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Cornerstone University offers scholarships based on student financial need. Additionally, external scholarships are offered by organizations and communities.

Cornerstone Scholarships

Single Mothers Scholarship

The Single Mothers Scholarship provides resources for parents aspiring to pursue their goals while dedicated to showing their children what’s possible. The scholarship provides recipients $1,000 per year and is offered to new and current Cornerstone students. Each year, students are eligible to reapply for this scholarship provided they are in good academic standing as required by their degree program.

Additional criteria for this scholarship includes:

• Support at least one child under the age of 18.
• File with marital status of single, separated or divorced and demonstrate financial need when completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• Pursue an associate or bachelor’s degree.
• Be a full-time new or current bachelor’s degree student. (Full-time is considered 12 or more credits per semester.)
• Submit a completed scholarship application.

The 2023-24 scholarship is currently closed.

Heidi Enck Scholarship

The Heidi Enck Single Parent Scholarship provides resources for students to persevere in their personal and professional goals while simultaneously navigating employment, child-rearing and classwork as a positive example for their children. Each scholarship provides recipients $1,000 per year and is offered to new and current Cornerstone students. Each year, students are eligible to reapply for this scholarship provided they are in good academic standing as required by their degree program.

Additional criteria for this scholarship includes:

• Support at least one child under the age of 18.
• File with marital status of single, separated or divorced and demonstrate financial need when completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• Pursue an associate or bachelor’s degree.
• Be a full-time new or current bachelor’s degree student. (Full-time is considered 12 or more credits per semester.)
• Submit a completed scholarship application.

The 2023-24 scholarship is currently closed.

Mel Trotter Scholarship

At Cornerstone, we’re passionate about empowering our communities to thrive. Our partnership with Mel Trotter Ministries includes a scholarship opportunity for guests nominated and selected to pursue their associate degree. Criteria for eligible guests include those who have graduated from the Mel Trotter Ministries program within the last 12 months. Connect with your Mel Trotter case advocate for more information.

State & Local Aid

Michigan Tuition Grant

The MI Tuition Grant is awarded by the state to Michigan residents who qualify according to FAFSA information. This grant awards up to $3,000.

Eligibility deadline: must have a submitted and processed FAFSA by May 1 to be considered.

Please note, FAFSA’s take 3-5 days to process.

Michigan Achievement Scholarship

The MI Achievement Scholarship is awarded by the state to 2023 and later Michigan high school graduates who qualify according to FAFSA information. This grant awards a minimum of $1,000 and a maximum of $4,000.

Community Foundations

Community Foundations across the country are designed to provide grant funding and scholarship support for residents of their community, even if you attend school outside your community. Most often, scholarship and grant deadlines are in the spring for awards disbursed the following academic year. To find your local community foundation, search your hometown, county, or nearest city and “community foundation” or “area foundation.” Examples include the Grand Rapids Community Foundation, Fremont Area Community Foundation, and the Community Foundation for the Holland/Zeeland Area.

Federal Aid

Federal Pell Grant

The Federal Pell Grant is awarded to students who demonstrate significant financial need based on FAFSA information. Federal Pell Grants are awarded up to $7,395 for the 2023-2024 academic year. Eligible students can receive additional grant funding for summer enrollment.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) is awarded to students who demonstrate significant financial need based on FAFSA information. This grant is much smaller than the Federal Pell Grant due to limited funding.

Federal Loans

For more federal aid opportunities, explore federal loan options.

Explore Federal Loans

External Scholarships

Additional external scholarships are also available. Consider applying for external funding awarded by businesses and organizations. Here are some helpful tips for finding private scholarships:

• Search for scholarships based on your interests, hobbies, or involvements. The more niche and specific you are, the more competitive you may be.
• Set aside consistent time each week to apply for scholarships.
• Save your essays and long answers. Often scholarships will ask for submissions along similar themes. Don’t reinvent the wheel every time!
• As with any activity on the internet, be aware of scams. Often, scams will ask you to take immediate action, provide personal and sensitive information, sound too good to be true, and include typos or just seem “off.” Trust your gut, and don’t give any information you don’t feel comfortable providing.

American Association on Health and Disability

The American Association on Health and Disability Frederick J Krause Scholarship on Health and Disability is an opportunity for undergraduate or graduate students with a disability pursuing studies related to health and disability. Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or resident and complete application requirements, including documented disability verification.

ATHENA Scholarship

The ATHENA award is a Grand Rapids program that strives to support women grow as leaders and influencers in the community. The Grand Rapids Chamber ATHENA Eileen Devries Scholarship is an opportunity for women over the age of 30 who are pursuing a college education to receive support in their endeavors.

PNC Foundation Scholarship

The PNC Education Scholarship is a random drawing for eligible students. To be considered, you must complete a series of questions regarding your financial literacy.

Additional Scholarship and Grant Resources

We’re committed to providing you the resources and tools you need to chart your path toward financing your education. Check out these helpful links to learn more about finding scholarships and managing your investment.

• CareerOneStop Scholarship Finder
• Discover Scholarships Directory
• Fastweb
• Federal Student Aid Grants and Scholarships
• Grand Rapids Community Foundation
• International Education Financial Aid (IEFA)
• Kalamazoo Community Foundation
• Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area
• Allegan County Community Foundation
• Muskegon County Community Foundation
• Scholarships.com
• StudentScholarships.org
• U.S. Department of Education
• TheDream.US