Undergraduate Scholarships

Make all those high school accomplishments count. Check out our scholarship offerings for incoming freshmen and transfers at Spring Arbor University. The list below includes scholarships through Spring Arbor University, as well as the federal government and state government. To learn more about the financial aid offered at the state level, visit the Michigan student financial aid website. Learn about federal student aid from the U.S. Department of Education by visiting studentaid.gov. To view scholarships for transfer students, scroll down.

To calculate merit scholarships as an incoming freshman, use the GPA table below. Please note GPA is calculated on an unweighted scale.

2024-2025 Undergraduate Merit Scholarships

GPA 3.75+$17,500 per academic year
GPA 3.30 – 3.74$16,000 per academic year
GPA 3.00 – 3.29$14,000 per academic year
GPA 2.50 – 2.99$10,000 per academic year

Scholarships for the 2025-2026 academic year are coming soon!

Additional Freshman SAU Scholarships

Scholarships

These scholarships are available for freshmen students who are starting on campus. They are renewable each subsequent year, based on eligibility.

Multicultural Leadership Scholarship – $3,000 per year

You’re eligible if you’re an American minority student demonstrating interest in advancement of minorities in American society, and admitted to SAU with completed MLS application and essay by Feb. 15. Apply

E.P. Hart Honors Program Scholarship – $1,000 per year

You’re eligible with a high school of GPA: 3.6 or comp ACT of 26 or SAT equivalent and accepted into the Honors program. You must maintain a GPA of at least 3.6 and annual honors participation standards. Apply

Art Scholarships – Award amount varies

You’re eligible if you’re a new freshman studio art major, and submit a portfolio and application to the SAU Art Department. Please contact your admission rep to arrange your portfolio review.

Music Scholarship – Award amount varies

You’re eligible if you’re a music major, minor or participant in SAU musical ensemble, and audition with the SAU Music Department by January.

Athletic Scholarship – Award amount varies*

Your eligibility is considered based on your leadership, academic standing, sportsmanship, respect for authority, competitive spirit and athletic ability. This scholarship precludes all other forms of SAU aid other than academic scholarships. Apply

Free Methodist Ministerial/Missionary Scholarship $1,000

You may be eligible for this scholarship if at least one of your parents or guardians is a Free Methodist pastor or missionary. Call 517.750.2900 (ext. 2900) or talk to your admissions representative for details.

Grants

Grants are renewable each year, based on eligibility.

Free Methodist Church Matching Grant – Maximum of $2,000 per year, matched dollar-for-dollar.

You’re eligible as a Free Methodist student whose home church provides a scholarship on your behalf. Contact the SAU Office of Financial Aid for the appropriate form — 517.750.2900 (ext. 2900) or financialaid@arbor.edu.

SAU Grant – Amount Varies

You’re eligible if you demonstrate a significant level of unmet need based on the FAFSA information. Award amount varies based on unmet need. Apply through submission of FAFSA.

Student Statesmanship Institute (SSI) Cobb Scholarship – $5,000 per year

You’re eligible if you have been involved with the Student Statesmanship Institute (SSI) and plan on majoring in social studies, political science or history and/or are planning on pursuing a career in public service following graduation. Must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0, unweighted, or an ACT score of 25 (or an SAT score of 1200-1230). The recipient may retain the scholarship in subsequent years by maintaining a minimum cumulative college GPA of 2.7. Apply by submitting this form with an essay of 1,000 words or less, describing how your studies at SAU will prepare you for a future career in public service. Candidates must also complete the FAFSA.

Private Donors and Lenders

Financial aid from private parties usually takes the form of scholarships and grants that businesses, organizations or donors established to honor local students. Be it the Rotary or Lions Club, an area bank or hospital, or a wealthy citizen, you can be eligible for these by entering a certain field of study, attending a certain college or university, participating in certain extracurricular activities or graduating with a certain GPA. Loans might come from a bank or relative.

