Grant Funds Available Now
Now is the time to get your MSW with little to no cost to you! Spring Arbor University has funding from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) to support MSW students preparing to serve Michigan in a rural behavioral health setting as part of the MDHHS Rural Health Transformation Program.
Two Different Grants, One Easy Process
After you apply and are admitted into Spring Arbor University's MSW program, the application to apply for our grants is easy. We'll do the work to match you with the grant that fits you best and walk you through the process every step of the way.
| BSW-to-Clinical MSW Stipend | University-Led MSW Award | |
|---|---|---|
| Award | Up to $19,700 | Up to $20,000 |
| Who it's for | BSW graduate of a CSWE-accredited program entering SAU's full-time Advanced Standing (Specialized) Clinical MSW | Students enrolled in SAU's MSW program (Generalist or Specialized) |
| Start Term | January or March 2027 | January or March 2027 |
| Disbursed Across | Spring 2027 and Fall 2027, or Spring 2027, Fall 2027 | Spring 2027 and Fall 2027, or Spring 2027, Fall 2027 |
| Rural Internship Required | Yes | No |
| Residential Requirements |
None |
Must live in an eligible Michigan county* |
| Post-Graduation Service |
5 years of service in an eligible Michigan behavioral health setting* Ineligible counties include: Kalamazoo, Kent, Jackson, Macomb, Monroe, Muskegon, Ottawa, St. Clair |
5 years of service in an eligible Michigan behavioral health setting* Ineligible counties include: Kalamazoo, Kent, Jackson, Macomb, Monroe, Muskegon, Ottawa, St. Clair |
| Funded By | MDHHS Rural Health Transformation Program | MDHHS Rural Health Transformation Program |
*Eligible Michigan counties/behavioral health settings include: Alcona, Alger, Allegan, Alpena, Antrim, Arenac, Baraga, Barry, Bay, Benzie, Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Chippewa, Clare, Clinton, Crawford, Delta, Dickinson, Eaton, Emmet, Genesee, Gladwin, Gogebic, Grand Traverse, Gratiot, Hillsdale, Houghton, Huron, Ingham, Ionia, Iosco, Iron, Isabella, Kalkaska, Keweenaw, Lake, Lapeer, Leelanau, Lenawee, Livingston, Luce, Mackinac, Manistee, Marquette, Mason, Mecosta, Menominee, Midland, Missaukee, Montcalm, Montmorency, Newaygo, Oakland, Oceana, Ogemaw, Ontonagon, Osceola, Oscoda, Otsego, Presque Isle, Roscommon, Saginaw, Sanilac, Schoolcraft, Shiawassee, St. Joseph, Tuscola, Van Buren, Washtenaw, Wayne and Wexford.
Recipients may not simultaneously receive funding through another MDHHS Rural Health Transformation Program opportunity - including the other program above or the LLMSW Supervision Stipend Program - when prohibited by MDHHS requirements.
Are You Eligible to Receive Funds?
To receive and keep an award, you must:
- Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.
- Meet all eligibility requirements established by MDHHS.
- Complete a Spring Arbor University MSW application and be admitted into the MSW program,
including receipt of all official transcripts and other requirements.
- Begin the MSW program in January or March 2027.
- Maintain a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA while enrolled in the MSW program.
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress and satisfy all requirements for completion
of the MSW degree.
- Complete all required MDHHS and SAU participation agreements and documentation, including
the Student Commitment Letter.
- Participate in required synchronous Zoom meetings for the grant program, including
orientation, ongoing support and other scheduled grant activities.
- Not simultaneously receive funding through another MDHHS Rural Health Transformation Program opportunity when prohibited by MDHHS requirements.
Additional Requirements - BSW-to-MSW Stipend
- Hold a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree from a CSWE-accredited program.
- Be enrolled in the full-time Advanced Standing / Specialized MSW program at Spring
Arbor University and remain continuously enrolled through program completion.
- Commit to completing your MSW internship serving an eligible rural Michigan community.
Five-Year Service Commitment
The five-year service commitment is a condition of the federal Rural Health Transformation Program funding. By accepting an award, you agree that:
- After graduation, you will complete five years of employment in an eligible rural
Michigan behavioral health setting.
- Employment in Jackson, Kalamazoo, Kent, Macomb, Monroe, Muskegon, Ottawa or St. Clair County does not satisfy the service commitment.
- You will provide information and documentation about your employment to SAU and/or
MDHHS after graduation.
- SAU and MDHHS will conduct ongoing tracking of your progress toward the five-year
commitment.
- Changes in your employment do not automatically eliminate your service obligation; you must tell SAU about any change that may affect compliance.
FAQs
For many students, the award covers most or all tuition, so the cost to you may be little to nothing. Total amounts depend on your cost of attendance and other aid. Any remaining balance is your responsibility.
Our team will select that grant that best meets your qualifications and walk you through the application process.
Your service obligation continues. Tell SAU about any employment change that may affect compliance.
After applying and being admitted into the MSW program you will also need to submit
a grant application, a 5-minute personal statement video, your resume, a signed Student
Commitment Letter, and a letter of recommendation emailed directly by your reference
to [email protected].
Apply for the MSW program
The deadlines to apply for the MSW program are December 1 for a January start and
February 1 for a March start.
The deadlines to apply for the respective grants are January 5, 2027 and March 2,
2027. Applicants from both dates are considered, but spots are limited, so apply early.
Disclaimer
Funding for this program is provided by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) through the federal Rural Health Transformation Program. Awards are competitive, limited and not guaranteed. Award amounts are up to $19,700 (BSW-to-Clinical MSW Stipend) or $20,000 (University-Led MSW Award) and may vary based on enrollment, cost of attendance, other financial aid, continued eligibility, available grant funding, and MDHHS and Spring Arbor University requirements. Funds are disbursed only after SAU receives funding from MDHHS. Recipients must maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA and satisfactory academic progress, complete all participation and reporting requirements, and complete five years of post-graduation employment in an eligible rural Michigan behavioral health setting; employment in Jackson, Kalamazoo, Kent, Macomb, Monroe, Muskegon, Ottawa or St. Clair County does not qualify. "Little to no cost" refers to tuition after award funds, outside grants, or discount are applied; students remain responsible for any unpaid balance. Full terms are set out in the MDHHS and SAU participation agreements.