Michigan FAFSA Sweepstakes – 10 Tickets Could Win $50K for College

Michigan boosts college affordability with $1M in sweepstakes prizes for first-time FAFSA filers, offering up to $50,000 toward education.

Gov. Whitmer’s FAFSA Campaign Uses Cash Incentive to Drive Enrollment

LANSING, Mich. — Michigan FAFSA Sweepstakes is a new initiative unveiled by Governor Gretchen Whitmer that aims to drive up college financial aid applications by offering Michigan students a direct cash incentive: the chance to win part of a $1 million prize pool simply for completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

The “Ticket to Tuition” sweepstakes is open to Michigan residents who are completing the FAFSA for the first time for the 2025-26 academic year. Forty applicants will win $10,000, while ten will receive $50,000, all deposited into Michigan Education Savings Program accounts. The deadline to apply is May 16, 2025, by texting CASH to 855-50K-TICKET after filing the FAFSA.

Ticket to Tuition Initiative Targets College Affordability Head-On

Michigan has been lagging behind national averages in FAFSA completion. In 2023, the National College Attainment Network (NCAN) ranked Michigan 38th in the nation in FAFSA completion rates. This initiative seeks to reverse that trend.

“Filling out your FAFSA can help you save thousands of dollars,” said Governor Whitmer during a press conference at Lansing’s Eastern High School. “And with today’s sweepstakes, you could also win up to $50,000.”

According to the governor’s office, students who complete the FAFSA may become eligible for multiple state aid programs, including the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, the Community College Guarantee, and Michigan Reconnect.

Streamlined FAFSA Process May Boost Participation in Michigan

Changes to the FAFSA application in 2024 simplified the form from 108 questions to 36, allowing most families to complete it in under 15 minutes. Advocates say the streamlined process, coupled with the sweepstakes, could dramatically improve participation rates among Michigan students.

“Completing the FAFSA is the most important step,” said Ben Shuldiner, superintendent of Lansing Schools. “Programs like the Achievement Scholarship only help if students apply.”

State Leaders Stress Long-Term Value Over Short-Term Incentive

While the sweepstakes offers a short-term motivator, state officials emphasize that the real reward is college access and affordability.

“Filling out your FAFSA can help you punch your ticket to a college degree, a skills training certificate, more opportunity, and a better life,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II.

Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, director of MiLEAP, called the FAFSA “a gateway” to education, especially for low- and middle-income families. “With Ticket to Tuition, the real prize is the degree or skill certificate,” she said.

Broader Efforts to Lower Tuition for Michigan Families

Since taking office, Governor Whitmer’s administration has implemented several programs aimed at cutting the cost of postsecondary education:

• Michigan Achievement Scholarship: Up to $27,500 toward a four-year degree; tuition-free community college options.
• Michigan Reconnect: Tuition-free associate degrees or skilled trade certifications for residents aged 21 and older.
• Mi Future Educator Fellowship: $10,000 scholarships for 2,600 aspiring teachers in return for serving in Michigan schools.
• Futures for Frontliners: Tuition-free education for pandemic-era essential workers; over 85,000 enrolled.

According to the state, nearly 60,000 students are now saving more than $4,200 per year under current aid programs.

FAFSA Completion Still Faces Hurdles, Especially in Rural Areas

Despite these efforts, rural and economically challenged communities across Michigan’s Thumb region and Upper Peninsula continue to struggle with low FAFSA participation. A 2024 analysis by the Education Trust Midwest cited lack of awareness, internet access, and counselor support as contributing factors.

Ryan Fewins-Bliss, executive director of Michigan College Access Network (MCAN), said the sweepstakes adds incentive to overcome those barriers. “FAFSA is the key to unlocking federal, state, and institutional financial aid,” he said.

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