All educational institutions have some type of money for their student’s education. Superior State University is interested in supporting education and is not a money-making enterprise. SSU is a legally registered non-profit institution.
Scholarships and grants are financial aid assistance that does not need to be repaid. They may be awarded based on need, or excellence in academics or other areas, or on a combination of both. The aid may be given by the federal or state government, by SSU, or by a private donor or organization.

Some scholarships are awarded by SSU based on your admission information. In some cases there is nothing else you need to do to apply for these scholarships. You will be notified if you are selected. Altho, it would increase the chances if incoming students would apply.

Most federal and state need-based grants, some SSU aid, and even some private scholarships rely on the FAFSA to determine eligibility. You can file the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) beginning Jan 1, 2006’. It's best to apply early, since aid is awarded until funds are exhausted. You can apply later in the academic year, but you might want to consult an SSU financial Aid Counselor to find out what aid is still available.

Some things students should look for:
If the donor specifies what semester(s) the award is for, SSU will follow their wishes and adjust.

If the student wants the award distributed in a way that differs from what the donor requests, the student will be asked to get an authorization letter from the donor.

If the donor letter does not specify a distribution schedule, SSU will take care of the money to best fit the students need.

If the award has been split and the donor has not given us instructions, the student may request the entire award be moved to the next registration and will honor that request. However, the student is then cautioned that he or she may be short of funds for registration.
Be wary of companies that guarantee results in exchange for a fee. No company can guarantee that you will get a scholarship. See scholarship scams for more information. SSU does not endorse any scholarship service that charges a fee.
The grants and scholarships listed below are among those most commonly awarded at SSU. Most require that the student demonstrate financial need as determined by the FAFSA (Free Application for Student Aid).

Federal Pell Grant
(FAFSA required) Pell Grant offers assistance to high need students working toward their first bachelor's degree. The Pell Grant is funded each year by Congress, which sets the minimum and maximum award amounts. If you are eligible for the Pell Grant, it will be listed on your SSU financial aid award offer. Eligibility is determined by the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). There is no separate application, and the award will disburse automatically once you are registered. If you are enrolled less than full-time (12 credits) the amount disbursed will be less than the amount listed on your award offer.
Federal SEOG (Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant)

(FAFSA required) SEOG is a federal grant available to very high need students working toward their first bachelor's degree. If you are eligible for SEOG it will be listed on your award offer. There is no separate application, and the award will disburse automatically once you are registered. You must be enrolled full-time (12 credits per semester) to receive this grant.
Michigan Competitive Scholarship(MCS)

(FAFSA required) MCS is a need-based grant of up to $1300/year for undergraduate students who are Michigan high school graduates and Michigan residents and received a qualifying score on the ACT (American College Test) taken in high school. No application is required other than the FAFSA (to determine need). The amount listed on the award offer is for full-time enrollment. The award is reduced for less than full-time enrollment, and cancelled for less than half-time enrollment. The award is renewable for 10 semesters provided the student maintains at least a 2.0 grade point average. If MCS does not appear on your award offer and you believe you are eligible, contact the Office of Financial Aid.

SSU Assistance Grant
(FAFSA required) The SSU Assistance Grant (SSAG) is for students who were/are new freshmen in Fall 2005 and Fall 2006 who have need but are not needy enough to qualify for a Federal Pell Grant. Students must be Michigan residents. There is no separate application, and the award will disburse automatically once you are registered. The amount listed on the award offer assumes half-time enrollment or greater.

SSSU Freshman Grant
(FAFSA required) The SSU Freshman Grant (SSFG) is offered to new freshmen who are Michigan residents. The award is based on need. There is no separate application, and the award will disburse automatically once you are registered. The amount listed on the award offer assumes full-time enrollment. The disbursed amount will be lower for less than full-time enrollment.

SSSU Sophomore Grant
(FAFSA required) The SSU Sophomore Grant (SSSG) is offered to sophomores who are Michigan residents. The award is based on need. There is no separate application, and the award will be disbursed automatically at the discretion of the controlling board after reviewing all the student information.

Searching for Scholarships
The best time to begin looking for scholarships and grants is during a student's sophomore or junior year in high school, but some opportunities are still available thruout high school and college.

First, consider your interests, hobbies, jobs, and affiliations (and those of your parents), and begin your search in your own hometown. Express your interest at your high school, clubs and service organizations or wherever you have demonstrated special talents and hard work. Find out if your parents' employers offer any educational benefits. Simply by applying to SSU you may be offered a scholarship through the SSU Office of Admissions and Scholarships.
*It must be said the most of the above scholarships and Grants are either for Michigan state residences or others are for United States residence with the appropriate visa status.

Non United States Citizens or residents living outside the US

Superior State University will help all students apply for scholarships or grants. Do not be dismayed at loosing one of the scholarships for state side studies. There are many grants and scholarships directed towards particular areas of the world. The World Bank, The International Monetary Fund, The United Nations and many other international organizations give money for students in developing nations.

Trust the Superior State University staff to do everything possible to put you on the right track to complete your education.