College of Arts & Science
Scholarships & Awards
100% of full-time Baker students on the Baldwin City campus receive financial aid in the form of scholarships, grants, and loans that total thousands of dollars per student.
Helping You BU
We strive to provide financial assistance to as many students as possible. Early action is important. Applications will be accepted until funds are exhausted.
Office of Financial Aid
P.O. Box 65
Baldwin City, KS 66006-0065
Hours
Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
To be awarded an academic scholarship, freshmen and new transfer students must be admitted to the College of Arts and Sciences or a School of Education undergraduate program.
If you have not applied for admission, you may apply online.
After you are admitted to Baker, we’ll use the information on file to determine your academic scholarship eligibility. For need-based aid, you should submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). When your FAFSA results arrive, we’ll prepare your individual financial aid letter, which details all known sources of financial aid. Learn more about need-based programs.
Freshman Competition Awards
Competition for Harter, Presidential, and Dean awards is held annually. The Lake and Howard scholarships are awarded in alternating years.
Edward Lin Harter & Sylvia Lloyd Harter Scholarship
Full tuition for four years, provided you maintain a minimum GPA. Eligible students will be notified in their acceptance packet.
Ada Hopkins Lake Endowed Scholarship
Full tuition, fees, on-campus housing, meals, and books for four years, provided you maintain a minimum GPA. Students eligible for this need-based award will be notified in their acceptance packet.
Presidential & Dean Scholarships
These scholarships are awarded based on participation in the Academic Scholarship Competition and are in addition to other scholarships awarded by Baker University. Eligible students will be notified in their acceptance packet.
Joanne M. Howard, PhD, Endowed Scholarship
Awarded to a female student pursuing a career in medicine (MD, DO, PA), pharmacy, professor of sciences, medical research, or pharmaceutical research. It is renewed annually if the student maintains a 3.5 cumulative GPA and continues to meet the other criteria. Eligible students will be notified in their acceptance packet.
Academic Scholarship Competition
Submission Deadline: December 1, 2025
Finalist Interview Day: January 31, 2026
2025-26 First-Year Merit Awards
| Scholarship/Award | Amount | Renewal Cum. GPA |
| Highest Honors | $18,000 | 3.15 |
| Honors | $17,000 | 3.00 |
| Baker Scholar | $16,000 | 2.75 |
| Academic Merit | $15,000 | 2.50 |
| Wildcat | $14,000 | 2.25 |
Former Concurrent Credit Student | $64,000 over four years
Students enrolled in the Baker University concurrent credit program who earn a C or better are eligible for a $64,000 scholarship over a four-year, degree-seeking enrollment period. Not paired with an athletic or academic scholarship.
Transfer Awards 2025-26
Eligibility for these scholarships is based on a cumulative transfer GPA determined by the Baker University registrar at the time of enrollment.
BSN Students: If you will attend classes at the School of Nursing in Topeka, find your scholarship and financial aid information here.
| Scholarship/Award | Amount | Req. GPA | Renewal Cum. GPA |
| Honors | $17,000 | 3.8-4.0 | 3.00 |
| Baker Scholar | $16,000 | 3.3-3.79 | 2.75 |
| Academic Merit | $15,000 | 2.6-3.29 | 2.50 |
| Wildcat | $14,000 | 2.2-2.59 | 2.25 |
| Phi Theta Kappa *Must be a member | Additional $1,000 | 3.25 | — |
First-Year &Transfer Merit Awards | 2026-27
| Scholarship | Amount per Year | Required GPA | Renewal Cumulative GPA |
| Honors | $20,000 | 3.7+ | 3.0 |
| Baker Scholar | $18,000 | 3.5+ | 2.75 |
| Academic Merit | $17,000 | 3.0+ | 2.5 |
| Wildcat Merit | $16,000 | 2.0+ | 2.0 |
Former Concurrent Credit Student | $64,000 over four years
Students enrolled in the Baker University concurrent credit program who earn a C or better are eligible for a $64,000 scholarship over a four-year, degree-seeking enrollment period. Not paired with an athletic or academic scholarship.
Transfer students: Eligibility for these scholarships is based on a cumulative transfer GPA determined by the Baker University registrar at the time of enrollment.
BSN students: If you will attend classes at the School of Nursing in Topeka, find your scholarship and financial aid information here.
Honors Scholarship | $20,000 per year
The Honors Scholarship is awarded to students who stand out in the classroom and beyond. Recipients typically have a recalculated high school GPA of 3.7 or higher and have taken challenging courses like AP, IB, honors, or dual credit.
