2026-2027 Financial Aid Packaging Policy (FINAID 100-030)

1.0 Purpose

The purpose of this document is to outline the policies and procedures for the administration of financial aid at Baker College. This policy encompasses federal, state, and institutional funding. This ensures that all financial aid processes are conducted in a fair, consistent, and compliant manner, aligning with Baker College's mission to provide an inclusive, innovative, and transformative educational experience.

2.0 Definitions

Common Origination & Disbursement (COD) - A system that processes, stores, and reconciles financial aid data for programs like the Pell Grant and Direct Loans.

Continuous Enrollment - For the purposes of enrollment scholarships, students are considered continuously enrolled as long as they attend without missing three consecutive semesters, with summer being considered a semester.

Cost of Attendance (COA) - An estimate of the total cost of attending college for one academic year. It includes tuition, fees, books, supplies, housing, food, transportation, and other living expenses. Colleges are required to provide a COA to students. The COA is used to determine a student's eligibility for financial aid, including grants, scholarships, student loans, and work-study opportunities.

Direct Cost - Institutional Charges which include tuition, fees, course fees, housing charges, and actual book charges. If no books are charged by the student, books are estimated based on the average book amount used for the Cost of Attendance calculation.

Grant - a source of money that helps students pay for college and generally doesn't need to be repaid. Grants are usually awarded based on financial need, but other factors may also be considered, such as family income, cost of school, and disability status.

ISIR - An Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR) is an electronic document that contains information about a student's Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The ISIR is sent to the schools that the student designated on the FAFSA. The ISIR is used to determine a student's eligibility for federal financial aid and to package, award, and originate that aid.

Loan - Financial aid funds that a student borrows to pay for college which must be repaid with interest. Loans may come from the federal government or private lenders such as banks and credit unions. 

Michigan Student Support Services (MISSG) -  A web-based system that allows students and financial aid professionals to access and manage information related to student aid.

Need/Unmet Need - The financial need is the difference between the cost of attendance (COA) and the Student Aid Index (SAI). Unmet Need is the difference between the total cost of college and the funds available to a student. It is calculated by subtracting the financial aid offer from the financial need. Negative SAI figures are treated as zero when calculating need and unmet need.

Overaward - A financial aid overaward occurs when a student receives more financial aid than they need or are eligible for: The student is awarded aid they are not eligible for, the student's award exceeds regulatory maximums, the student receives a Pell Grant at multiple schools for the same period.

Pell Lifetime Eligibility Usage (LEU) - The total amount of Federal Pell Grant funds a student can receive over their lifetime. The maximum amount of Pell Grant funds a student can receive is the equivalent of six years of Pell Grant funding, or 600% LEU.

Reentry Students - Students who return to the institution after leaving for more than three consecutive semesters.

Scholarship - A type of financial aid that is a gift of money that doesn't need to be repaid. Scholarships are awarded based on academic merit, athletic ability, or other achievements.

Student Aid Index (SAI) - The Student Aid Index (SAI) is a number that colleges use to determine how much federal student aid a student is eligible for. The SAI is a formula-based index number that ranges from -1500 to 999999. It's calculated using information from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.

3.0 Scope

The policy governs the administration of federal, state, institutional, and external financial aid programs. It applies to all Baker College students including undergraduate, graduate, and St. Francis Law students and staff involved in financial aid operations across campuses and online programs. The scope includes:

• Eligibility Criteria: Guidelines and requirements for students to qualify for various financial aid programs.
• Application Processes: Procedures for applying for financial aid, including deadlines and required documentation.
• Award Determination: Methods for calculating and distributing financial aid awards based on need and merit.
• Renewal Requirements: Criteria for maintaining eligibility for ongoing financial aid.
• Compliance: Adherence to federal, state, and institutional regulations and policies.

4.0 Policy Statement

Baker College is committed to providing financial support to students through a variety of financial aid programs. The Financial Aid Office is responsible for the administration of these programs in compliance with federal and state regulations, as well as institutional policies. The goal is to assist students in accessing the financial resources necessary to achieve their educational goals.

Federal Aid Programs

Baker College will award federal financial aid in compliance with federal regulations:

• Pell Grants will be awarded based on the student’s eligibility resulting from the FAFSA application process.
• Supplemental Education Opportunity Grants will be awarded to students who qualify for the Pell Grant with priority awarding to students who are identified as high need and do not qualify for specified state grants.
• Loans eligibility is calculated according to federal regulations and require active confirmation from the student prior to certification or origination.
• Federal Work-Study (FWS) is awarded after students are hired into a work-study position.
• Work-Study and SEOG awards will encompass both the federal and institutional portions. The maximum amount of FWS will be transferred to SEOG and the administrative fees will be taken from FWS.

