The Police Officer’s and Fire Fighter’s Survivor Tuition Grant (STG) is a Michigan state financial aid program that provides tuition support to families of police officers and firefighters who died in the line of duty. The program helps eligible children and surviving spouses study at public colleges and universities in Michigan without paying tuition.
This guide explains the eligibility rules, deadline, required documents, benefits, and how to apply in a simple and easy-to-understand way.
Police Officers’ and Fire Fighter’s Survivor Tuition Grant Summary
| Feature | Details |
| Program Name | Survivor Tuition Grant (STG) |
| Location | Michigan, United States |
| Level | Undergraduate |
| Eligible Applicants | Children and surviving spouses of fallen police officers/firefighters |
| Application Deadline | July 15, 2026 |
| Coverage | Tuition waiver only |
| Eligible Schools | Michigan public universities & community colleges |
| Application Portal | MiSSG Student Portal |
| Admin Body | Michigan Student Aid |
What is the Survivor Tuition Grant?
The Survivor Tuition Grant (STG) is a financial aid program that pays or waives tuition for students whose parent or spouse was a Michigan police officer or firefighter killed in the line of duty.
The goal of the program is to support families affected by service-related deaths by making college education more affordable.
The grant applies only to tuition costs and does not cover fees, housing, or other expenses.
Who is Eligible?
To qualify for the Survivor Tuition Grant, applicants must meet ALL of the following requirements:
Relationship Requirement
You must be:
- A natural or adopted child, OR
- A surviving spouse
of a Michigan police officer or firefighter who was killed in the line of duty.
Age Requirement (For Children)
- Must have been under 21 years old at the time of the parents’ death
- Must apply before age 26
Education Requirements
- Must be an undergraduate student
- Must not already have a bachelor’s degree
- Must be enrolled at least half-time
- Must meet school Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
Residency Requirement
- Must be a Michigan resident for at least 12 months
- Dependent students must also have Michigan-resident parents (as verified by FAFSA)
🇺🇸 Citizenship Requirement
Must be one of the following:
- U.S. citizen
- Permanent resident
- Approved refugee
Financial Requirement
- Must not be in default on federal student loans
- Must file FAFSA annually
What the Grant Covers
Covered:
- Tuition at eligible Michigan public institutions
Not Covered:
- Registration fees
- Housing or meals
- Books or personal expenses
- Private or out-of-state schools
Tuition is only waived if not already covered by other scholarships or benefits.
Eligible Schools
The STG can be used at:
- Public universities in Michigan
- Public community colleges in Michigan
Private universities are not included.
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
1: Complete FAFSA: Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
2: Apply for STG
- Go to the MiSSG Student Portal
- Complete the Survivor Tuition Grant application
3: Submit Documents
You must provide:
- Birth certificate (showing parent relationship) OR marriage certificate
- Death certificate of the officer/firefighter
- Proof of eligibility (service death confirmation)
4: School Selection
- Awards are based on the first Michigan college listed on FAFSA
- Changes must be updated through MiSSG or by contacting student aid
5: Wait for Review
- Applications are reviewed by Michigan Student Aid
- Approval is based on submitted documents
For more details, click here.
Renewal Requirements
To continue receiving the grant each year, students must:
- Submit FAFSA every year
- Maintain Michigan residency
- Remain an undergraduate student
- Stay enrolled at least half-time
- Maintain SAP (academic progress standards)
Program Limits
The STG has strict limits:
- Ends after 9 semesters or 14 terms
- Maximum of 124 semester credits or 180 term credits
- Ends once the student earns a bachelor’s degree
- Subject to annual funding availability
Important Notes
- Tuition is only waived if not paid for by other scholarships or aid
- Students must apply before age 26 (for child applicants)
- Funding depends on availability each year
- Financial aid office determines final eligibility
FAQs
-
What is the STG deadline for 2026?
The deadline is July 15, 2026.
-
Who can apply?
Children and surviving spouses of Michigan police officers or firefighters killed in the line of duty.
-
Does it cover full college costs?
No. It only covers tuition, not other fees or living expenses.
-
Can I use it at private universities?
No. It is only for public colleges and universities in Michigan.
-
Do I need FAFSA?
Yes. FAFSA is required every year.
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