Funding for social work students in Michigan comes from multiple sources—your school, workforce agencies, community foundations, and professional organizations. This guide helps you navigate what’s available and find opportunities that match your specific situation. Not every opportunity will apply to you, so we’ve organized this page to help you identify which ones are worth pursuing.
The situations below describe common student profiles. If your situation matches one of these, you’ll find next steps and relevant opportunities to explore. This section is designed to narrow your search before you review the full funding list.
Jump to:
Stipends | Scholarships | Grants | Tuition Support | Fellowships
If you’re pursuing a Bachelor of Social Work degree, start by checking with your school’s financial aid office and social work department. Many Michigan universities offer school-specific funding tied to child welfare careers.
Graduate students have access to more specialized funding, especially programs connected to workforce pathways. Begin with your program’s financial aid office and graduate admissions team.
If you plan to work in child welfare, you have access to substantial funding—but these opportunities come with service obligations. Understanding the commitment is essential before you apply.
If you prefer funding with no post-graduation commitment, focus on scholarships and grants rather than Title IV-E fellowships.
Some opportunities have specific eligibility criteria related to enrollment status, residency, identity, or field of study. Before applying to any program, confirm you meet the requirements.
If you haven’t committed to a specific career path or want to explore all available options, consider these broader funding sources.
After reviewing the situation-based guide above, use this table to compare the available opportunities by audience, amount, deadline, service obligation, and source link. Opportunity names jump to the detailed cards below, while the type column jumps to each funding section.
| Opportunity | Provider | Best for | Amount | Deadline | Service obligation | Type / section | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan Title IV-E Child Welfare Fellowship | Eastern Michigan University | BSW / undergraduate students, child welfare career path, school-based aid | $5000 per semester up to 2 semesters | Winter 2027 applications due by 8/1/26 | Yes — see opportunity | Stipends | Source |
| Michigan Title IV-E Child Welfare Fellowship – MSW | Eastern Michigan University | MSW / graduate students, child welfare career path, school-based aid | $7500 per semester up to 2 semesters | Winter 2027 applications due by 8/1/26 | Yes — see opportunity | Stipends | Source |
| Michigan Title IV-E Child Welfare Fellowship | Ferris State University | BSW / undergraduate students, child welfare career path, school-based aid | $5000 stipend | Applications can be submitted at any time | Yes — see opportunity | Stipends | Source |
| Michigan Title IV-E Child Welfare Fellowship | Michigan Department of Health and Human Services | students checking eligibility requirements, child welfare career path, public service / workforce path, identity- or community-based aid, school-based aid | $5,000 per eligible semester | September 15 for Fall admission; March 15 for Spring admission | Yes — see opportunity | Stipends | Source |
| Michigan Title IV-E Child Welfare Fellowship | Wayne State University | MSW / graduate students, child welfare career path, school-based aid | $5000 per semester up to 4 semesters for Core MSW Students; $5000 per semester up to 3 semesters for Advanced Standing MSW Students | Applications for Fall 2026 start | Yes — see opportunity | Stipends | Source |
| Michigan Title IV-E Child Welfare Fellowship – MSW | Western Michigan University | MSW / graduate students, child welfare career path, school-based aid | $5,000 per semester | October 15 for Early Decision applicants including International applicants; January 15 for Advanced Standing applicants; February 15 for Standard MSW applicants | Yes — see opportunity | Stipends | Source |
| Michigan Title IV-E Child Welfare Fellowship | Central Michigan University | BSW / undergraduate students, child welfare career path, school-based aid | $5,000 per semester stipend for up to 3 semesters | Applications for 2027 are currently rolling and close December 1, 2026 | Yes — see opportunity | Stipends | Source |
| Nathaniel McCaslin Scholarship | Western Michigan University School of Social Work | BSW / undergraduate students, MSW / graduate students, identity- or community-based aid, school-based aid | no less than $250 depending on availability | March 31 (BSW); March 15 (MSW) | Not listed | Scholarships | Source |
| Rebecca Binkowski Memorial Scholarship | Western Michigan University School of Social Work | MSW / graduate students, need-based aid, school-based aid | $1,000 to $4,000 depending on availability | March 15 | Not listed | Scholarships | Source |
| Robert Barstow Scholarship | Western Michigan University School of Social Work | BSW / undergraduate students, MSW / graduate students, child welfare career path, need-based aid, school-based aid | no less than $500 depending on availability | March 31 (BSW); March 15 (MSW) | Not listed | Scholarships | Source |
| Steven Crumm Scholarship | Western Michigan University School of Social Work | MSW / graduate students, school-based aid | no less than $500 depending on availability | March 15 | Not listed | Scholarships | Source |
| Michigan Title IV-E Child Welfare Fellowship | Michigan State University | MSW / graduate students, child welfare career path, school-based aid | $5000 per semester | Not listed | Yes — see opportunity | Stipends | Source |