Many are also involved in activities outside the classroom—whether in the arts, athletics, leadership, service, or other cocurricular commitments that show dedication and drive. Submitting test scores is optional, but students who choose to share scores often present a 28 ACT or 1300 SAT or higher.
We’re looking for students who love to learn, take initiative, and stay engaged—both in and out of class.
Keeping your scholarship: To renew your scholarship each year, just remain enrolled full-time and maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA at Baker.
Baker Scholar Scholarship | $18,000 per year
The Baker Scholar Scholarship recognizes students with strong academic achievement and meaningful involvement outside the classroom. Most recipients have a recalculated high school GPA of 3.5 or higher and have taken a solid mix of challenging courses—such as honors, AP, IB, or dual-credit classes.
In addition to academic success, Baker Scholars are active in their schools or communities through cocurricular activities like clubs, music, athletics, leadership, or service. Test scores are optional, but those who submit them typically have a 25–27 ACT or 1200–1300 SAT.
We’re excited to reward students who bring both curiosity and commitment to their college experience.
Keeping your scholarship: To renew your award, just stay enrolled full time at Baker and maintain a cumulative 2.75 GPA.
Academic Merit Scholarship | $17,000 per year
The Academic Merit Scholarship honors students who’ve worked hard in the classroom and have made an impact through their involvement in school or their community. Most recipients have a recalculated high school GPA of 3.0 or higher and have taken a solid mix of courses, including honors, AP, IB, or dual-credit options.
Academic Merit Scholars are often the students who step up—whether it’s through leadership, service, athletics, clubs, or creative pursuits. Test scores are optional, but those who submit them typically have a 23–24 ACT or an 1130–1190 SAT.
We’re looking for students who show potential, dedication, and a drive to grow.
Keeping your scholarship: Stay enrolled full time and maintain a cumulative 2.5 GPA at Baker, and this award stays with you for up to four years.
Wildcat Merit Scholarship | $16,000 per year
The Wildcat Merit Scholarship supports students who are ready to grow and make the most of the opportunities college offers. Most recipients have a high school GPA of 2.0 or higher and show the potential to thrive in a supportive, engaging college environment.
We know that every student’s journey looks different, and we’re proud to invest in those who are ready to work hard, get involved, and take the next step toward their future.
Keeping your scholarship: Remain enrolled full time and maintain good academic standing at Baker, and your Wildcat Merit Scholarship will stay with you for up to four years.
Talent-Based Awards
Students who exhibit special talent in the following areas may be eligible for a scholarship. Award amounts vary according to funding, the number of applicants, and the student’s contribution to the activity. Recipients must be accepted for admission to Baker University. Applications for a talent-based scholarship received by December 1 receive priority consideration.
Check each scholarship page for a link to the scholarship application and instructions for submitting additional materials.
Studio Art
Baker University offers scholarships to students who plan to be involved in the visual arts. In addition to the scholarship application, students must submit a portfolio of their work.
Journalism, Digital Media, Broadcasting
Baker University offers talent-based scholarships to students who plan to be involved in the Baker Orange online campus newspaper, Baker Orange video, or Baker Orange radio, our online campus radio station. Samples of work in mass media or high school classes are required in addition to the scholarship application.
Creative Writing
Baker University offers talent-based scholarships to students who plan to be involved in the Department of English and contribute to Watershed, our creative writing journal. Writing samples are required in addition to the scholarship application.
Vocal & Instrumental Music
Baker offers scholarships to music majors and nonmusic majors for their participation in Baker University music ensembles and activities. Students have the option of submitting a URL for a prerecorded audition (we recommend that the URL link to an unlisted YouTube recording or playlist or a file-sharing folder like DropBox or Google Drive), requesting a virtual audition time (for a real-time audition over Zoom), or auditioning for us in person on one of our designated audition dates.
Theatre
Baker offers scholarships to theatre minors and others who want to participate in Baker University theatre productions and activities. Students are encouraged to audition as early as their junior year to secure a financial award. Students have the option to supply a URL for a video audition or request an in-person audition.
Athletic Awards
Scholarships for our student-athletes are packaged differently than for students who do not participate in varsity athletics. Athletic awarding is done on a case-by-case basis. All prospective athletes must complete a FAFSA. Coaches will visit with prospective players about the aid they are eligible to receive.