NOTES: Students who participate in a non-SAU semester-long, off-campus study program will forfeit all institutional aid for that semester. To replace a portion of the forfeited aid, students may apply for aid from a Spring Arbor University external studies fund. Details on the fund and an application are available from the Cross Cultural Studies Office.

*Due to athletic scholarship agreement conditions, these are the only institutional scholarships available for students receiving an athletic scholarship.

Transfer SAU Scholarships

As a transfer student, you know what it takes to be successful in college, and your hard work can really pay off when you come to Spring Arbor University. Scholarships are renewable each year, based on eligibility.

2024-2025 Transfer Merit Scholarships

GPA 3.65+$12,000 per academic year
GPA 3.10 – 3.649$10,000 per academic year
GPA 2.60 – 3.099$8,000 per academic year
GPA 2.59 or below$6,000 per academic year

Multicultural Leadership Scholarship

  • Eligibility: Must be an American minority new student with a demonstrated interest in the advancement of minorities in American society
  • Value: $3,000 per year (one awarded per year)
  • Applying: Must be admitted to SAU and complete the application and essay by Feb. 15.
  • Renewal policy: Renewable; maintain involvement in a multicultural student organization

Music Scholarships

  • Eligibility: Music major, minor or participant in an SAU musical ensemble
  • Value: Varies
  • Applying: Auditions are available only on specified dates. Contact the Music Department to schedule an audition.
  • Renewal policy: Renewable

Private Donors and Lenders

Financial aid from private parties usually takes the form of scholarships and grants that businesses, organizations or donors established to honor local students. Be it the Rotary or Lions Club, an area bank or hospital, or a wealthy citizen, you can be eligible for these by entering a certain field of study, attending a certain college or university, participating in certain extracurricular activities or graduating with a certain GPA. Loans might come from a bank or relative.

State Scholarship

Michigan Tuition Grant (MTG)

  • Eligibility: Must be a Michigan resident and demonstrate financial need
  • Value: $3,000
  • Applying: Must file FAFSA by the MTG deadline, which is March 1, 2023 for the 2023-2024 school year, and must have Spring Arbor University listed as the first college of choice (federal school code: 002318)

Work Study

Spring Arbor University utilizes many avenues to help students find work while attending SAU. Because of the demand for employment opportunities, it is important for students to follow the employment hiring guidelines and check in with the student employment office to learn of new job openings. To find out more about becoming a student worker at SAU, visit the student employment section of our human resources site.

Departmental Scholarships

Departmental scholarships are awarded to students majoring in a particular academic disciplines by their respective academic departments. The award amounts and criteria vary, therefore it is necessary for students to contact the departments directly for information and application deadlines.

Communication, Media and Visual Arts

You’re eligible if you are a Broadcasting, Communication, Digital Communication & Marketing, Graphic Design, Professional Writing, Studio Art or Video Film major. Submit a portfolio and application today! Apply

Music Scholarship

You’re eligible if you are a music major, minor or participant in SAU musical ensemble, and audition with the SAU Music Department by January.

Athletic Scholarship

Athletic scholarships are awarded by SAU coaches in compliance with the policies and procedures of the university, Crossroads League and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. This scholarship precludes all other forms of SAU aid other than academic scholarships. Please visit our athletics page at saucougars.com to get started.

Other Scholarships/Grants

Spring Arbor University Grant

Students awarded an SAU Grant must demonstrate a significant amount of unmet need based on the information submitted on the FAFSA. The amount varies based on the level of unmet need.

Multicultural Leadership Scholarship — $3,000 per year

You’re eligible if you’re an American minority student demonstrating interest in advancement of minorities in American society, and admitted to SAU with completed MLS application and essay by Feb. 15. Apply

E.P. Hart Honors Program Scholarship — $1,000 per year

You’re eligible with a high school of GPA of 3.6 and composite ACT score of 27 or the SAT equivalent, and accepted into the Honors program early (apply by Jan. 31). You must maintain a GPA of at least 3.6 and annual honors participation standards. Apply

Free Methodist Ministerial/Missionary Scholarship — $1,000 per year

You may be eligible for this scholarship if one or both of your parents or guardians are Free Methodist pastors or missionaries. Contact your admission representative for details.

