Step 1 – Fill Out the FAFSA
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is your first step in applying for any financial aid.
A Federal Student Aid ID (FSA ID) is required for all contributors to the FAFSA form. If you do not already have an FSA ID, plan to create one at least three days before you start the FAFSA. You can create an FSA ID on the studentaid.gov website by clicking the “Create Account” link in the upper right section of the page or use this direct link: https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launch. Enter your name exactly as it appears on your Social Security card, if you have one. It will take 3-5 days for the Department of Education and the IRS to verify your account. You can still create an account on the same day you complete the FAFSA, but you may not be able to use the IRS link to pull in your tax data.
You, the student, will start the FAFSA and invite other contributors as applicable. You will need contact information and the Social Security number, if applicable, of each contributor. It is important that you use the exact same information as the contributor used to create their FSA ID. If you are a dependent student, this tool will help you determine which parent(s) should be a contributor to your FAFSA. If you are a married independent student, and did not file taxes jointly with your spouse, your spouse will also be a contributor.
The income information needed to complete the FAFSA form can be found on a previously filed tax return. Beginning with the 2024-2025 FAFSA cycle, the FAFSA Simplification Act requires that, wherever possible, the Department of Education use data received directly from the IRS to calculate your Student Aid Index (SAI) and Pell Grant award. FAFSA applicants — and, where applicable, their parents and spouses — will be required to provide consent for the disclosure of tax information held by the IRS directly from the IRS to the Department of Education. The FAFSA must be completed each year you wish to apply for aid.
The 2025-26 FAFSA can be completed December 1, 2024 through June 30, 2026 and will be used to apply for financial aid for the 2025-26 academic year which includes these start dates:
- Fall Semester – September 2, 2025 to December 12, 2025
- Spring Semester – January 5, 2026 to April 24, 2026
- Summer Semester – May 4, 2026 to August 13, 2026
The 2024-25 FAFSA can be completed January 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025 and will be used to apply for financial aid for the 2024-25 academic year which includes these start dates:
- Fall Semester – September 3, 2024 to December 13, 2024
- Spring Semester – January 6, 2025 to April 25, 2025
- Summer Semester – May 5, 2025 to August 14, 2025
The Federal Student Aid website has many instructional videos and resources to help answer your questions. You can also contact the Financial Aid Office at Marine Trades Institute for assistance.
Additional Documents
Verification
You may be chosen for a process called verification by the federal processor and/or the school. Students who are selected for verification must complete the verification process to become eligible for federal funds. Awards such as the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Direct Loan and/or other selected awards will be unavailable until the verification process is complete. After completion of the verification process, estimated awards may be reduced because of a change in the Student Aid Index (SAI), which is determined by the FAFSA information submitted to the U. S. Department of Education.
Special Circumstances
Students with unusual or special circumstances may request a review of their FAFSA information by the financial aid office. The FAFSA uses information from income that occurred two years prior to starting school and it may not accurately reflect your current ability to finance your education. If your family has experienced financial hardship, a death of a parent, a divorce, or an unusual medical expense, you are encouraged to request a review of your circumstances.
Dependent students (under age 24 and not otherwise meeting the criteria to be an independent student) can complete their request by filling out the Dependent Special Circumstance Review form and submitting it with all required documentation.
Independent students (24 or older, or meeting the criteria to be designated an independent student) can complete their request by filling out the Independent Special Circumstance Review form and submitting it with all required documentation.
Dependent students who are unable to obtain parental data to complete the FAFSA or who are in a unique situation (e.g., human trafficking, refugee or asylee status, parental abandonment, incarceration), may contact the Financial Aid Office by emailing financialaid@glbbs.edu or calling 906-484-1081 for direct assistance.
Step 2 – Apply for Marine Trades Institute Scholarships and Sponsorships
There are several scholarship and sponsorship opportunities, based on both financial need and merit, available to qualified Marine Trades Institute students. All students are encouraged to apply. The Scholarship Committee will consider students for all scholarships for which they qualify.
The scholarship application form is available here. The final scholarship application deadline is June 8, 2025. However, you are encouraged to apply early for the greatest availability of funding.
Sponsorship applications require both the Sponsorship Core Application and a short sponsor-specific application form. The application deadline is June 8, 2025. Both pieces must be submitted along with two references and pictures of projects you have worked on.
Step 3 – Apply for Michigan Grants
If you are a Michigan resident and graduated from high school or received your high school equivalency in 2023 or later, and have not yet earned an associate or bachelor’s degree, you may be eligible for the Michigan Achievement Skills Scholarship.
Students must apply on the MI Student Aid website. The application for the 2025 – 2026 academic year will open in August of 2025. More information is available here.
The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential is not affiliated with National Merit Scholarship Corporation or its registered trademarks National Achievement®, Achievement Scholarship®, or Achievement Scholar®.
Step 4 – Apply for Aid through a State Employment Agency
Many states have programs designed to encourage workforce development. There are often funds available to help pay for career training education. Contact your local office for information about available programs.
Step 5 – Look for Private Scholarships and Grants
There are many private sources of scholarship funds, including your high school, local community foundations, and industry organizations. Each organization will have its own requirements and application process.
Step 6 – Veterans Benefits
GI Bill® educational benefits may be used by an eligible veteran or other eligible person during their attendance at Marine Trades Institute. For information about what types of benefits are available, how to apply for these benefits, how to fill out a Veterans online application, and to view payment rates, go to:
- va.gov/education
- benefits.va.gov/gibill
- https://www.ebenefits.va.gov
- Or Call 1-888-GIBILL1 (442-4551) with any questions.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
