Admissions & Aid

Your Application Checklist

Below you’ll find complete instructions for completing your application.

STEP 1 – ADMISSIONS INTERVIEW

Be prepared to share your accomplishments and your career goals. The interview will
take 20-30 minutes and must be completed before your application can be forwarded to
the Admissions Selection Committee for Admittance.

STEP 2 – APPLY FOR ADMISSION

Select your program and your preferred start year, and Apply for Admission. GLBBS’ application requires a non-refundable $100 fee to be paid online or by mailing a check to the school at 485 S. Meridian St. Cedarville, MI 49719. If you are unable to pay the $100 fee, you may now submit a Request for Admission Application Fee Waiver form. The application fee is waived for veterans.

STEP 3 – SUBMIT HIGH SCHOOL TRANSCRIPTS

Request a copy of your high school transcript or GED results. Home school students who do not have a transcript should complete the Home School Supplement form. For those who cannot access their transcript, please complete the Admissions Requirement Attestation Form. If the Admissions Requirement Attestation Form or a non-final high school transcript (i.e., you are still attending high school at the time of application) is used for the admissions process, any offer of admission is conditional upon receipt of a final high school transcript.

STEP 4 – SUBMIT SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

The 2025-26 Scholarship Application deadline is June 8, 2025.
Submit your Scholarship Application

OPTIONAL

Submit Letter(s) of Reference, submit unofficial copies of your ACT/SAT Test Scores, submit FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

If you have any questions, please contact our Admissions Advisor at (906) 484-1081.

If you have submitted a FAFSA, you will be contacted by the Financial Aid Office if more information is needed. Your official offer letter will be sent to you after review.

Great Lakes Boat Building School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities.

Great Lakes Boat Building School is committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for people of all abilities. Our full Statement on Accessibility Services is available here.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:
Nikki Storey, President
485 S. Meridian, Cedarville, MI 49719
906-484-1081

APPLY NOW

 

How to Pay for School

Great Lakes Boat Building School is committed to keeping our programs affordable. As you make plans to finance your education, consider applying for federal financial aid, state scholarships and grants, scholarships through GLBBS, outside scholarships, sponsorships, alternative loans, and other benefits such as veteran’s benefits or state workforce training programs.

Federal Financial Aid – Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

The U.S. Department of Education Federal Student Aid provides billions in grants, loans and work-study funds to help pay for college.  In order to apply for federal student aid (including loans), state and GLBBS aid, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is used to determine student eligibility. The application is based on income records from a prior tax year and requires parent information for dependent students.

The FAFSA must be completed each year the student wishes to apply for financial aid. Make sure to include GLBBS’s Federal School Code on your FAFSA, it is 042800.

The 2025-26 FAFSA can be completed November 21, 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 2025–26 FAFSA form requires your 2023 tax data. 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 a student’s 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 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

Click here to learn more

GLBBS Scholarships

GLBBS Scholarships and Tuition Assistance opportunities are available to assist qualified students based on both financial need and merit. This is not a complete listing of all available scholarships. Students are encouraged to fill out a scholarship application form. The Scholarship Committee will consider students for all scholarships for which they qualify. Application deadline: June 8, 2025

RPM Foundation Scholarship – up to $5,000

The RPM Foundation supports restoration and preservation training programs for the next generation of automotive, motorcycle and marine craftsmen. The services, resources, and grants provided by RPM safeguard the future of the collector vehicle industry by sustaining hands-on training for young adults.

GLBBS Scholarship – up to $5,000

A number of criteria are used in awarding these scholarships which are provided through the generous gifts of donors.

Frank “Duke” Harding Memorial Fund – up to $3,000

The Harding Family formed the Duke Harding Memorial Fund to provide an annual scholarship to one student attending Great Lakes Boat Building School.  Both demonstrated need and merit are considered in the selection of this scholarship.

Thomas “Tommy” Mertaugh Memorial Scholarship Fund – funding dependent

The Mertaugh Family formed this scholarship fund in special memory of their beloved son and brother Thomas N. Mertaugh. His grandfather, Eugene J. Mertaugh, founded the first Chris-Craft dealership in the country. In 2000, Tommy, his father Jim, and brother Dan created Classic and Antique Boats, one of the finest restoration shops in the country. Tommy was a dedicated supporter of GLBBS, serving on the original Steering Committee and Board of Directors prior to his death. This scholarship is awarded to students who are truly dedicated to becoming highly skilled builders, restorers, and finishers in the wooden boat trade.

