Money for school, from people who build
Scholarships from design and building organizations, plus Michigan and federal aid. Each one shows who qualifies, how much, and when to apply.
Claim the big three first
These don't depend on your major. For students who qualify, together they can cover much of the cost of tuition at a Michigan public university. All three start with the FAFSA.
Federal Pell Grant
Money you don't pay back, for students with financial need. You apply by filling out the FAFSA, the free federal aid form. The FAFSA also unlocks most state and college aid, so fill it out every year, starting senior year.
Start the FAFSAMichigan Achievement Scholarship
Up to $27,500 over five years at a Michigan college or university, plus a community college guarantee. For Michigan residents who complete the FAFSA and show financial need.
Check eligibilityDetroit Promise
Covers tuition and fees left after other aid for Detroit residents who graduate from a Detroit high school. Two years in a Detroit high school qualifies for community college; all four years, plus grade and test minimums, for a university.
See who qualifiesArchitecture
Like AriDiversity Advancement Scholarship
A multiyear award for students heading into an accredited architecture degree, including high school seniors and community college students planning to transfer. Renewable for up to five years. The last deadline was January 10, 2026.
Get notified when it opensMAF Scholarships
Sixteen awards a year for architecture students who live in Michigan or study at Andrews, U-M, Detroit Mercy, Lawrence Tech, Kendall or Ferris State. Five are for undergraduates.
See the scholarshipsInterior design
Like SiennaIA Interior Architects Diversity in Design Scholarship
For minority undergraduate and graduate students in interior design or architecture programs. Five awards each year.
Apply by December 4NEWH Scholarships
For students in interior design or hospitality management who want to design hotels, restaurants and other places people visit. Local NEWH chapters give their own scholarships too. The last national deadline was June 19, 2026.
See NEWH scholarshipsLandscape architecture
Like HazelLAF Scholarships
More than 15 scholarships in one application, including the EDSA Minority Scholarship and a $10,000 award for inclusive community design. Applications open in November.
See all LAF awardsEngineering and lighting
Like Cal and LuxSWE Scholarships
One application for students starting an accredited engineering program, and another for current college students. You don't need to be a SWE member. In 2026 the first-year window ran February 10 to March 31.
See SWE scholarshipsNSBE Scholarships
More than $1 million in awards for NSBE members, including the NSBE Jr. Golden Torch Scholarship for high school students. You need an active membership and a verified GPA. Confirm each deadline on NSBE's site.
See NSBE scholarshipsASCE Scholarships
For undergraduates in civil engineering who belong to their school's ASCE student chapter. Joining the chapter freshman year is what unlocks these.
See ASCE scholarshipsConstruction
Like MasonNAWIC Founders' Scholarships
More than $600,000 a year for students in construction degree programs and in the trades. Local NAWIC chapters also give awards.
Apply by March 6AGC Undergraduate Scholarship
For students in accredited construction management or construction engineering programs. Renewable for up to three years.
See how to applyAGC Michigan Educational Endowment Fund
At least seven awards for full-time sophomores and juniors studying construction management or civil engineering at a Michigan college.
Apply by December 31Planning and development
Like KeyaAPA Foundation Scholarship in Planning
For undergraduate and graduate students in planning programs who are APA student members and show financial need. The last deadline was May 15, 2026.
See APA scholarshipsJudith McManus Price Scholarship
For women and African American, Asian American, Hispanic American and Native American students in accredited planning programs who plan to work in public-sector planning.
See eligibilityHBCUs and youth programs
Money that comes with joining somethingTMCF | Jacobs HBCU Scholarship
Eight awards for HBCU sophomores, juniors and seniors with a 3.0 GPA or better, in majors including architecture, architectural engineering, construction management and urban planning.
See the scholarshipACE Mentor Scholarships
Seniors who attend at least 75% of their ACE team meetings can apply. Join ACE as a sophomore or junior to be ready.
See ACE scholarshipsSmithGroup Exploring Post
High school seniors who attend every workshop in the year may qualify for a scholarship.
Get workshop datesMany HBCUs also give their own scholarships to architecture, engineering and construction majors. Ask the department when you apply.
A year of applying, season by season
- FAFSA for next school year
- NAWIC opens in September
- IIDA Diversity in Design by Dec 4
- NSBE deadlines begin
- AGC Michigan by Dec 31
- Architects Foundation in January
- ASCE by Jan 15
- MAF applications posted
- LAF by Feb 1
- NAWIC by Mar 6
- SWE by Mar 31
- ACE senior scholarships
- APA in May
- NEWH in June
- Ask your college department about awards for current students
- Get ready for the next FAFSA
Tips that pay off
Real scholarships don't charge a fee. If someone asks for money or your bank details to "hold" an award, walk away.
Most state and college aid depends on it, even some merit scholarships. It's free at studentaid.gov.
NSBE, SWE, ASCE and APA scholarships go to members. Student memberships are low cost and often have a high school version.
The college itself is usually the biggest source of money. Ask the architecture or engineering department what it offers its own students.
Keep planning
Scholarships checked in October 2026 on each organization's website. Amounts and dates change every year, so always confirm on the official page before you apply. Know a scholarship we should add? Tell us on our contact page.