KALAMAZOO, MI — Thousands of Kalamazoo Public Schools graduates have had their tuition paid through the Kalamazoo Promise in the past 20 years.
Since the free college program began in the 2005-06 school year, the Promise has funded $242.5 million in tuition costs, according to data from The Kalamazoo Promise nonprofit.
The largest chunk of scholarship funding has gone to higher education offerings in Kalamazoo County.
KPS graduates have 10 years after graduation to use their Promise scholarship at any Michigan college, university or trade school.
Western Michigan University has received the most Kalamazoo Promise scholarship funds, totaling $91.8 million. WMU is followed by Michigan State University with $41.8 million and the University of Michigan with $21 million.
But the most popular school by student count is none of those.
Kalamazoo Valley Community College has enrolled 4,741 Kalamazoo Promise scholars since 2005, more than any other school by far. WMU has enrolled 2,928 scholars in the same period.
The cost of attendance and length of schooling make WMU the bigger financial commitment, however, compared to KVCC.
KVCC costs considerably less per semester to attend than WMU. In fall 2025, the cost of a credit hour at KVCC starts at $127 compared to $659 at WMU, according to tuition information from the schools.
Overall, public universities have received the most Kalamazoo Promise tuition funding. Of the $242.5 million, 80% or $193.5 million has gone to universities.
Both KVCC and WMU have programs to support students using the Kalamazoo Promise. WMU students can also take courses at KVCC using their Promise scholarship while enrolled at WMU, according to WMU’s website.
Far fewer Kalamazoo Promise recipients have left Kalamazoo County for higher education.
MSU has enrolled 960 students in the past 20 years, U-M has enrolled 409 students and Grand Valley State University has enrolled 345 students.
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