Student Statesmanship Institute (SSI) Cobb Scholarship — $5,000 per year

You’re eligible if you have been involved with the Student Statesmanship Institute (SSI) and plan on majoring in any of the following areas: social studies, political science or history, or are considering a career in public service following graduation. You must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0, unweighted, or an ACT score of 25 (or an SAT score of 1200-1230). The recipient may retain the scholarship in subsequent years by maintaining a minimum cumulative college GPA of 2.7. Apply by submitting this form with an essay of 1,000 words or less, describing how your studies at SAU will prepare you for a future career in public service. Candidates must also complete the FAFSA.

Free Methodist Church Matching Grant — Up to $2,000

SAU will match, dollar for dollar, any scholarship provided to any Free Methodist student by their home church. If interested, please have your church contact the Office of Financial Aid on how to participate. If already participating, dollars will be matched each year based on how much is received from your home church.

Endowed and Annually Funded Scholarships

Each scholarship has specific requirements and the amount varies. Submit an SAU supplemental aid application upon receiving an email from the Office of Financial Aid. Application deadline is Feb. 15 each year.

Camp Matching Scholarship — Up to $1,500

Spring Arbor University will match designated Christian Camp gifts for SAU students up to but not exceeding $750. To get started, please contact your camp director. The following camps participate in our camp match program:

  • Michindoh
  • Somerset Beach
  • Spring Hill
  • Covenant Hills
  • Camp Barakel
  • Michawana

Outside Scholarships — General Information

All outside scholarship checks should be sent to Financial Aid at the following address:

Financial Aid
Spring Arbor University
P.O Box 219
Spring Arbor, Michigan 49203

Checks and/or documentation should include student name, student identification number and award period. Scholarship checks received by our office will be divided between fall and spring, unless otherwise indicated in writing by the donor.

Outside scholarship funds are counted as financial assistance. If outside scholarship exceeds financial need and/or cost of attendance, adjustments will be made to the student’s aid package. It is important to notify the Office of Financial Aid of any outside scholarship you receive, so that the appropriate adjustments can be made. If an over-award occurs after aid has been disbursed, the student may be required to repay all or a portion of their financial aid to the university.

Federal and State Grants & Programs

Federal and State Grants are need-based aid that does not have to be repaid. The financial need is determined by your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) which is calculated by completing the FAFSA.

Federal Pell Grant (PELL)

The Federal Pell Grant Program provides need-based aid to low-income undergraduates to promote access to post-secondary education. If you are eligible for the Pell Grant, it will be listed on your SAU award letter based on the number of enrolled credits. Eligibility is determined by the FAFSA.

Students are limited to six years of Pell eligibility, or the full-time equivalent of six years for those attending less than full time.

Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Award (SEOG)

Available to Pell-eligible undergraduate students with exceptional financial need. The amount awarded is determined by the student’s need and the availability of funds at the university. To apply for the grant, complete the applicable year FAFSA.

Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH Grant)

The TEACH Grant is available to students who intend to teach in public or private elementary or secondary schools that serve students from low-income families for a minimum of four years as a full-time, highly-qualified, high-need field teacher.

If you are awarded the TEACH Grant and do not complete the four years of qualified teaching service within eight years of completing the course of study for which the TEACH Grant was received, or otherwise fail to meet any other requirement of the TEACH Grant, the grant will convert into a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan, with interest accrued and capitalized from the date of original disbursement.

