Topic guide · Kalamazoo Public Schools
The Kalamazoo Promise
The Kalamazoo Promise pays college tuition and mandatory fees for Kalamazoo Public Schools graduates who lived in the district and attended KPS for at least all four years of high school. It covers 65% to 100% at Michigan colleges and universities depending on how long a student attended KPS, and since April 2026 it covers up to 100% at Michigan community colleges for every eligible scholar.
Last checked: October 2026 against the Kalamazoo Promise's own site.
Who qualifies for the Kalamazoo Promise?
- You graduate from a Kalamazoo Public Schools high school: Central, Loy Norrix, Phoenix or KILP.
- You live in the KPS district and attended KPS continuously for at least all of grades 9-12.
- Time in a charter school doesn't count, and Schools of Choice students from other districts aren't eligible.
The Kalamazoo Promise is a private scholarship funded by anonymous donors. It isn't one of Michigan's state-certified Promise Zones.
How much does the Kalamazoo Promise pay?
| Years at KPS | At a Michigan university or college |
|---|---|
| K-12 | 100% |
| Grades 1-12 to 3-12 | 95% |
| Grades 4-12 | 90% |
| Grades 5-12 | 85% |
| Grades 6-12 | 80% |
| Grades 7-12 | 75% |
| Grades 8-12 | 70% |
| Grades 9-12 | 65% |
- Covers: tuition and mandatory fees, up to 145 credits. Not room and board, books, graduate school or application fees.
- Where: more than 60 eligible institutions, including Michigan public universities and community colleges and 17 private colleges.
- Trades: certificate and degree programs at community colleges, the Michigan Career and Technical Institute, and named apprenticeships including the Kalamazoo electrical JATC and the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights. Confirm a specific program with the Promise.
- Time limit: 10 years from graduation, or until 145 credits or a bachelor's degree. Students keep a 2.0 GPA.
- First dollar: the Promise is applied before Pell, so Pell can go toward books and living costs.
What changed in 2026?
- Community college at 100% for everyone (April 2026): every eligible scholar now gets up to 100% of in-state tuition and mandatory fees at participating community colleges, whatever their percentage.
- HBCUs (starting fall 2027): the Promise will cover accredited four-year historically Black colleges and universities nationwide, its first use outside Michigan.
Sources: Kalamazoo Promise, Eligibility · 11 things you need to know · FAQs · Community college announcement · HBCU announcement
How do you apply?
- Register an online account with the Kalamazoo Promise.
- In the fall of senior year, complete the short application and start survey with your Promise Pathway Coach.
- After you're admitted to a college, submit the Scholarship Acceptance Form in spring or summer.
Common questions
Who is eligible for the Kalamazoo Promise?
Kalamazoo Public Schools graduates who lived in the district and attended KPS continuously for at least grades 9-12. Charter school time doesn't count, and Schools of Choice students from other districts aren't eligible.
Source: Kalamazoo Promise
Does the Kalamazoo Promise pay 100% at community college?
Yes. Since April 2026, every eligible scholar gets up to 100% of in-state tuition and mandatory fees at participating community colleges, regardless of how many years they attended KPS.
Source: Kalamazoo Promise