Although study abroad programs can be expensive, there are several ways to fund the experience including through scholarships and financial aid.
Financial Aid
As educational experiences, all Study Abroad programs are eligible for financial aid funds. To determine the amount eligible and deadlines for disbursement, please contact the Financial Aid office.
Muskegon Promise
If you are a Muskegon Promise recipient, there is the possibility of potentially using Promise dollars to offset some of the cost for international study. Please see Study Abroad Coordinator to discuss.
Scholarships
Do not leave free money on the table!!! There are many scholarships available through both public and private entities. USA Study Abroad, a program of the United States Department of State, offers a substantial list that you should review.
This page contains some of the most common scholarship opportunities. Please contact the Study Abroad Coordinator for more information on how to help fund your experience. Past scholarship winners include:
MCC Achievement-Based Scholarships
MCC offers an Achievement-Based scholarship for most areas of study. When choosing the courses for international study, if they fall within one of these departments, you can apply any awarded money to the cost of study.
Requirements:
- Students who demonstrate a particular creative talent or a high level of achievement in an area of study.
- The scholarship is not need based.
- Must complete the required essay.
- 0 overall GPA
- 0 GPA in performance (department) area
- Maintain full-time status at MCC.
- Enroll in a course from the area of study for the semester awarded the scholarship.
- Renewable up to 62 credits
- Need one recommendation.
To apply visit: https://muskegoncc.scholarships.ngwebsolutions.com/Scholarships/Search
Benjamin Gilman International Scholarship
This program funds Pell Grant recipients up to $5,000 for their study abroad program.
- October for Spring & early summer
- March for Summer and Fall programs
Additional information and application are found online at the Gilman International Scholarship.
British Transatlantic Exchange Association (BUTEX)
This program is a $750 grant available for students studying in England.
- June for the next academic year
Additional information and application are found online at the British Universities Transnational Exchange
Critical Language Scholarship (CLS)
The CLS is a program of the U.S. Department of State, and is an initiative to expand the number of Americans studying and mastering foreign languages that are critical to national security and economic prosperity. This program is FULLY funded.
- November deadline for June departure
Additional information and application are found online at the Critical Language Scholarship Program
Fund for Education Award Scholarships
This scholarship supports students who are underrepresented (minority, community college, and first-generation college students) among the US study abroad population. Grants are up to $5,000 for semester programs and $1, 250 for summer.
- January for summer and fall
- September for Spring
Additional information and application are found online at the Fund for Education Award Scholarships
Illinois Consortium for International Studies and Programs (ICISP)
Students who take part in an ICISP program are eligible to apply for the Founders’ Study Abroad Scholarship, which provides $500 for summer and $1,000 for semester programs.
- Oct. 15 for Spring programs
- Feb. 15 for Summer programs
- May 15 for Fall programs
Additional information and application are found online at the Illinois Consortium for International Studies and Programs.
