The Kalamazoo Promise is a place-based scholarship for resident graduates of Kalamazoo Public Schools (KPS), not aid open to every Michigan student. An expansion announced October 6, 2026, adds a new option: beginning Fall 2027, eligible students may use the award at accredited four-year HBCUs nationwide. The program profile separates that future expansion from the existing rules for more than 60 participating Michigan institutions.
The percentage covered depends on how long a student continuously attended KPS and lived within its boundaries. The current chart lists 100% for K–12, 95% for grades 1–12, 90% for 4–12, and lower percentages for shorter enrollment; entering in grades 10, 11, or 12 produces no eligibility under the chart. It is not “100% for everyone”: confirm your enrollment and residency history with the program before choosing a college.
The scholarship pays in-state tuition and mandatory fees for up to 145 credits at an eligible institution, one school per semester. Students generally take at least 12 credits, pass at least the number of credits funded, and maintain a 2.0 GPA each semester and cumulatively. Funding ends upon reaching 145 credits, earning a bachelor’s degree, or ten years after high-school graduation, with military-service exceptions. Failed or withdrawn courses, a minor, or a second major may use the credit limit without creating additional covered credits.
To start, students may submit the eligibility-certification application through The Promise portal once senior year begins. After choosing a college and receiving a student ID, submit a Scholarship Acceptance Form for each campus where you want to use the award; only one school per semester is allowed. Check the participating-school list and your cost of attendance: Promise covers tuition and defined fees, not housing or every book and travel cost.
Before finalizing a plan, ask about payment timing, coordination with Pell and other aid, and what happens if you transfer or need a lighter course load. The program has appeals for exceptional circumstances and reinstatement options, so do not assume a suspension is permanent or that payment continues automatically. In Fall 2027, accredited four-year HBCUs will be added, but the institution must meet eligibility criteria and the expansion is not retroactive for earlier semesters.
Eligibility — The Kalamazoo Promise.
Forms — The Kalamazoo Promise.
Scholarship Coverage to HBCUs — The Kalamazoo Promise.
Informational guide based on official sources checked on October 12, 2026. Deadlines, amounts, and eligibility may change; confirm the current round in the official portal before submitting documents.
First confirm your percentage and eligible institution in the portal; the HBCU expansion starts in Fall 2027, not earlier.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
The Kalamazoo Promise
180 E Water St, Suite 2005, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
May pay up to 100% of in-state tuition and mandatory fees based on continuous KPS enrollment and residency; capped at 145 credits and ten years after graduation. Requires KPS graduation and district residency, generally full-time enrollment, and 2.0 GPA. Accredited four-year HBCUs join in Fall 2027; coverage is not retroactive.
Place-based tuition scholarship for Kalamazoo Public Schools graduates
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
The Kalamazoo Promise · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
The Kalamazoo Promise · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
The Kalamazoo Promise · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
The Kalamazoo Promise · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of The Kalamazoo Promise ↗
Primary source
The Kalamazoo Promise · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of The Kalamazoo Promise ↗
Primary source
The Kalamazoo Promise · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.