| AmeriCorps Scholarship | University of Michigan School of Social Work | MSW / graduate students, school-based aid | $2,000 | Not listed | Not listed | Scholarships | Contact provider |
| School of Social Work Departmental Grants and Scholarships | University of Michigan School of Social Work | MSW / graduate students, need-based aid, school-based aid | Not listed | October 15 for deferred admission students | Not listed | Grants | Source |
| Leslie and Leonard Lieberman Social Science Scholarship | Central Michigan University | BSW / undergraduate students, school-based aid | Not listed | October 1 – November 30 | Not listed | Scholarships | Source |
| Nancy Stebbins Memorial Endowed Scholarship | Central Michigan University | BSW / undergraduate students, need-based aid, school-based aid | Not listed | October 1 – November 30 | Not listed | Scholarships | Source |
| The Ann Marie Kelliher Memorial Fund | Central Michigan University | BSW / undergraduate students, need-based aid, school-based aid | Not listed | October 1 – November 30 | Not listed | Scholarships | Source |
| Billy Zeoli Communications Scholarship | Cornerstone University | students checking eligibility requirements, school-based aid | Not listed | December-March | Not listed | Scholarships | Source |
| C. John Miller Business Leadership Scholarship | Cornerstone University | students checking eligibility requirements, school-based aid | Not listed | December-March | Not listed | Scholarships | Source |
| Carol Van Andel Health and Science Scholarship | Cornerstone University | students checking eligibility requirements, school-based aid | Not listed | December-March | Not listed | Scholarships | Source |
| Paul and Dottie Gordon Family Scholarship | Cornerstone University | students checking eligibility requirements, need-based aid, school-based aid | Not listed | December-March | Not listed | Scholarships | Source |
| Charlene Cove Russell Endowed Scholarship | Western Michigan University School of Social Work | MSW / graduate students, school-based aid | Not listed | March 15 | Not listed | Scholarships | Source |
| Study and Service Worldwide (SASW) Award | Central Michigan University | BSW / undergraduate students, school-based aid | Not listed | October 1 – November 30 | Not listed | Scholarships | Source |
| Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan Scholarships | Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan | students checking eligibility requirements, general funding search | Not listed | 2027 application cycle – date to be announced | Not listed | Scholarships | Source |
| Milton Carthens, MSW 2021, Memorial Scholarship | University of Michigan School of Social Work, NFL Player Care Foundation | MSW / graduate students, school-based aid | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Scholarships | Source |
| Tuition Advantage Program | Northern Michigan University | students checking eligibility requirements, need-based aid, school-based aid | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Tuition Support | Source |
| NAMI Metro -Oakland, Wayne, and Macomb Counties MSW Scholarship Fund | NAMI Metro | MSW / graduate students, general funding search | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Scholarships | Source |
| AMP for BSW Students – Graduate Course Credits at Undergraduate Tuition | Wayne State University School of Social Work | BSW / undergraduate students, MSW / graduate students, school-based aid | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Tuition Support | Source |
| Accelerated Master's Pathway (AMP) Tuition Savings | Wayne State University School of Social Work | BSW / undergraduate students, MSW / graduate students, school-based aid | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Tuition Support | Source |
| Michigan Title IV-E Child Welfare Fellowship | University of Michigan School of Social Work | MSW / graduate students, child welfare career path, school-based aid | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Fellowships | Source |
| Child Welfare Scholarship Program | University of Michigan School of Social Work | MSW / graduate students, child welfare career path, school-based aid | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Scholarships | Source |
| NMU Scholarships and Grants | Northern Michigan University | students checking eligibility requirements, school-based aid | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Grants | Source |
| Scholarships | Eastern Michigan University School of Social Work | students checking eligibility requirements, school-based aid | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Scholarships | Source |
| Detroit Scholars Program | University of Michigan School of Social Work | MSW / graduate students, school-based aid | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Scholarships | Source |
| Geriatric Scholarship Program | University of Michigan School of Social Work | MSW / graduate students, school-based aid | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Scholarships | Source |
| New Leaders in African-Centered Social Work Scholars Program | University of Michigan School of Social Work | MSW / graduate students, school-based aid | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Scholarships | Source |
| Social Work Scholarships | Wayne State University | BSW / undergraduate students, school-based aid | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Scholarships | Source |
| Social Work Scholarships | Wayne State University School of Social Work | BSW / undergraduate students, MSW / graduate students, school-based aid | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Scholarships | Source |
| Child Care Subsidy | University of Michigan School of Social Work | MSW / graduate students, school-based aid | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Tuition Support | Source |
| Scholarships | Western Michigan University School of Social Work | students checking eligibility requirements, school-based aid | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Scholarships | Source |
| Scholarships | NASW-Michigan | students checking eligibility requirements, general funding search | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Scholarships | Source |
| Education & Innovation Fund | Western Michigan University School of Social Work | students checking eligibility requirements, school-based aid | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Grants | Source |
| Allen & Franka Charlupski Endowed Scholarship | University of Michigan School of Social Work | MSW / graduate students, school-based aid | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Scholarships | Contact provider |
| Allen-Meares Student Support Fund | University of Michigan School of Social Work | MSW / graduate students, school-based aid | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Scholarships | Contact provider |
| Ara Cary Fellowship in Child & Family Programs | University of Michigan School of Social Work | MSW / graduate students, child welfare career path, school-based aid | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Scholarships | Contact provider |
| Arthur L. Johnson Endowed Scholarship | University of Michigan School of Social Work | MSW / graduate students, school-based aid | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Scholarships | Contact provider |
| Bill Cabin, MSW '04, Field Support Fund | University of Michigan School of Social Work | MSW / graduate students, need-based aid, school-based aid | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Scholarships | Contact provider |
| Blavin MSW Scholarship Award | University of Michigan School of Social Work | BSW / undergraduate students, MSW / graduate students, child welfare career path, school-based aid | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Scholarships | Contact provider |
| Bright Family Endowed Scholarship Fund | University of Michigan School of Social Work | MSW / graduate students, school-based aid | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Scholarships | Contact provider |
| Bruce Alan Schaffer Memorial Award | University of Michigan School of Social Work | MSW / graduate students, school-based aid | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Scholarships | Contact provider |
| Constance Nelson Scholarship | University of Michigan School of Social Work | MSW / graduate students, need-based aid, school-based aid | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Scholarships | Contact provider |
| David C. Plaggemars, MSW 1978, Field Placement Fund | University of Michigan School of Social Work | MSW / graduate students, school-based aid | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Scholarships | Contact provider |
| Geeta Dutta Memorial Scholarship | University of Michigan School of Social Work | MSW / graduate students, need-based aid, school-based aid | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Scholarships | Contact provider |
| Geriatric Endowed Scholarship | University of Michigan School of Social Work | MSW / graduate students, school-based aid | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Scholarships | Contact provider |
| Greg Harden "Soaring on the Wings of Dreams" Endowed Scholarship Fund | University of Michigan School of Social Work | MSW / graduate students, school-based aid | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Scholarships | Contact provider |
| Howard and Judith Sims Endowed Fellowship in Child & Youth | University of Michigan School of Social Work | MSW / graduate students, child welfare career path, school-based aid | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Scholarships | Contact provider |
| Jim Toy, MSW '81, Scholarship | University of Michigan School of Social Work | MSW / graduate students, need-based aid, identity- or community-based aid, school-based aid | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Scholarships | Contact provider |
| Rachel M. Hawkins, MSW Travel Support Fund | University of Michigan School of Social Work | MSW / graduate students, need-based aid, school-based aid | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Grants | Contact provider |
| Emergency Grant Aid | University of Michigan School of Social Work | MSW / graduate students, need-based aid, school-based aid | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Grants | Contact provider |
| Rosemary Sarri Endowed Scholarship | University of Michigan School of Social Work | MSW / graduate students, school-based aid | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Scholarships | Contact provider |
Provider:
Eastern Michigan University
Best for:
BSW / undergraduate students, child welfare career path, school-based aid
Type:
Stipends, School-specific, child welfare career path, school-based aid
Amount:
$5000 per semester up to 2 semesters
Eligibility:
BSW students enrolled in SWRK 488 and SWRK 489 who commit to child welfare employment in Michigan
Deadline:
Winter 2027 applications due by 8/1/26
Service obligation:
Students will be contractually obligated to search for and accept employment in public, private, or tribal child welfare agencies in the State of Michigan upon graduation. Minimum payback period required.