State Aid Programs

Baker College will award state financial aid in compliance with state regulations published in the State Programs Procedures Manual. 

Institutional Aid Programs

Baker College has a robust scholarship program available to incoming students. Scholarship eligibility is typically determined by the Admissions Department (unless other rules are specified by the scholarship program). The Financial Aid Department awards and monitors eligibility for scholarships. 

External Aid Programs

Baker College will work with other agencies who provide student funding. This includes funding sources such as: private scholarships, third-party payments, VA benefits, military tuition assistance, promise zone funds, etc. 

Baker College does not encourage private loan borrowing, but students may request private loans. The financial aid department will certify eligibility for private loans, award the loan, and ensure the loan does not create an over-award. 

Eligibility for Financial Aid During Summer Crossover Period

Students enrolled for a summer enrollment period that overlaps two academic years (2026-2027 and 2027-2028) may receive financial aid from either award year. This is contingent on the student having a valid ISIR for both years.The awarding of financial aid during the summer semester will be based on student eligibility, registration status, and available funding for both the 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 academic years. Financial aid will be awarded from the 2026-2027 award year if funds are available; otherwise, aid from the 2027-2028 award year will be considered.  

Students may be awarded program funds from different award years (for example, 2026-2027 Pell may be awarded with 2027-2028 loan funds).  In the event that funds are awarded from different years, one year is used for calculation of unmet need.  Special processing will take place in JFA to ensure unmet need is calculated at the correct amount.     

Summer semester can be treated as either a trailer for the 2026-2027 academic year or a header for the 2027-2028 academic year. Because St. Francis Law summer classes begin after July 1st, summer is always treated as a header on the 2027-2028 academic year.

5.0 Procedures

Students are awarded after the ISIR is reviewed and verification is completed (if required). Students are typically not awarded until they are accepted for enrollment at Baker College. Students are awarded the maximum amount of federal, state and institutional aid before loans are calculated.

Federal Pell Grant

Pell grant funds will be awarded to all eligible students. The maximum Pell grant award for the 2026-2027 award year is $7,395. Pell Lifetime Eligibility Used (LEU) will also be monitored. 

• Annual Eligibility
  • Maximum Pell Eligibility Flag - $7395
  • Minimum Pell Eligibility Flag - $740
  • Calculated Pell Eligibility - $7395 – SAI (rounded to the nearest $5)
• Semester Amount
  • Annual Amount * enrollment intensity / 2
  • Pell LEU will also be monitored

For the summer semester, students will be packaged with up to 150% of the available Pell Grant funds from the 2026-2027 academic year. If the 2026-2027 Pell funds are exhausted or unavailable, students will be packaged with Pell funds from the 2027-2028 academic year, provided that funds are available.

Federal Supplemental Equal Opportunity Grant (SEOG) 

Priority awarding will be to full need students who are not eligible for Michigan Tuition Grant, Michigan Competitive Scholarship, Michigan Achievement, Tuition Incentive Program, or Baker Tuition Grant; however, other Pell eligible students may be awarded by exception. SEOG will be awarded until the SEOG allocation has been spent.

• Funds are available fall and spring semesters only (summer awards are only made by exception).
• Typical semester award amounts are as follows:
  • Full Time: $1,000
  • Three-Quarter time: $750
  • Half Time: $500
  • Less than Half Time: $250
• Awards will never exceed $4,000 or be less than $100

Federal Work-study Programs

The management of the work-study program is coordinated by financial aid to meet the campus needs and community service requirements (including reading, math, and/or literacy tutor positions). Work-study is awarded when students are hired into a work-study position. The award amount is based on the pay rate (typically $15 per hour) and the number of hours anticipated for the position. Work-study awards are monitored throughout the semester to ensure continued eligibility. Note: effective January 2026, all Baker College work-study positions are paid a minimum of $15 per hour. Students employed at with external agencies are paid at the amount determined by that agency.

Additional information is listed in the Work-study Operations Guide.