Rae Taylor Memorial Scholarship – $5,000

The Rae Taylor Memorial Scholarship will provide an annual scholarship to one student attending Great Lakes Boat Building School. Both demonstrated need and merit are considered in the selection of this scholarship.

Marlene E. Kennedy Scholarship – $1,000

The Marlene E. Kennedy Scholarship will provide an annual scholarship to one student attending Great Lakes Boat Building School. This scholarship is available to students from Mackinac, Chippewa, and Luce counties in Michigan.

SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

GLBBS Sponsorships

Dave Irish Student Sponsorship Award

Irish Boat Shop is offering a $15,000 sponsorship award for a student attending the 2024-25 school year. One Marine Service Technology student or one Comprehensive Career Boat Building student will be selected. Upon graduation, each student agrees to work for Irish Boat Shop for a period of one year for pay and benefits. Full details and a link to the application form are available here. Application Deadline: June 9, 2024

Tiara Yachts Student Sponsorship Awards

Tiara Yachts is offering two $15,000 sponsorship awards for students attending the 2024-25 school year. Two students will be selected. Upon graduation, each student agrees to work for Tiara Yachts for a period of one year for pay and benefits. Full details and a link to the application form are available here. Application Deadline: June 9, 2024

State Aid

Michigan Achievement Skills Scholarship

Michigan residents who graduated from high school in Michigan with a diploma or certificate of completion or achieved a high school equivalency certificate in 2023 or after, and who have not yet earned an associate or bachelor’s degree, may be eligible for up to $2,000, per year, for up to 2 years. More information is available here.

APPLY NOW

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®.

External Scholarships

Many of the scholarships listed are recurring annual scholarships. Students are encouraged to check back for new open application dates. This is not a complete listing of all available scholarships.

National Marine Representatives Association (NMRA) Scholarship

About the Scholarship: NMRA is offering a scholarship to an outstanding student pursuing education and a career in the marine trades. High school seniors, and college and vocational students may apply. To request an application for a 2024 NMRA Marine Trades Scholarship, email info@nmraonline.org with 2024 Scholarship Application in the subject line. Application Deadline: April 15, 2024

Request an Application

Recreational Boating Industries Educational Fund (RBIEF)

About the Scholarship: RBIEF offers college scholarships for students who are enrolled or enrolling in higher education or technical courses and who have an interest in pursuing careers in the marine industry. Application Deadline: May 1, 2024

APPLY NOW

Mike Rowe Work Ethic Scholarship

About the Scholarship: The Work Ethic Scholarship Program recognizes people who understand the importance of work ethic, personal responsibility, delayed gratification, and a positive attitude. Students enrolling in a vocational/technical school may apply. Application Deadline: April 17, 2024

APPLY NOW

International Marine Electronics Association Scholarship

About the Scholarship: The IMEA/NMEA Scholarship will be awarded to students who aspire to enter into the exciting career of marine electronics.  This scholarship includes free attendance at both of the entry level NMEA Marine Electronics Installer Certification training courses – Basic MEI Training Certification and NMEA 2000 Basic Installer Training Certification. Additionally, a $5,000 tuition payment will be made in the recipient’s name directly to a marine trade school. Application Deadline: TBA

APPLY NOW

Van Dam Custom Boats/Boyne Boat Yard Scholarship

About the Scholarship: The Van Dam family formed this award to provide a scholarship to one student attending Great Lakes Boat Building School. The Van Dam family are dedicated supporters of GLBBS and have a life-long commitment to ensuring the future of craftsmanship in the marine trades through education. The scholarship provides up to $15,000 in tuition reimbursement, and up to $4,000 for expenses outside of tuition, including living expenses, books, and tools. The tuition reimbursement is paid in the form of loan repayment for the student, if they are employed by Van Dam Custom Boats or Boyne Boat Yard after GLBBS graduation. Visit Van Dam Custom Boats or Boyne Boat Yard for more information. Application Deadline: rolling cycle

APPLY NOW

Completing the Dream Scholarships

About the Scholarship: The Sallie Mae Fund’s Completing the Dream Scholarship Program helps under-resourced and underrepresented students and those from historically underserved communities complete their post-secondary education. Students on-track to complete their degree or continuous education program who are facing financial challenges may apply to receive a one-time scholarship of up to $2,500 to help complete their post-secondary education program. Get more information on how to apply. Application Deadline: now through 6/28/24 or until all scholarship dollars have been awarded

APPLY NOW

TechForce Foundation Scholarships

About the Scholarship: TechForce is a social network 100% dedicated to launching and advancing the careers of the next generation of technicians. Their mission is to champion all students to and through their education and into careers as professional technicians. TechForce offers several types of scholarships and grants. Get more information on how to applyApplication Deadline: rolling cycle

APPLY NOW

Veterans Benefits

Thank you to all of our veterans for your service and commitment. We are very proud and humbled to have the privilege to serve our military families and are here to assist you in any way that we can.