More information:
Provider:
Eastern Michigan University
Best for:
MSW / graduate students, child welfare career path, school-based aid
Type:
Stipends, School-specific, child welfare career path, school-based aid
Amount:
$7500 per semester up to 2 semesters
Eligibility:
Full Program MSW students enrolled in SWRK 595 and SWRK 596 who commit to child welfare employment in Michigan
Deadline:
Winter 2027 applications due by 8/1/26
Service obligation:
Students will be contractually obligated to search for and accept employment in public, private, or tribal child welfare agencies in the State of Michigan upon graduation. Minimum payback period required.
More information:
Provider:
Ferris State University
Best for:
BSW / undergraduate students, child welfare career path, school-based aid
Type:
Stipends, School-specific, child welfare career path, school-based aid
Amount:
$5000 stipend
Eligibility:
Must be Junior Academic Status (60+ credits), enrolled in BSW program at Ferris State University (full-time or part-time), U.S. citizen or permanent resident or DACA status, complete Child Welfare Certificate requirements, complete 480-hour supervised BSW Practicum Placement in approved child welfare agency during last 2 semesters.
Deadline:
Applications can be submitted at any time
Service obligation:
Must be employed in an approved position at a public welfare agency in Michigan for minimum payback period upon graduation. Students must complete a payback of the stipends equaling 4 months of work at DHHS for every stipend received.
More information:
Provider:
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
Best for:
students checking eligibility requirements, child welfare career path, public service / workforce path, identity- or community-based aid, school-based aid
Type:
Stipends, Michigan-specific, child welfare career path, public service / workforce path, identity- or community-based aid, school-based aid
Amount:
$5,000 per eligible semester
Eligibility:
Must be accepted into a Social Work program at one of eight Michigan universities, complete the Michigan Child Welfare Certificate requirement, maintain good academic standing, meet with Title IV-E academic advisor at least once per semester, register for required classes, meet field instruction requirements in a child welfare agency, and commit to post-graduation employment in approved child welfare organizations.
Deadline:
September 15 for Fall admission; March 15 for Spring admission
Service obligation:
Commit to searching for and accepting employment in approved child welfare organizations post-graduation
More information:
Provider:
Wayne State University
Best for:
MSW / graduate students, child welfare career path, school-based aid
Type:
Stipends, School-specific, child welfare career path, school-based aid
Amount:
$5000 per semester up to 4 semesters for Core MSW Students; $5000 per semester up to 3 semesters for Advanced Standing MSW Students
Eligibility:
U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents, DACA status or eligible noncitizens. Must be enrolled in MSW program at Wayne State University. Must complete Child Welfare Certificate endorsed by Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
Deadline:
Applications for Fall 2026 start
Service obligation:
Students will be contractually obligated to search for and accept employment in public, private, or tribal child welfare agencies in the State of Michigan upon graduation. Must be employed in an approved position at a public, private, or tribal child welfare agency in the State of Michigan for the minimum payback period upon graduation.
More information:
Provider:
Western Michigan University
Best for:
MSW / graduate students, child welfare career path, school-based aid
Type:
Stipends, School-specific, child welfare career path, school-based aid
Amount:
$5,000 per semester
Eligibility:
Must be U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, DACA status or eligible noncitizen; currently enrolled MSW student at Western Michigan University
Deadline:
October 15 for Early Decision applicants including International applicants; January 15 for Advanced Standing applicants; February 15 for Standard MSW applicants
Service obligation:
Complete field placement at a public, private, or tribal child welfare agency in Michigan and secure employment in an approved position at a public, private, or tribal child welfare agency in Michigan based on specific payback period upon graduation
More information:
Provider:
Central Michigan University
Best for:
BSW / undergraduate students, child welfare career path, school-based aid
Type:
Stipends, School-specific, child welfare career path, school-based aid
Amount:
$5,000 per semester stipend for up to 3 semesters
Eligibility:
Must be enrolled in Bachelor of Social Work program, U.S. citizen or permanent resident or DACA status, maintain 3.0 GPA in social work classes, complete Child Welfare Certificate requirements, and complete 400-hour supervised field placement in child welfare agency
Deadline:
Applications for 2027 are currently rolling and close December 1, 2026
Service obligation:
Must be employed in an approved position at a public, private, or tribal child welfare agency in Michigan for the minimum payback period upon graduation
More information:
Provider:
Michigan State University
Best for:
MSW / graduate students, child welfare career path, school-based aid
Type:
Stipends, School-specific, child welfare career path, school-based aid
Amount:
$5000 per semester
Eligibility:
U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents, DACA status or eligible noncitizens. Must be enrolled in MSW program (full-time or part-time). Must complete required coursework and field placement at a child welfare agency in Michigan.