Federal Direct Loan Programs

To comply with regulatory requirements, it is Baker College’s policy to inform students of their maximum Stafford loan eligibility. Students have the ability to accept, decline, or request a lesser amount of loan funds through the student financial aid portal. Students are directed to studentaid.gov to apply for Parent PLUS and Grad PLUS loans. Students are advised to borrow conservatively.

Scheduled Academic Year (SAY) Loans

For most students, loans are processed under the Scheduled Academic Year (SAY), which covers the fall and spring semesters, with summer as a trailer. For the summer semester, SAY loans will be offered using any remaining eligibility from the 2026-2027 academic year.

Borrower Based Academic Year (BBAY) Loans

On a case-by-case basis, loans may be processed using a Borrower-Based Academic Year (BBAY). Students must have a future year FAFSA on file to be eligible for BBAY loans in the summer. 

Children of Fallen Heroes Scholarship

Available to Pell-eligible students whose parent or guardian died in the line of duty while performing as a public safety officer. To be eligible, the student must be under the age of 24 or enrolled at an institution of higher education at the time of his or her parent’s or guardian’s death. Students who are determined to be eligible for the Children of Fallen Heroes Scholarship will become eligible for the maximum Pell Grant for his or her enrollment status.

Michigan Competitive Scholarship

Awarded to eligible students based on state aid eligibility which includes financial need, FAFSA application, Michigan residency, SAT scores, and high school graduation year. The scholarship is no longer available to students who have graduated high school in 2023 or greater. The MiSSG system is reviewed (when available) at the time of award to determine eligibility. If MISSG does not indicate the student is eligible at the time of award, the  financial aid office will review the eligible student report (available in MISSG) to award additional funding.

• Full Time: $1,500
• Three-Quarter Time: $1,125
• Half Time: $750

Michigan Tuition Grant

Awarded to eligible students based on state aid eligibility which includes financial need, FAFSA application, Michigan residency, and high school graduation year. The Michigan Tuition Grant is no longer available to students who did not initiate (received a paid award) in Academic Year 2023-24 or prior. The MiSSG system is reviewed (when available) at the time of award to determine eligibility. If MISSG does not indicate the student is eligible at the time of award, the financial aid office will review the eligible student report (available in MISSG) to award additional funding.

• Full Time: $1,500
• Three-Quarter Time: $1,125
• Half Time: $750

Michigan Achievement Scholarship

Awarded to eligible students based on state aid eligibility which includes financial need, FAFSA application, Michigan residency, and who have graduated from high school in 2023 or after. To qualify, students must enroll at an eligible institution within 15-months of high school graduation or earning a high school equivalency certificate. Funds are not awarded to students who do not attend full time. The MiSSG system is reviewed (when available) at the time of award to determine eligibility. If MISSG does not indicate the student is eligible at the time of award, the  financial aid office will review the eligible student report (available in MISSG) to award additional funding.

• Maximum semester award amount for the minimum award portion: $1,250 ($2,500 annual maximum).
• Maximum Semester award amount for the last dollar award portion: $1,500 ($3,000 annual maximum).

Tuition Incentive Program (TIP)

Awarded to eligible students based on state aid eligibility which includes prior Medicaid recipient, financial need, FAFSA application, Michigan residency, and enrollment in an eligible student’s qualifying certificate or associate degree program and also during the student’s bachelor’s degree program. These two periods of assistance are referred to as ‘Phase I’ and ‘Phase II.’ Baker College awards TIP funds based on the state’s eligibility report. Phase I funds are only awarded to students enrolled in an eligible certificate or associate degree program. Students enrolled in bachelor's degree programs become eligible for TIP II funds after earning 56 credit hours (including credits earned at Baker or transferable credits) or upon completion of a certificate or associate degree. The MISSG system is reviewed (when available) at the time of award to determine eligibility. If MISSG does not indicate the student is eligible at the time of award, the  financial aid office will review the eligible student report (available in MISSG) to award additional funding.

• Phase I is awarded at a maximum of $135 per credit hour and mandatory fees (technology and course fees are mandatory fees). The maximum is $450 per semester.

• Phase II is awarded at a maximum of $500 per semester.

Enrollment Scholarships

Recipients are selected based on institutional criteria through the enrollment process. The enrollment/admissions department determines eligibility and notifies Financial Aid to award. To qualify, students must register for a minimum of 6 credit hours per semester. Students are not required to attend in the summer, but if they do funds are available. If a student attends in the summer, they must attend six or more credits to receive the scholarship. 

