The May 16 deadline for Michigan students to complete a 2025-26 federal student aid application and earn a chance to win $50,000 is a week away.
Students who are completing their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the first time can win one of 10 $50,000 prizes for college or career training through the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement and Potential (MiLEAP), the department announced in a news release.
In addition to the top prizes, 40 Michigan students who enter will receive $10,000 in a Michigan Education Savings Program account.
“That’s a powerful boost for any learner, especially as so many are making important decisions about what comes next. To every student out there, don’t miss this opportunity. Take the step, complete your FAFSA and get the support you need to build the future you deserve,” MiLEAP Director Beverly Walker-Griffea said.
The Ticket to Tuition sweepstakes is designed to encourage FAFSA completion, connecting students to resources that make college more affordable and accessible. All entries are due by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, May 16, 2025, according to MiLEAP.
“Right now is a critical moment for Michigan students,” Walker-Griffea said. “We’re down to the final (days) of the sweepstakes and every FAFSA completed represents a door opening to college, to a training program or to another life-changing opportunity. On top of that, students have the chance to win up to $50,000 to pursue their education.
Here’s what to know about the contest and how to enter:
What do I get when I complete FAFSA?
By completing FAFSA, students gain access to federal and state programs. Qualifying students may receive a variety of grants or loan options, including:
How to enter the sweepstakes
To enter Michigan’s Ticket to Tuition sweepstakes, students must:
When is the deadline to enter, complete FAFSA?
You must complete your FAFSA and text by 11:59 p.m. Friday, May 16, 2025, to enter the contest.
If you do not plan to enter the contest, Michigan students who are interested in either the Michigan Competitive Scholarship and or the Michigan Tuition Grant must apply by 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, July 1, 2025, the U.S. Department of Education says.
To maximize eligibility for student financial aid, MI Student Aid says there are a few deadlines to keep in mind when submitting a FAFSA:
The Federal Student Aid website includes deadlines for all states.
Requirements to enter the sweepstakes
How will winners be chosen?
A random drawing from all entries received at noon Wednesday, May 21, 2025.
Each grand entry award and mega entry award will consist of a money scholarship award deposited into a Michigan Education Savings Plan 529 College Savings Plan. Alternate entry award recipients will be drawn, to award an award if an recipient forfeits, or is otherwise deemed ineligible to receive, an award.
If I win, how will I receive the money?
MCAN will post the recipients list on www.tickettotuition.com on or after Monday, June 16, 2025.
Sweepstakes prizes will be awarded in Michigan Education Savings Program (MESP) accounts and can be used for educational expenses including tuition, housing, books and more.
How many students so far have entered the contest?
More than 17,000 students have already entered the chance to win, MiLEAP says.
How to fill out FAFSA?
Students and families can complete the FAFSA online by visiting FAFSA.gov or by submitting a paper form.
What are Pell Grants?
Pell Grants are usually awarded to undergraduate students who display exceptional financial need, the Department of Education says. Federal Pell Grants, unlike loans do not need to be repaid except under certain circumstances.
What are student loans?
A student loan is money students borrow from the federal government, banks, financial institutions or other organizations for college, trade school or university education. The loans are connected to a student’s financial aid package.
There are four different types of student loans:
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Have you filled out the 2025-26 FAFSA? Here’s how to win $50,000 in Michigan
Reporting by Jalen Williams, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