Service obligation:
Students will be contractually obligated to search for and accept employment in public, private, or tribal child welfare agencies in the State of Michigan upon graduation. Minimum payback period required.
More information:
Provider:
Central Michigan University
Best for:
BSW / undergraduate students, need-based aid, school-based aid
Type:
Scholarships, School-specific, need-based aid, school-based aid
Eligibility:
Full-time undergraduate junior or senior status, Michigan primary residence, demonstrated financial need, minimum 3.5 GPA, social work major
Deadline:
October 1 – November 30
More information:
Provider:
Central Michigan University
Best for:
BSW / undergraduate students, need-based aid, school-based aid
Type:
Scholarships, School-specific, need-based aid, school-based aid
Eligibility:
Undergraduate social work major, minimum 2.5 GPA, demonstrated financial need, preference for essay detailing volunteerism with Women at Risk International
Deadline:
October 1 – November 30
More information:
Provider:
Cornerstone University
Best for:
students checking eligibility requirements, school-based aid
Type:
Scholarships, School-specific, school-based aid
Eligibility:
Students pursuing a career in media production
Deadline:
December-March
More information:
Provider:
Cornerstone University
Best for:
students checking eligibility requirements, school-based aid
Type:
Scholarships, School-specific, school-based aid
Eligibility:
Business major, completed 30 credits, minimum 3.0 GPA
Deadline:
December-March
More information:
Provider:
Cornerstone University
Best for:
students checking eligibility requirements, school-based aid
Type:
Scholarships, School-specific, school-based aid
Eligibility:
Completed 58 credits, minimum 3.0 GPA, involved in extracurricular activity
Deadline:
December-March
More information:
Provider:
Cornerstone University
Best for:
students checking eligibility requirements, need-based aid, school-based aid
Type:
Scholarships, School-specific, need-based aid, school-based aid
Eligibility:
Minimum 3.0 GPA, financial need considered
Deadline:
December-March
More information:
Provider:
Central Michigan University
Best for:
BSW / undergraduate students, school-based aid
Type:
Scholarships, School-specific, school-based aid
Eligibility:
Sociology, anthropology or social work major pursuing international study or service
Deadline:
October 1 – November 30
More information:
Provider:
Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan
Best for:
students checking eligibility requirements, general funding search
Type:
Scholarships, Michigan-specific, general funding search
Deadline:
2027 application cycle – date to be announced
More information:
Provider:
NAMI Metro
Best for:
MSW / graduate students, general funding search
Type:
Scholarships, Michigan-specific, general funding search
Eligibility:
MSW students
More information:
Provider:
NASW-Michigan
Best for:
students checking eligibility requirements, general funding search
Type:
Scholarships, Michigan-specific, general funding search
More information:
Provider:
Northern Michigan University
Best for:
students checking eligibility requirements, school-based aid
Type:
Grants, School-specific, school-based aid
More information:
Provider:
Northern Michigan University
Best for:
students checking eligibility requirements, need-based aid, school-based aid
Type:
Tuition Support, School-specific, need-based aid, school-based aid
Eligibility:
Must qualify for Michigan Achievement Scholarship and Federal Pell Grant
More information:
Finding the right funding match takes a few focused steps. Begin by identifying which opportunities connect to your current situation—your degree level, school affiliation, and intended career path. Most of the opportunities listed here are school-specific, so your first stop should be your institution’s financial aid office, department of social work, or scholarship database. If you are exploring a child welfare career path, workforce development program, or identity-based funding, you may find additional options beyond your school’s primary listings.
As you review opportunities, pay close attention to degree requirements. Some awards are reserved for undergraduate (BSW) students, others for graduate (MSW) students, and some have specific eligibility criteria that may not apply to your situation. Before submitting an application, confirm whether the opportunity matches your enrollment status and program type.
Service obligations deserve your careful consideration. A small number of these opportunities require you to work in a specific setting—such as child welfare, rural communities, or underserved regions—for a set period after graduation. Reading the terms ahead of time helps you decide whether that commitment aligns with your career goals.
Deadlines and award amounts can shift from year to year. Use the source links provided to verify current details before you apply. If a funder’s website is unclear about eligibility, service terms, or application procedures, contact them directly—it’s worth a quick call or email to confirm you meet the requirements.
Finally, use this resource alongside your FAFSA completion, conversations with your institution’s financial aid office, and advising from your social work program. Funding typically works best as a layered strategy: federal aid, institutional scholarships, and targeted opportunities from this list can combine to reduce your out-of-pocket costs.
Funding details can change. Use the source links to confirm current award amounts, deadlines, eligibility rules, and service obligations before applying.
