Have questions about the Thompson Scholar Program or Working Families Scholarship? You’re in the right place. Explore the most common questions about eligibility, applying, award amounts, renewal requirements, and the unique benefits of becoming a Thompson Scholar.
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Eligible applicants must be Michigan residents who demonstrate financial need and have a Student Aid Index (SAI) between –1,500 and 16,000, have at least one working parent, and not be recipients of full-tuition awards such as TRIP, TIP, or similar programs. Applicants may be incoming first‑year students, current first‑years, or transfer students with at least 60 credits.
Student veterans who have completed active duty or reserve component service in excess of one year may be eligible for exceptions to the above eligibility criteria.
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- Submit your undergraduate admission application by February 1.
- File your FAFSA by February 14 with results sent to Michigan Tech.
- Complete the Working Families Scholarship application by February 15.
- Initial decisions will be communicated mid-March.
For complete details on the application process, visit the Working Families Scholarship Details.
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Each recipient receives up to $5,500 per year from the Thompson Foundation, which Michigan Tech matches with an additional $5,500 in institutional scholarships or grants. Award terms vary:
- New first-year students: up to 8 semesters (4 years)
- Achievers (current first-year): up to 6 semesters (3 years)
- Transfer students: up to 4 semesters (2 years)
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No. The scholarship renews automatically, provided you continue to meet all requirements:
To maintain the scholarship each year, you must:
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.50, reviewed each semester.
- Complete and file the FAFSA annually.
- Complete and report a minimum of 20 community service hours per academic year.
- Be continuously enrolled full-time (12+ credits) and uphold the student code of conduct.
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Scholarship winners become Thompson Scholars who benefit from:
Opportunities to Give Back: Scholars complete at least 20 hours of community services each year through on-campus or local opportunities that align with their passions, values and goals. Volunteer hours are tracked through GivePulse.
Academic Support: Thompson Scholars receive personalized support in academic, career planning, and personal development through semester check-ins with program staff, academic advisors, and peer mentors.
Community Events: Scholars connect through welcome events, socials, and visits from the Thompson Foundation. The program fosters a strong peer network and helps students build meaningful connections on campus and beyond.
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Contact Michigan Tech’s Thompson Scholar staff at any time through thompsonscholars@mtu.edu or visit us on campus at the Alumni House, 3rd Floor.