Students attending the Nursing (RN to BSN), Nursing (RN to MSN), or Master of Science Information Systems programs are not eligible for Baker College Scholarships due to specialty program pricing. Visit the Tuition page for details.

Enrollment Scholarships, Eligibility Criteria and Award Amounts:

• Presidential Scholarship & Dual Enrollment Presidential Scholarship
  • Eligibility Criteria: HS grad within past 5 years, GPA 3.5+
  • Full Time: $3000 per semester
  • Three-Quarter Time: $2250 per semester
  • Half Time: $1500 per semester
• Academic Distinction Scholarship & Dual Enrollment Academic Distinction Scholarship
  • Eligibility Criteria: HS grad within past 5 years, GPA 3.0-3.49
  • Full Time: $1500 per semester
  • Three-Quarter Time: $1125 per semester
  • Half Time: $750 per semester
• Scholars of Tomorrow and Dual Enrollment Scholars of Tomorrow Scholarships
  • Eligibility Criteria: HS grad within past 5 years, GPA 2.5-2.99
  • Full Time: $750 per semester
  • Three-Quarter Time: $563 per semester
  • Half Time: $375 per semester
• Bright Futures Scholarship
  • Eligibility Criteria:
    • Students without college enrollment:  enroll 5 or more years after high school graduation with at least a 2.5 grade point average or a completed GED.
    • Students with college enrollment: Earned fewer than 12 college credits earned after high school graduation or enroll 5 or more years after college enrollment with at least a 2.5 grade point average. 
  • Full Time: $1250 per semester
  • Three-Quarter Time: $940 per semester
  • Half Time: $625 per semester
• Transfer Platinum Scholarship
  • Eligibility Criteria: 12+ college credits after HS graduation, GPA 3.5+, and attended a previous college or university within the past 5 years.
  • Full Time: $3000 per semester
  • Three-Quarter Time: $2250 per semester
  • Half Time: $1500 per semester
• Transfer Gold Scholarship
  • Eligibility Criteria: 12+ college credits after HS graduation, GPA 3.0-3.49, and attended a previous college or university within the past 5 years.
  • Full Time: $2000 per semester
  • Three-Quarter Time: $1500 per semester
  • Half Time: $1000 per semester
• Transfer Scholarship
  • Eligibility Criteria: 12+ college credits after HS graduation, GPA 2.5-2.99, and attended a previous college or university within the past 5 years.
  • Full Time: $1000 per semester
  • Three-Quarter Time: $750 per semester
  • Half Time: $500 per semester
• Undergraduate Alumni Platinum Scholarship
  • Eligibility Criteria: Previously earned an Associate or Bachelor degree from Baker College with 3.5+ GPA and re-enroll in an associate or bachelor degree.
  • Full Time: $3000 per semester
  • Three-Quarter Time: $2250 per semester
  • Half Time: $1500 per semester
• Undergraduate Alumni Gold Scholarship
  • Eligibility Criteria: Previously earned an Associate or Bachelor degree from Baker College with 3.0-3.49 GPA and re-enroll in an associate or bachelor degree.
  • Full Time: $2000 per semester
  • Three-Quarter Time: $1500 per semester
  • Half Time: $1000 per semester
• Undergraduate Alumni Scholarship
  • Eligibility Criteria: Previously earned an Associate or Bachelor degree from Baker College with GPA 2.5-2.99 and re-enroll in an associate or bachelor degree.
  • Full Time: $1000 per semester
  • Three-Quarter Time: $750 per semester
  • Half Time: $500 per semester
• Doctorate Alumni Scholarship
  • Eligibility Criteria: Previously earned a bachelor’s degree from Baker College with a minimum GPA of 2.5 or a master’s degree from Baker College with a minimum GPA of 3.0, and be enrolled in a doctoral degree program.
  • Full Time: $2000 per semester
  • Three-Quarter Time: $1500 per semester
  • Half Time: $1000 per semester
• Graduate Alumni Scholarship
  • Eligibility Criteria: Previously earned bachelor’s degree from Baker with a minimum GPA of 2.5, and be enrolled in a Master’s Degree program.
  • Full Time: $2000 per semester
  • Three-Quarter Time: $1500 per semester
  • Half Time: $1000 per semester
• Back 2 Baker Platinum Scholarship
  • Eligibility Criteria: Reentry to an undergraduate program with 3.5+ prior Baker GPA
  • Full Time: $3000 per semester
  • Three-Quarter Time: $2250 per semester
  • Half Time: $1500 per semester
• Back 2 Baker Gold Scholarship
  • Eligibility Criteria: Reentry to an undergraduate program with 3.0-3.49 prior Baker GPA
  • Full Time: $2000 per semester
  • Three-Quarter Time: $1500 per semester
  • Half Time: $1000 per semester
• Back 2 Baker Scholarship
  • Eligibility Criteria: Reentry to an undergraduate program with 2.5-2.99 prior Baker GPA
  • Full Time: $1000 per semester
  • Three-Quarter Time: $750 per semester
  • Half Time: $500 per semester

