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  2. Student Programs
  3. Blavin Scholars Program
  4. Eligibility, Application, and Financial Aid

Eligibility, Application, and Financial Aid

There is no single “right” background to be a Blavin Scholar, meaning your eligibility isn’t limited by your age, foster care placement, or legal status. We also encourage anyone navigating campus with a compromised family support system to apply. We are here to support your unique journey, plain and simple.

Eligibility

Blavin Scholar applicants should:

  • Have experienced/or be currently experiencing foster care or kinship care; or
  • Be experiencing homelessness or a compromised family support system and qualify for independent student status through U-M’s Office of Financial Aid; and
  • Demonstrate financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA); and
  • Be admitted to or enrolled at U-M Ann Arbor as a student seeking your first undergraduate degree.

Not sure if you qualify? Email us at blavinscholar@umich.edu.

Ongoing program requirements

Once you are accepted into the program, you’ll be asked to:

  • Maintain full-time enrollment and satisfactory academic progress according to U-M standards.
  • Follow all U-M student guidelines and sign the formal Blavin Scholars Program Agreement.
  • Participate in monthly campus coaching sessions, meet regularly with your faculty or staff mentor, and attend program events.
A student talking to a group of people while seated at a table at the Blavin Scholars celebration.

How to apply

Securing your spot in the program involves a few coordinated steps with the university and the financial aid office.

Step One

  1. Submit your application for admission to the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor.
  2. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
  3. Complete the CSS/Financial Aid Profile. (If you need to request a waiver of non-custodial parent information due to limited contact, submit the waiver request form for consideration.)

Step Two

Once you have been officially admitted to U-M and your eligibility has been confirmed, complete the Blavin Scholars Program Application and submit it directly to the Office of Financial Aid.

Step Three

After reviewing your application, we will invite you to meet with our team. This casual meeting is a chance for you to ask questions, learn more about our community, and review your specific scholarship details.

A smiling student talking to several people at the Blavin Scholars celebration.

Financial aid and scholarship support

The Blavin Scholarship is designed to complement your existing financial aid package to help cover the cost of attendance at U-M. Beyond tuition, this funding can assist with study abroad experiences, health expenses, and essential educational supplies. You can also explore the central University of Michigan Office of Financial Aid to view additional options.

Our dedicated staff members work closely with you to navigate college costs from orientation to graduation. To learn about further financial support and community aid, visit our Blavin Scholars Resources page.