Welcome, Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency Veteran Friendly Certified Employer
We are committed to removing barriers so you can continue your education.
Your unique Veteran Friendly Certified Employer Scholarship saves you time and money as you work to complete an associate, bachelor's or master's degree, or pursue professional training to enhance your skills and/or gain industry-recognized certifications.
Are you ready? Apply now
Michigan Department of Corrections Gold Level Employer Scholarship Benefits
- Up to $8,000 toward tuition for most undergraduate and graduate degree programs*
- Renewable scholarship prorated toward 22 credit hours per year
- 20% discount on professional development workshops, certificate program and other non-credit training opportunities
- No application fee
- The scholarship is limited to 50 employees per employer
Michigan Department of Corrections Gold Level Family Member Scholarship information
- $6,500 prorated per family member
- Up to 50 family members of employees are eligible
- Scholarship applies to up to 22 credits per year
- Family members are admitted as regular Davenport University students
- Davenport University defines family members as a spouse or son, daughter, step-son, or step-daughter who does not exceed the age of 29 years old
- Scholarship can be applied to most undergraduate and graduate programs
- Participation is renewable each year for up to four years if eligible
Next steps
1. Apply for admission to Davenport University. Be sure to identify the MDOC as your employer
2. Receive notification from the MDOC and Davenport University that you are eligible for the scholarship
3. Apply for the MVAA Veteran Friendly Certified Employer Scholarship
4. Continue the admissions and enrollment process
What is the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency Veteran Friendly Certified Employer Scholarship?
The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency Veteran Friendly Certified Employer Scholarship is a partnership with Davenport University.
- Gold Level Employees: The scholarship is up to $8,000 toward tuition for most undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
- Gold Level Family Members: The scholarship is up to $6,500 toward tuition for most undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
The Scholarship is renewable and applies toward 22 credit hours per year, for 4 years. The scholarship is limited to 50 employees and 50 family members.
How does the funding amount break down per credit hour?
Gold level scholarship
| # of Credits | Scholarship Amount |
|---|---|
| 3 | $1,091 |
| 6 | $2,182 |
| 9 | $3,273 |
| 12 | $4,364 |
| 15 | $5,455 |
| 18 | $6,545 |
| 22+ | $8,000 |
Gold level scholarship -family members
| # of Credits | Scholarship Amount |
|---|---|
| 3 | $886 |
| 6 | $1,773 |
| 9 | $2,659 |
| 12 | $3,545 |
| 15 | $4,432 |
| 18 | $5,318 |
| 22+ | $6,500 |
How do I apply?
Go to davenport.edu/MDOC to complete an online application to Davenport University. If you are eligible for the scholarship, you will receive notification from Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency and Davenport University. Once you receive confirmation and are accepted to Davenport, return to davenport.edu/MDOC to apply for the Veteran Friendly Certified Employer Scholarship.
Can I be enrolled in any degree program and receive the Veteran Friendly Certified Employer Scholarship?
The Occupational Therapy degree program is excluded from participating in this scholarship program.
If my spouse is a Veteran and I am an employee of Michigan Department of Corrections, which scholarship do I receive?
As an employee, you will receive the Veteran Friendly Gold Level Certified Employee Scholarship and your spouse will receive the Gold Level Employer Family Member Scholarship.
I am an existing Davenport student. Can I receive the Veteran Friendly Certified Employer Scholarship?
Scholarships are for new students who have not taken for credit courses within the prior 24 months.
I am eligible for multiple Davenport Scholarship Programs. Can I receive multiple Davenport institution aid programs?
Students receiving the Veteran Friendly Certified Employer Scholarship will not receive other Davenport aid, including other Davenport Scholarships, grants, athletic aid, tuition discounts, and foundation awards.
Do I have to complete a FAFSA or complete any Financial Aid requirements related to my FAFSA?
A FAFSA and its associated requirements are not required. However, any SAP requirements or requirements related to proving eligibility for the scholarship would be required. Completing a FAFSA may make you eligible for other Federal or State aid, so you should consider completing one at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa.
What is “proof of employment”?
Proof of employment can be the most recent pay stub, an employee ID badge (verifying employment or expiration date), letter from your supervisor, or a letter from your employer’s human resources department.
Military student questions
How does the Post 9/11 GI Bill® $1,000 Book Stipend Pay?
At 100% eligibility, your authorized percentage is $41.67 per credit with a max of $500 per semester and $1000 annually. The Post-9/11 GI Bill book stipend will be direct deposited to your bank account or mailed to you depending on what you selected when you applied. The book stipend will not be issued until after the semester starts so you will need to purchase your books before you receive the stipend.
How many classes do I need to get the full monthly housing allotment?
In a 15 week semester, you need to be enrolled in 12 credits to be eligible for the full monthly housing allotment. In a seven-week semester, you need to be enrolled in 6 credits to receive the full monthly allotment. (On average, 12 credits equal four classes). Additionally, you need to be enrolled in at least one on-campus class that runs for the entire semester or session to receive the on-campus amount. If you choose to attend completely online you will only receive 50% of the national average for BAH (per VA guidelines).
What qualifies a student for military leave of absence?
Any spontaneous military event where the student is issued orders will qualify for a military leave of absence. Deployments or annual training events are the most common.
For a military leave of absence, do I have to pay back the GI Bill® payments?
If the student submits military orders, the charges for that course or term will be removed and he or she will not owe the school. However, the student will need to retake the class(es). If the VA has already paid tuition/fees to the school, the military withdrawal will be reported to the VA and funds will be returned to the VA by the school. If the student received a stipend for housing and/or books, they will need to repay that back to the VA.
When will I receive my refund?
A student is eligible for a refund if they have funds in excess of their charges. Post 9/11 GI Bill® (Ch. 33): users commonly have excess funds from Pell Grants but these funds will not be refunded to the student until the VA pays the school. DU does not report Tuition and fees to the VA until 100% charge for that semester or session. Depending on how your courses are scheduled your refund may not occur until the end of the session or semester. Voc. Rehab. (Ch. 31) users will not receive a refund until grades are submitted for the semester/session as payment is grade dependent.
Whichever path you choose, you will enjoy small class sizes, interactive learning, and personal attention. If you have any questions as you review your options, please contact our Admissions Representative working with the scholarship.
Jason Bos
Jason.Bos@davenport.edu
616.742.2075
*Degree programs not eligible for the scholarship include Occupational Therapy. Tuition scholarships are for new students who have not taken for credit courses within the prior 24 months. Your scholarship will show up on your Financial Aid award(s) under the name “DU Tuition Grant."