and social life.  

• You must be enrolled in at least six credits each semester.
• You earn a pay check every two weeks. It is your responsibility to make payments on your student account. Payroll deduction is an option.

Apply for a campus job 

Veterans Affairs

If you are eligible for Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits, you'll need to submit your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) before your first semester at Hope.

More info about VA benefits