• The scholarship will pay for classes outside of the student’s current program.
• If the student is eligible for financial aid, the financial aid is applied first, then the scholarship.
• The scholarship will not be awarded for the full amount if estimated/projected direct costs are covered by financial aid.
  • A $100/semester minimum award will be awarded.
• The scholarship is refundable if the actual direct costs are less than the estimated/projected amount.
• If the scholarship combined with other financial aid and resources exceeds direct costs, the scholarship will be reduced prior to disbursement.
• The scholarship can only be combined with: Employee, Family, Baker College Matching, Frederick and Dorothy Baker, George W. Hoddy Scholarship, Leadership, BeMore, BeMore Housing, Local Area, Porter, Resident Assistant Discount & Resident Assistant Books, Baker College Bronze/Silver/Gold, Student Life Leadership.
• The award will only be reduced for 100% withdrawals and/or drops (scholarships will not be reduced for withdrawals after the 100% refund period).

• Maintain continuous enrollment (summer is optional).
• Students must maintain a minimum of a 2.0 cumulative GPA at the end of each spring semester.
• Complete the FAFSA application
• Renewable for up to four additional years: Pesidential Scholars; Academic Distinction; Scholars of Tomorrow; all Dual Enrollment scholarships; Bright Futures; First Generation; and Dependent Active Military.
• Renewable for up to three additional years: all Transfer scholarships; Doctorate Alumni; Graduate Alumni; and all Back 2 Baker scholarships.
• Renewable for up to two additional years: all Undergraduate Alumni scholarships.

Housing Scholarships

Recipients are selected based on institutional criteria through the enrollment or reentry enrollment process. The enrollment/admissions department determines eligibility and notifies Financial Aid to award. To qualify, students must reside in Baker College housing at the Owosso, Cadillac or Port Huron campuses. Students must also be enrolled in a credentialed certificate, associate or bachelor’s degree program and complete the FAFSA application annually. Students must remain in good standing of Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) rules. The scholarship amount is based on institutional charges and will not be refunded to the student. This scholarship is not available during the summer semester.

• First Year: $1350 per semester (maximum of $2700) 
• Second Year: $1350 per semester (maximum of $2700)
• Third Year: $675 per semester (maximum of $1350)

Students who enroll beginning in the spring semester will receive the first year amount for the spring semester, followed by the second year award amount for the subsequent fall and spring semesters. The Housing Scholarship award may be reduced or canceled if housing charges are covered by other funds.

Esports Scholarship

Selection of this scholarship and renewal is determined annually based on maintained athletic and academic eligibility and continued participation on The Swarm Varsity Team. To qualify the student must enroll in a credentialed certificate, associate, bachelor or master’s degree program, complete the FAFSA annually and must enroll at least 12 credit hours. The scholarship amount is determined based on institutional charges not covered by other sources of financial aid, VA or other resources. The allowance for books and supplies will be determined each year based on the average book costs. Students receiving the Esports Varsity Scholarship are not eligible for other Baker College funded scholarships.

• The scholarship will cover tuition, student and program fees, housing and provide an allowance for books and supplies each semester (including summer).

First Generation Scholarship

• Full Time: $250 per semester
• Three-Quarter Time: $190 per semester
• Half Time: $125 per semester

• Maintain continuous enrollment (summer is optional).
• Students must  remain in good standing of Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) rules.
• The scholarship is available for up to 5 years.
• Complete the FAFSA application.

Michigan Board of Nursing Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded according to the program requirements established by the Board of Nursing. The amount and number of scholarships available will be determined based on the level of funding received from the state of Michigan. The student must be accepted into the Bachelor of Science Nursing Degree Program. The student intends to practice as a nurse in the State of Michigan. The student is not in receipt of a full scholarship from another source.

