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Freshmen Scholarships

President's
Award

100% TUITION AND REQUIRED FEES

This is the university’s most prestigious award. To be considered, qualified scholars complete a written essay at a required scholarship compe-
tition. Final selection of recipients is made in February. To compete, you must have one of the following:

  • 3.9+ GPA with 1270 SAT/28+ ACT (or)
  • 3.0+ GPA with 1350+ SAT/30+ ACT (or) 
  • Ranked #1 or #2 in class

Founder's
Award

$5,000 EVERY YEAR FOR 4 YEARS

The Founder’s Award is automatically awarded based on your academic achievement in high school. SVSU recognizes your perseverance and drive. Reach out to our admissions reps at any time if you have a question about your academic standing.

  • 3.6+ GPA with 1200+SAT/26+ ACT

Dean's
Award

$4,000 EVERY YEAR FOR 4 YEARS

The Dean’s Award is automatically awarded based on your academic achieve-
ment in high school. At SVSU, we care about making the financial aid easy to under-
stand and smooth to navigate. Reach out to our admissions reps at any time if you have a question about your academic standing.

  • 3.0+ GPA with 1120+SAT or 24+ ACT

Cardinal
Award

$3,000 EVERY YEAR FOR 4 YEARS

The Cardinal Award is automatically awarded based on your academic achieve-
ment in high school. Cardinals welcome students from all flocks of life—and with every Cardinal, we offer financial support in recognition of academic effort. Reach out to our admissions reps at any time if you have a question about your academic standing.

  • 3.0+ GPA with 1060+ SAT or 22+ ACT

University
Award

$2,000 EVERY YEAR FOR 4 YEARS

The University Award is automatically awarded based on your academic achievement in high school. SVSU's hope is that every Cardinal receives university support for the hard work you have invested in your education. Reach out to our admissions reps at any time if you have a question about your academic standing.

  • 3.7+ GPA and test optional
  • 3.0+ GPA with 900+ SAT or 18+ ACT

SVSU Opportunity Grant

UP TO $6,000

Available to all admitted, first-time in college students with demonstrated financial need. 

  • FAFSA required
  • Up to $5,000, off-campus students
  • Up to $6,000, on-campus students
  • Renewable for four years with demonstrated financial need 

  
Red & White
Award

REDUCED TUITION

Available to non-Michigan residents.

  • 2.5+ GPA and 900+ SAT/18+ ACT
  • Students will be granted a significantly reduced out-of-state tuition rate

Saginaw
Urban & Civic
Award

UP TO $3,000 

Available to those students living in the Saginaw Promise Zone with demonstrated financial need.

  • FAFSA required
  • High School GPA 3.0+
  • Renewable for four years

  
Alumni Legacy
Award

$1,000

Available to new students who are children/step-children of SVSU graduates.

  
Private
Scholarships

UP TO $5,000

Scholarships that reward academic achievement, service, leadership, character and participation in extracurricular activities.  Visit for more information. Application available beginning Dec. 1 to all admitted students. 

THE CARDINAL PLEDGE

"I was a first-generation college student who worked full-time for the Detroit Police Department while in school. I understand the financial challenges students and their families face, and that is why we are committed to keeping our tuition rates affordable without sacrificing quality."

- Donald Bachand, SVSU President

Steps to Apply for Financial Aid

1.

Apply to SVSU

2.

Estimate your costs

Use the net price calculator to get an estimate of aid for which you are already eligible.

3.

Apply for financial aid

Fill out your FAFSA.
SVSU Code: 002314

When you fill out the FAFSA, you are automatically considered for SVSU’s academic scholarships and grants. We also have nearly 1,000 private scholarships that require filling out SVSU’s common scholarship application. This application opens on December 1.

4.

Stay Updated

Within a month of submission, look for your SVSU award letter. Then, keep checking my.svsu.edu throughout the spring. SVSU has financial aid experts that will meet one-on-one with you to find the best possible financial aid package for you. You can keep track of your award package from your SVSU student account.