Kalamazoo Promise Scholarship

Name: Kalamazoo Promise Scholarship

Award Amount: Up to 100% of tuition and mandatory fees for up to four years

Information And Eligibility:
The Kalamazoo Promise is one of the most well-known and impactful place-based scholarship programs in the United States. Established to expand access to higher education and strengthen the Kalamazoo community, this scholarship guarantees college tuition coverage for eligible graduates of Kalamazoo Public Schools (KPS). Rather than being merit-based or competitive, the Promise is designed to be broadly accessible, ensuring that students who grow up and graduate in the district can pursue postsecondary education without the burden of tuition costs.

The scholarship provides up to 100% of tuition and mandatory fees for up to four years of postsecondary education at approved institutions. The exact percentage of tuition covered is based on how long the student has continuously attended and resided within the Kalamazoo Public Schools district. Students who have been enrolled and residing in the district since kindergarten typically receive the highest level of funding, while students who entered the district later in their academic careers may receive a reduced but still substantial award.

One of the most significant features of the Kalamazoo Promise is that it is applied as “first-dollar” financial aid. This means the scholarship is applied before other grants and scholarships, allowing students to maximize the total amount of free financial aid they receive. As a result, many students are able to combine the Promise with federal grants, state aid, and institutional scholarships to cover additional expenses such as housing, books, transportation, and living costs.

Eligible students may use the scholarship at a wide range of approved postsecondary institutions, including two-year community colleges, four-year public universities, and select private colleges. Students must enroll full-time, typically defined as 12 credit hours per semester, although exceptions are made for all students attending Kalamazoo Valley Community College, summer term enrollments, and certain special circumstances reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

To remain eligible, students must make satisfactory academic progress toward a degree or certificate and maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 at their postsecondary institution. If a student’s GPA falls below 2.0, the program allows for reinstatement once the GPA is brought back to the required level, offering flexibility and second chances for students adjusting to college-level coursework.

The Kalamazoo Promise is open only to Michigan residents who graduate from Kalamazoo Public Schools and meet the continuous enrollment and residency requirements. Students must be admitted to and enrolled in one of the Promise-approved postsecondary institutions and comply with all academic and enrollment standards throughout their participation in the program.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must graduate from Kalamazoo Public Schools (KPS), class of 2006 or later.
• Must have continuously resided in and been enrolled in KPS for at least all four years of high school.
• Must be a Michigan resident.
• Must be admitted to and enrolled in an approved postsecondary institution.
• Must enroll as a full-time student (generally 12 credit hours per semester, with noted exceptions).
• Must maintain a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA at the postsecondary institution.
• Must make satisfactory academic progress toward a degree or certificate.

Application Requirements:

• Completed Kalamazoo Promise application.
• High school transcript verifying graduation from Kalamazoo Public Schools.
• Financial aid information, including completion of the FAFSA.
• Admission and enrollment confirmation at an approved postsecondary institution.

Deadline: Rolling (students should apply as early as possible after high school graduation)

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