Richard F. and Frances S. Leighton Scholarship Fund
University of Michigan
Key Statistics
Grant Amount
Varies by year
Location
Deadline
Varies by year
About this Scholarship
The Richard F. and Frances S. Leighton Scholarship Fund is a need-based scholarship established to support undergraduate students at the University of Michigan who demonstrate significant financial need. This scholarship honors the legacy of Richard F. and Frances S. Leighton, whose commitment to education and community service inspired the creation of a fund that assists students in overcoming financial barriers to higher education. The scholarship is intended to provide financial assistance to students who might otherwise find it difficult to afford the cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, and living expenses. While primarily focused on need, the scholarship also considers the overall academic progress and personal character of applicants. The fund is administered by the University of Michigan’s Office of Financial Aid, which evaluates applications in accordance with the criteria set forth by the donors. The scholarship is available to undergraduate students enrolled full-time at the University of Michigan, and recipients are selected based on demonstrated financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and other institutional assessments. The amount awarded varies each year depending on available funds and the number of recipients. This scholarship is part of the university’s broader commitment to making education accessible and affordable for all qualified students.
Eligibility & Overview
Financial Grant
Varies by year
Scholarship Type
Need based
What's Covered
Description
The Richard F. and Frances S. Leighton Scholarship Fund was created to provide financial support to undergraduate students at the University of Michigan who demonstrate considerable financial need. The scholarship is awarded annually based on an assessment of the applicant’s financial situation, academic standing, and personal circumstances. It is designed to help bridge the gap between the cost of attendance and the student’s ability to pay, thereby reducing the financial burden and enabling recipients to focus more fully on their academic and personal development. Applicants must be enrolled full-time in an undergraduate program at the University of Michigan and must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as part of the application process. The scholarship committee reviews each application carefully, considering the family income, assets, and other relevant financial information to determine eligibility. The award amount varies each year based on the total funds available and the number of recipients selected. The scholarship can be used to cover a range of educational expenses, including tuition, fees, room and board, textbooks, and other necessary supplies. Recipients are expected to maintain satisfactory academic progress to continue receiving the scholarship in subsequent years. This fund reflects the philanthropic vision of Richard F. and Frances S. Leighton, who valued education as a means to personal growth and societal contribution. The scholarship thus serves not only as financial aid but also as an encouragement for students to pursue their academic goals with dedication and integrity. It is one of several need-based scholarships offered by the University of Michigan aimed at increasing access to higher education for students from diverse economic backgrounds.
Key Benefits
Provides financial assistance to cover tuition, fees, and living expenses, reducing the economic burden on students.
Supports full-time undergraduate students, enabling them to focus on their studies without excessive financial stress.
Financing Information
Funding and Administration of the Richard F. and Frances S. Leighton Scholarship Fund
The Richard F. and Frances S. Leighton Scholarship Fund is financed through an endowment established by the donors, Richard F. and Frances S. Leighton. The endowment is managed by the University of Michigan’s Office of Development and Alumni Relations, which invests the principal to generate income used for scholarship awards. The amount available for distribution each year depends on the investment returns and the university’s policies on endowment spending. The scholarship is administered by the University of Michigan’s Office of Financial Aid, which oversees the application, selection, and disbursement processes. Applicants must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to demonstrate financial need, as well as any additional documentation requested by the Office of Financial Aid. The scholarship amount awarded to each recipient varies based on the total funds available and the assessed financial need of the student. Funds are typically applied directly to the student’s university account to cover tuition, fees, and other institutional charges. In some cases, funds may be disbursed to the student to assist with off-campus expenses such as housing, transportation, and educational supplies. The scholarship is renewable for multiple years, provided the recipient maintains full-time enrollment and satisfactory academic progress. The university regularly reviews the fund’s performance and scholarship criteria to ensure alignment with donor intent and student needs. This structured financing approach ensures the scholarship’s sustainability and continued support for students facing financial challenges.
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* Disclaimer: The information provided about the Richard F. and Frances S. Leighton Scholarship Fund is subject to change. Prospective applicants should verify all details, including eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and award amounts, directly with the University of Michigan’s Office of Financial Aid or the official scholarship webpage before applying.