The student must be a permanent resident in the state of Michigan. If the student is licensed as a nurse, they must hold an unencumbered Michigan license to practice nursing. Students must remain in good standing of Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) rules. An application process is developed based on the criteria established.

Taylor/Graystone Business/Cyberdefense Scholarships

Two $1,000 scholarships are available, which are provided to one business student and one Cyberdefense student. The scholarship is typically paid during the fall semester, but exceptions are allowed. To qualify the student must be attending an undergraduate campus and have earned 60 credit hours with a 3.0 cumulative grade point average. The student must register for a minimum of 6 credit hours per semester. Students must remain in good standing of Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) rules.The scholarship amount is based on institutional charges and will not be refunded to the student. An application process is developed based on the criteria established.

Auto Diesel Institute, Frederick and Dorothy Baker Scholarship

The Frederick and Dorothy Baker Scholarship program is available to students enrolling into the Auto Diesel Institute (ADI) programs. Students are awarded up to $1500 per semester for a total of $3000. The number of scholarships is determined by the Controller annually based on the level of funding in the account. The scholarship is not renewable. The scholarship donation sets specific criteria which are managed through the awarding rules.

Eligibility determined upon initial undergraduate enrollment. To qualify, the student must be pursuing a certificate or associate degree offered through the ADI, have a 2.0 high school or college cumulative grade point average, complete the FAFSA application process and register for a minimum of 1 credit hours per semester. Students must remain in good standing of Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) rules. Scholarship must be used in consecutive semesters. The scholarship amount is based on institutional charges and will not be refunded to the student.

Culinary Institute of Michigan, Porter Scholarship

The Porter Scholarship is awarded to selected new and returning students through an application process. Students are awarded up to $4000 per year ($2000 per semester). The number of scholarships available is determined by the Controller annually based on the level of funding in the account. Selection is made through a review of the applications by selected individuals from the CIM as well as financial aid. 

• New students who enroll within 5 years of high school graduation with at least a 3.0 GPA.
• Continuing students who earned a minimum of 24 credit hours with a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average by the end of spring semester.

To receive the scholarship, the student must enroll in a degree program offered at the Culinary Institute of Michigan (CIM), complete the FAFSA application process, register for a minimum of 6 credit hours per semester (award prorated if less than 12 credits), and  remain in good standing of Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) rules. The scholarship amount is based on institutional charges and will not be refunded to the student.

Active Duty Dependent Scholarship

• Full Time: $500 per semester
• Three-Quarter Time: $375 per semester
• Half Time: $250 per semester

• Maintain continuous enrollment (summer is optional).
• Students must  remain in good standing of Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) rules
• The scholarship is available for up to 5 years.
• Complete the FAFSA application

Study Abroad Scholarship

The Baker College Alumni Community offers a limited number of refundable scholarships ranging from $500 to $1,500 to support students participating in a study or intern abroad experience. The scholarship amount is determined based on the cost of the selected program and the student's financial need. To be eligible, applicants must be enrolled in an undergraduate program at Baker College and have completed at least one semester with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA. Students must also meet Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements, complete the FAFSA, and apply for at least one AIFS Study Abroad Scholarship. Scholarship recipients are selected based on a comprehensive review of their application and demonstrated financial need. Applicants must also ensure their Baker College account is in good standing at the time of scholarship disbursement. The scholarship application, including information on the intended program and courses, must be submitted by the priority deadlines: March 15 for Fall semester (initial selection by April 1), August 15 for Spring semester (initial selection by September 1), and February 15 for Summer semester (initial selection by March 1). Applications submitted after the priority deadline may still be considered if scholarship funds remain available.

Employee and Family Scholarships

Employee and Family Scholarships are awarded based on the criteria and award amounts established through the Human Resources Department. An application process is established, eligibility is confirmed by human resources, and awarding is completed by financial aid. To qualify for the scholarship the employee/family member must complete the FAFSA (exceptions must be approved by the Vice President of Financial Aid). The scholarship amount is based on institutional charges and will not be refunded to the student.