The Athletic Department offers scholarship awards that recognize academic and athletic talent. In addition to these offers, the Bishop Quayle Award and an award from the Harter Scholarship Competition can be added. Federal, state, and outside aid can provide additional assistance.
Additional Baker Scholarships & Grants
Some of the following awards may be added to an academic scholarship; however, the total amount of Baker-funded scholarships and grants cannot exceed the cost of tuition for the upcoming year. Not all scholarships are paired with athletic scholarship funds. Please see each award for details.
Recipients must maintain at least a 2.0 cumulative Baker GPA (unless otherwise noted) plus earn a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester to renew any of the following awards.
Joanne M. Howard, PhD, Scholarship | $3,000
This scholarship is awarded to a woman pursuing a career in medicine or medical research and continues until graduation as long as the recipient continues to meet the criteria:
- Meets FASFA financial-need requirement
- Has a 3.5 cumulative GPA at the time of application and maintains it until graduation
- Is of good character
- Is considering a career in medicine (MD, DO, PA), pharmacy, professor of sciences, medical research, or pharmaceutical research
Noyce Scholarship & ASTRA Program | $11,000
The Noyce Scholarship and ASTRA Program trains excellent STEM teachers. Through a grant from the National Science Foundation, Noyce Scholars will be awarded a scholarship of $11,000 during their junior and senior years as they tackle a demanding course load that culminates in a double major in education and either biology, chemistry, or mathematics. Learn More
Baker Grant | Need based
This need-based award is available to incoming freshmen and transfer students. Need is defined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). It is not paired with an athletic scholarship.
Gold Award Girl Scout | $1,000
The Gold Award is the highest award a Girl Scout can earn. Gold Award Girl Scouts should notify their admissions counselor of their award or indicate it on their application for admissions under extracurricular activities, achievements, and awards. The award is included in a student’s Grant in Aid offer and is renewable for up to nine semesters. It is not paired with an athletic scholarship.
Endowed Scholarships | $750-$3,000
Endowed scholarships are given to incoming freshmen who show promise in a particular academic area. Our graduates understand the value of their Baker education, so many of them or their families fund scholarships in an academic area important to them to help make the dream of a Baker education a reality for deserving students.
Campus Visit Grant | $1,000
The Campus Visit Grant is for enrolling students who visit or schedule a campus visit beginning March 1 of their junior year of high school through December 1 of their senior year. Transfer students must visit by August 1 for fall enrollment or January 1 for spring enrollment.
FAFSA Filer Grant | $1,000
The FAFSA Filer Grant is for students who submit the FAFSA, officially signed by the applicant and one parent, to be received by the Federal Processing Agency. Renewable with FAFSA completion by the deadline each year. Students may receive this award regardless of financial need.
Bishop Quayle Award | $300 per semester, maximum award of $600 per year
Baker will match your church’s contribution from an established scholarship fund. You should be an active participant in a church, which does not have to be United Methodist. Print the application and take it to your church for completion.
Alumni Legacy | $1,000 per year
Children and grandchildren of Baker graduates are eligible. Included within athletic scholarship award.
Alumni Referral | $1,000 over four years
Referrals from alumni must be received before the student is admitted for admission. Included within athletic scholarship award.
Housing Award
The Housing Award is available each semester to a student who lives in college housing. This grant is not available during a study away semester or for remission or exchange recipients or hall staff members living in the residence halls.
Tuition Remission or Exchange
Dependents of full-time employees of Baker or eligible tuition exchange schools are required to complete the FAFSA annually by March 15. Tuition assistance will be a combination of state and federal grants and institutional dollars.
Outside Scholarships Available From Other Donors
United Methodist Scholarship
United Methodist students qualify for a variety of additional financial aid support. The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry, an agency of the United Methodist Church, offers many loan and scholarship opportunities. Scholarships are also available from the United Methodist Higher Education Foundation.
Outside Scholarship Newsletter
Our financial aid team has compiled a robust list of scholarship opportunities. We know that every little bit helps, so please take a look and see if you qualify.
Outside Scholarship Newsletter
Learn more about scholarship and college savings options for low- to moderate-income students living in the greater Kansas City area.
The Office of Financial Aid is the only office at Baker University authorized to offer financial aid to students.
Only awards originating from this office will constitute a commitment on behalf of Baker University. Recommendations for awards can be made by faculty or staff on campus, and these are taken into consideration before the aid offer is sent. Financial aid is disbursed through the Business Office at the beginning of each semester. Employment checks for campus work are disbursed monthly.