Commitment Scholarship Program

Now Open to More First-Generation Students

If you’re the first in your family to attend college, Northwestern Michigan College is committed to helping you succeed.

​Starting with the Class of 2028, NMC's Commitment Scholarship is expanding to reach more students across our six-county region — Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Benzie, Antrim, Kalkaska and Wexford.

Award: $2,000 per year for up to three years

Students in the class of 2028 and beyond, you can apply beginning January 1 of your sophomore year through December 31 of your senior year.

Apply Now!

 

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What’s Changed

Beginning with the Class of 2028:

• Students apply themselves — no counselor nomination required
• The application is online here
• GPA requirement lowered to 2.0 cumulative
• Public, private, charter and homeschooled students are all eligible
• The application window runs from Jan. 1 of 10th grade through Dec. 31 of 12th grade

Our goal is to remove barriers and expand access for first-generation students.

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Who Is Eligible?

You may qualify if you:

• Are a first-generation college student (neither parent has earned an associate degree or higher) who demonstrates financial need
• Attend high school or are homeschooled in NMC’s six-county region
• Graduate from high school with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher
• Submit your transcript with your application
• Complete the FAFSA each year
• Enroll at NMC within 15 months of graduation
• Attend at least two qualifying NMC events before your first fall semester

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How It Helps

The Commitment Scholarship provides $2,000 per year for up to three years

It can be combined with:

• Federal Pell Grants
• Michigan Tuition Incentive Program (TIP)
• Community College Guarantee

For many students, this means tuition may already be covered — and Commitment funds help with books and other expenses.

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How to Apply

1. Apply to the program
2. Email your high school transcript to Commitment Scholarship Coordinator Rorie Kawula at rkawula@nmc.edu.
3. Attend two qualifying NMC events. Examples of qualifying events include:
   • Unique Commitment Program events held twice a year
   • College Night
   • Applying to College 101
   • Quick Start
   • Financial Aid Fair
   • Career & Majors Fair
4. Apply to NMC
5. Complete the FAFSA

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Frequently Asked Questions

• What does first-generation mean?

  • Neither parent has earned an associate degree or higher.

• Can I apply if I attend a private or charter school?

  • Yes. Private, charter and homeschooled students in NMC’s six-county region are eligible.

• What if my GPA is below 2.5?

  • The minimum cumulative GPA requirement is now 2.0.

• Do I need to attend NMC immediately after graduation?

  • You must enroll within 15 months of graduating from high school.

• Is this separate from other scholarships?

  • Yes. The Commitment Scholarship can be combined with other federal and state financial aid programs.

• Is there a limit on the number of applicants?

  • There is no limit on the number of applicants per school. If there are more applicants overall than the program can support, students will be accepted in the order they have completed all application requirements, which include submitting the program application, NMC receiving the student's high school transcript and a signed contract.

Start Your Application

For more information on the Commitment Scholarship program, contact Commitment Scholarship Coordinator Rorie Kawula at (231) 995-1022 or rkawula@nmc.edu.