• Employee Scholarship Award Amounts:
  • Undergraduate Scholarship: $465 per credit hour
  • Graduate Scholarship: $300 per credit hour
  • Full Graduate Scholarship: $600 per credit hour
  • Doctorate Scholarship: $375 per credit hour
  • Full Doctorate Scholarship: $750 per credit hour
• Family Scholarship Award Amounts:
  • Undergraduate Scholarship: $233 per credit hour
  • Graduate Scholarship: $300 per credit hour
  • Doctorate Scholarship: $375 per credit hour

Baker Tuition Grant

Due to the sunsetting of the Michigan Tuition Grant (MTG) program during the 2024-2025 school year, Baker College utilized institutional funds to create the Baker Tuition Grant (BTG). Baker College will renew BTG awards during the 2026-2027 school year to eligible students who maintained continuous enrollment. Eligibility for BTG requires that the student meet the eligibility requirements for the maximum MTG amount. Beginning with the 2025-2026 award year, the BTG will be awarded last dollar and will only be used to cover direct costs.

BeFree Tuition Guarantee

Qualified students who are eligible for the maximum Pell Grant and enroll in an undergraduate program as a new student at Baker College may have their standard tuition costs covered for up to 5 years. Tuition is covered through a combination of the Pell Grant, other federal and state grants the student qualifies for, and institutional funds. Students attending The Culinary Institute of Michigan, The Auto Diesel Institute of Michigan or College of Nursing Programs will be responsible to pay specialty program tuition costs that exceed standard tuition costs.

To Qualify for the BeFree Tuition Guarantee, students must be an undergraduate student seeking a credentialed certificate, associate or bachelor degree. They must complete the FAFSA and qualify for the maximum Federal Pell Grant award, and they must have a high school or college cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher (students are identified by having an enrollment scholarship). The student must attend at least half time. Students who have reached their Pell LEU or otherwise are not eligible to receive the maximum Pell Grant are not eligible for the BeFree Tuition Guarantee.

Students will be awarded BeFree funding if the total of their other scholarships, grants, or other funding sources is less than the standard undergraduate tuition rate. 

For renewal eligibility, the student must complete the FAFSA and continue to qualify for the maximum amount of Pell Grant each year. The student must also maintain continuous attendance in classes that apply toward the students program and  remain in good standing of Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) rules.

Other Awards

Other funds are awarded based on established criteria. These awards include: Baker Gold, Baker Silver, Baker Bronze, Discretionary Awards, Institutional Discounts, Resident Assistant Book Allowance, etc. 

Scholarships initially awarded in a prior year will continue to be awarded in accordance with the renewal requirements listed in the policy and procedures manual for the award year the student was initially determined eligible. Examples of these awards include BeMore, Graduate Scholarships, Regents, Deans, Gap, BakerProud, etc.

External Funding Resources

When the Accounts Receivable department receives notification of external funding, the financial aid department is notified. The financial aid department will either award the funds (scholarships) or notate a resource of funding (third party, VA or other funding) to ensure students are not over-awarded. 

Monitoring Unmet Need and Overawards

As students are awarded, a review of the COA and Unmet Need are reviewed to ensure students are not over-awarded. In addition regular monitoring of all students is completed through quality assurance processes to ensure compliance.

Prior to disbursement of institutional scholarships, a review process is used to ensure scholarships do not exceed the allowable maximum amount. Scholarships which are limited to Direct Costs or Tuition and Fees are reduced as necessary.

General Procedures

The loss of institutional scholarships may be appealed, in writing, to financialaid@baker.edu. The decision of the appeal will be made by the Director of Financial Aid Advising or the VP of Financial Aid based on their professional judgment.

The Admissions Advisor has discretion when determining scholarship eligibility for incoming students. Exceptions to GPA requirements may be made in situations where the time has elapsed and the student has excelled in other activities which warrant scholarship eligibility.

6.0 Responsibilities

Vice President of Financial Aid

• Approval of the annual policy
• Maintain regulatory compliance of the policy

Director of Financial Aid Advising/Director of Financial Aid Operations

• Develop and review of policies and procedures annually
• Train staff annually on the policy
• Comply with policies and procedures when awarding grants, scholarships and loans.
• Ensure awards are updated correctly for changes in enrollment.

Financial Aid Advisors/Specialists

• Follow policy and procedures when awarding grants, scholarships and loans.
• Ensure awards are updated correctly for changes in enrollment.

7.0 Citations & Related Information

Resources for Financial Aid Students

Document A: Baker College Financial Aid Website

Document B: Scholarship Website

Document C: BeFree Website

Resources for Financial Aid Staff

Document D: Federal Student Aid Handbook

Document E: State Program Procedures Manual (26-27 manual not available at the time this policy was created)

Document F: 2026-2027 Financial Aid Reference Sheet