Eligibility Requirements

To receive the TEACH Grant, you must:

  • meet the general eligibility requirements for the federal student aid programs as described at StudentAid.gov/eligibility/basic-criteria.
  • complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
  • be enrolled as an undergraduate, post-baccalaureate or graduate student at a school that participates in the TEACH Grant Program.
  • be enrolled in a TEACH Grant-eligible program of study.
  • meet certain academic achievement requirements (generally, scoring above the 75th percentile on one or more portions of a college admissions test or maintaining at least a 3.25 cumulative grade point average).
  • complete counseling at studentaid.gov that explains the terms and conditions of the TEACH Grant service obligation.
  • sign a TEACH Grant Agreement to Serve.

Amount of Grant

  • Anyone applying for the TEACH Grant Program may be eligible up to $4,000 per year
  • The lifetime maximum amount a student may receive is $16,000 total for four-year undergraduate programs and $8,000 total for graduate programs. Note: Acceptance of the TEACH Grant may reduce the Michigan Tuition Grant and Michigan Competitive Scholarship eligibility for undergraduate students.
  • The TEACH Grant program funding has been reduced by sequestration.

High-Need Fields

High-need fields are identified in the specific subject areas below:

  • Bilingual Education and English Language Acquisition (TSL at SAU – not Language Arts or English) 
  • World Languages – Spanish, French and TSL 
  • Mathematics 
  • Science – Integrated Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics 
  • Special Education
  • Early Childhood Education
  • Elementary Education (Core Subjects) 
  • Language Arts
  • Social Studies
  • Other identified teacher shortage areas as identified at the time you begin teaching in that field. These are teacher subject shortage areas (not geographic areas) in the Department of Education’s Annual Teacher Shortage Area Nationwide Listing.

Schools Serving Low-Income Students

Schools serving low-income students include any elementary or secondary school that is listed in the Department of Education’s Annual Directory of Designated Low-Income Schools for Teacher Cancellation Benefits.

Service Agreement

Each year you receive a TEACH Grant, you must sign a TEACH Grant Agreement to Serve and Promise to Pay. The TEACH Grant Agreement to Serve specifies the conditions under which the grant will be awarded, the teaching service requirements and includes an acknowledgment by you that you understand that if you do not meet the teaching service requirements you must repay the grant as a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan, with interest accrued from the date the grant funds were disbursed.

You will be required to complete Agreement to Serve each year that you accept a TEACH Grant.

SAU Eligible Programs

  • Undergrad Teacher Education areas for certification
  • Early Childhood Education
  • World Languages (At SAU — Spanish and French)
  • Mathematics
  • Science  (At SAU — Integrated Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
  • Special Education

How do I apply?

First time TEACH Grant Applications:

If you are a new student applying for TEACH Grant for the first time at Spring Arbor University, you need to submit TEACH Grant Application. Also you will need to submit a Conviction Disclosure Form.

Returning Students:

Returning students with a FAFSA on file and who meet academic requirements will automatically be awarded a Federal TEACH Grant. If a student was not automatically awarded a Federal TEACH Grant, please contact our office to discuss it further.

Student Next Steps:

  1. Complete TEACH Grant Application:Complete TEACH Grant Application and the Disclosure Form – Only First time TEACH Grant Applicants.
  2. Complete Agreement to Serve:Complete TEACH Grant Agreement to Serve form at studentaid.gov. This step must be completed annually in order to renew the TEACH Grant
  3.  Complete TEACH Grant Entrance Counseling:Complete the TEACH Grant Entrance Counseling at studentaid.gov. This step must be completed annually in order to renew the TEACH Grant

Exit Counseling

As with Federal Loans, federal regulations require that students who have received a TEACH Grant complete online exit counseling upon changing majors to something other than an eligible academic program, withdrawing from school or graduating from their program.

Complete TEACH Grant Exit Counseling session.

State Programs

For information on the State of Michigan’s financial aid programs, such as the Tuition Incentive Program (SAU participates in TIP2 only) or Michigan Tuition Grant (MTG), visit the state’s website. The Michigan Tuition Grant application deadline is May 1.

*Scholarships and grants are subject to change. Please check with our Student Financial Services department to verify eligible financial aid.