As a member of the military, you have access to education benefits that are designed to help you set the groundwork for your future career and ease the transition into the civilian workforce after completing your service commitment. GLBBS can help you prepare for success in your chosen field. GI Bill® educational benefits may be used by an eligible veteran or other eligible person during their attendance at the school. 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:

GLBBS has earned Silver Level Veteran-Friendly status by the State of Michigan for a demonstrated commitment to supporting the needs of our military-connected students. More information is available here.

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.

Cost of Attendance

The “Cost of Attendance” is reviewed annually, and includes tuition, fees, tools, books, and projected living/personal expenses, based on a 12-month, three semester program. This is the best cost estimate for a student to participate in the Comprehensive Career Boat Building Program or the Marine Service Technology Program. Students are billed for tuition and fees. Other items are estimated expenses associated with attending the programs. Students are responsible for securing housing, meals, transportation, and other personal expenses. Please note that Housing and Food expenses for dependent students living with family, within 30 miles of GLBBS, will be reduced.

Cost of Attendance 2024-2025
CCBB STUDENT MST STUDENT
TUITION $24,684 $24,684
SHOP & MATERIAL FEE $786 $786
REQUIRED ABYC CERTIFICATION TEST $150
REQUIRED COMPUTER (estimated) $699 $699
TOOL ALLOWANCE (estimated) $1,764 $1,536
BOOKS & SUPPLIES (estimated) $108 $126
OFF CAMPUS HOUSING (estimated) $6,513 $6,513
FOOD – ONE PERSON (estimated) $4,008 $4,008
TRANSPORTATION, PERSONAL & MISC. (estimated) $2,235 $2,235
TOTAL COA $40,797 $40,737

 

Cost of Attendance 2023-2024
CCBB STUDENT MST STUDENT
TUITION $23,967 $23,967
SHOP & MATERIAL FEE $750 $750
REQUIRED ABYC CERTIFICATION TEST $150
REQUIRED COMPUTER (estimated) $699 $699
TOOL ALLOWANCE (estimated) $1,467 $1,536
BOOKS & SUPPLIES (estimated) $126 $126
OFF CAMPUS HOUSING (estimated) $5,940 $5,940
FOOD – ONE PERSON (estimated) $3,876 $3,876
PERSONAL & MISC. (estimated) $2,175 $2,175
TOTAL COA $39,000 $39,219

 

Additional Cost Consideration (Professional Judgment Approval Required)

Upon request, the student’s Cost of Attendance may be increased for the following reasons:

  1. Additional mileage or travel expense, if daily travel exceeds 10 miles per day.
  2. Child care dependent costs, with proof of expenses.
  3. ABYC certification expenses, with proof of cost.
  4. Unusual housing costs, if lower cost housing is not available.

If seeking an increase to your Cost of Attendance budget, please complete this form. Return the completed form to the Financial Aid Office.

U.S. Department of Education’s Net Price Calculator

In accordance with the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA), as amended (20 U.S.C. § 1015a), beginning on October 29, 2011, each postsecondary institution in the United States that participates in Title IV federal student aid programs and enrolls full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduate students is required to post a net price calculator on its website. It is based on information from the most current completed academic year (class of 2021-2022).

Calculations are based on the parameters for a first time, first year student during a standard academic school year. This means that the summer quarter is not included in the calculator’s calculations. Results are dependent on the accuracy and completeness of the information entered and is intended to provide only a general guide to your eligibility for financial aid. Any award is not guaranteed by GLBBS and is meant to be an indication of the aid you may be eligible to receive. This is not an application for financial aid. Your information will not be retained or transmitted to GLBBS in any way.

To use our Net Price Calculator, please click here (page will open in a new tab, close tab when finished).

APPLY NOW Visit Our Campus Contact Us