Scholarships for Traditional Students
KC Scholars
KC Scholars is a scholarship and college savings program for low- to modest-income students living in the greater Kansas City area. It was developed with input and guidance from more than 70 community members.
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Traditional Scholarships for 11th Graders
The program is designed for low- or modest-income high school juniors who live in one of the following six counties: Cass, Clay, Jackson, Platte (Missouri), or Johnson and Wyandotte (Kansas). See the full list of requirements.
This traditional college scholarship awards up to $50,000 over the course of up to six years. It is available to 11th graders and will be awarded directly to the college or university of enrollment.
Baker U KC Scholar Award: Full Tuition & Housing
In addition to your KC Scholars Scholarship, Baker is excited to offer you the Baker U KC Scholar Award. This additional financial award will be given to 10 KC Scholars who qualify by submitting the FAFSA to determine their eligibility for federal aid.
Combining these two scholarships will cover any tuition and housing costs remaining after all other gift aid (federal and state grants, waivers, Baker institutional scholarships) has been applied to your account.
*Housing cost is based on a double occupancy residence hall room. A meal plan may be covered by federal assistance based on FAFSA results.
Students are required to maintain a cumulative 2.5 grade point average and complete certain graduation requirements in their senior year of high school in order to receive the scholarship in the first year of college. Students must enroll in college full time beginning the fall semester immediately following high school graduation.
To remain eligible once enrolled in college, students must meet minimum annual requirements and complete a short renewal application each year.
More Than a Scholarship
KC Scholars are fully supported through monthly meetings with a dedicated Baker staff member who checks in to see how things are going—classes, living on campus, being away from home, managing free time—and recommends campus resources. And a Scholar Advocate from KC Scholars comes to campus regularly to offer additional assistance.
College Savings Match for 9th Graders
This college savings match program is available to 9th graders and is a one-time award. Up to 250 students selected through the application process will receive $50 in a 529 College Savings Plan. All 250 9th graders selected will be eligible for a 1:1 match of up to $1,000 and an additional $400 of incentives. This is a one time award.
Students must enroll in college full-time beginning the fall immediately following high school graduation. The college savings match and incentives funds will be sent directly to the college or university.
Application Process
The application opens on Jan. 9, 2025. The deadline to apply is Feb. 28, 2025. Scholarships will be awarded May 1, 2025.
Why Choose Baker?
Baker University is proud to be part of the KC Scholars’ network of colleges and universities. Our academic reputation is built on our liberal arts tradition and professors who challenge students while giving them the tools to rise to new heights. We offer more than 40 areas of study and encourage students to explore unique educational experiences through internships, study abroad, and research opportunities. With more than 40 student activities and organizations from which to choose, students have no trouble finding their niche. At Baker, every person matters, and everyone is connected. Students either learn together, play together, or live together, and in many cases, it’s all three.