Scholarships and Grants

Scholarships and grants are considered “gift aid” meaning they are financial aid awards that do not need to be repaid. These types of financial aid can come from the federal government, your state government, Kalamazoo College itself, or a private or nonprofit organization. To be considered for scholarships and grants, complete the Kalamazoo College application for admission and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Return any requested forms to the proper entities.

Merit Scholarships

The Kalamazoo Merit Scholarships may be awarded through the College to incoming first-year or transfer students by the Office of Admission. This scholarship program is not need-based, so no financial aid application is required for renewal.

The Fine Arts Scholarships have a separate essay/formal application process defined by the Office of Admission. These awards are not need-based, so no financial aid application is required for renewal.

Need-Based Scholarships and Grants

Need-based scholarships and grants are awarded to students based on the results of the yearly FAFSA. Students are automatically considered for all forms of scholarships and grants when they file a FAFSA, no additional forms or applications are needed. Below you will find information on different need-based scholarships and grants that can be awarded to you by the college.

Kalamazoo Grant

The Kalamazoo Grant is awarded based on financial need from college funds. This grant is renewable each year when a FAFSA is filed as long as the student continues to demonstrate financial need. This grant automatically renews for international students. The Kalamazoo Grant is occasionally replaced by an endowed scholarship in a student’s financial aid offer. In these instances, the total amount of aid will not change only what program is funding the award.

Federal Grants

Federal awards such as Pell Grants and the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) are awarded from federal funds granted to Kalamazoo College. Both are need-based awards with SEOG priority given to Pell Grant recipients. Eligibility for federal grants is re-evaluated each year based on the FAFSA.

Endowed Scholarships

Endowed scholarships are provided through the generosity of individuals who have donated money to the College. These scholarships are renewable each year when a FAFSA is filed as long as the student continues to demonstrate financial need and meets the scholarship’s eligibility requirements. Recipients of such awards will receive information about the donor and will be expected to write a letter of thanks to the donor. Endowed scholarships occasionally replace the Kalamazoo Grant in a student’s financial aid offer. In these instances, the total amount of aid will not change only what program is funding the award.

State Awards

Students who are permanent residents of the state of Michigan may be eligible for several different awards. These include:

  • Michigan Competitive Scholarship: Eligibility is based on financial need and merit. Students can be awarded up to $3,000 per year through this program. Only students who graduated from high school prior to 2023 are eligible. Students eligible for the Michigan Competitive Scholarship are not eligible to receive the Michigan Tuition Grant.
  • Michigan Tuition Grant: Eligibility is based only on financial need. Students can be awarded up to $3,000 per year through this program. Only students who first received this award prior to the 2024-25 academic year are eligible to receive it. Students eligible for the Michigan Tuition Grant are not eligible to receive the Michigan Competitive Scholarship.
  • Michigan Achievement Scholarship: Students who graduated high school in 2023 or later with an Student Aid Index (SAI) from the FAFSA of 30,000 or less are eligible. Students can be awarded up to $5,500 per year through this program.
  • Tuition Incentive Program (TIP): To be eligible, a student must have received Medicaid coverage for 24 months within a 36-month period between age nine and high school completion. Kalamazoo College is a Phase II school meaning that eligible students will begin receiving TIP their junior year. Students eligible for TIP can receive up to $2,000 ($1,000/year) during their academic career.

Eligibility for state awards is re-evaluated yearly based on the FAFSA, which must be filed by July 1. Full details on each program can be found on the State of Michigan website.

Private Scholarships

Scholarships are available from a variety of different private organizations. Community foundations and businesses in your local community are a great resource for scholarships. Current high school students should also consult with their guidance counselor for scholarship opportunities. The following are websites that provide free scholarship searches: