Understanding Baylor University Benefit Scholarship Requirements

Baylor University offers various scholarships and financial aid options to help students finance their education. Very few students pay the full cost-of-attendance “sticker price” and over 84% receive merit-based scholarships. Understanding the requirements for these scholarships, especially the Baylor Benefit Scholarship, is crucial for prospective students. This article details the requirements, application process, and other essential information related to Baylor's scholarship programs.

Merit-Based Scholarships

Baylor University automatically considers all applicants for merit-based scholarships based on their comprehensive academic record and a full review of their completed Baylor application file. No additional application is required. This includes students who apply as test optional. Test scores will be taken into account for the scholarship review process for students applying for the upcoming academic year. Applicants who submit a complete admission file after February 1 are considered for merit-based scholarships based on available funding. Renewal is contingent upon maintaining a Baylor cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Need-Based Financial Aid

For need-based financial aid, students must submit both the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the CSS Profile to be considered for the maximum amount of aid. Baylor's FAFSA code is 3545, and the CSS Profile code is 6032.

To be considered for the maximum amount of financial aid for the 2025-2026 academic year, students must submit both applications. The CSS Profile opens October 1, and the FAFSA opens later in December. Both applications should be submitted by the priority deadline to be considered for the most available funds. The Freshman Early Decision and Early Action Priority Deadline is November 1, and the Final Deadline to submit the CSS Profile for all Freshman & Transfer Admission Plans is February 1.

If you miss the final deadline, please submit an application as soon as possible to be considered for any remaining funds. Once you submit the FAFSA and CSS Profile, it may not be reflected in your goBAYLOR account until a few weeks later as files are processed. You can check the status of your CSS Profile here, and as long as it is considered "Submitted," there is no further action for you to take.

Read also: Baylor's Notable Alumni

Baylor Benefit Scholarship: Comprehensive Overview

The Baylor Benefit Scholarship offers full tuition coverage for a select number of incoming freshmen with significant financial need and an adjusted gross income under $50,000. This scholarship is a cornerstone of Baylor's commitment to making education accessible.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Baylor Benefit Scholarship, applicants must meet several criteria:

Admission to Baylor University: Applicants must be admitted to Baylor University for Fall 2025 entry.
FAFSA & CSS Profile Completion: Applicants must complete the FAFSA & CSS Profile by March 1, 2025.
Online Application: Applicants must complete the online Baylor Benefit Scholarship application, which is available to eligible students in goBAYLOR on the Financial Aid tab.
Citizenship: Applicants must be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and eligible non-citizens who are able to complete the FAFSA.
Financial Need: Students must have demonstrated financial need as reported on the CSS Profile.
Adjusted Gross Income: Students must have an adjusted gross income under $50,000 as reported on the FAFSA.

Application Process

The application process for the Baylor Benefit Scholarship involves several steps:

Submit FAFSA and CSS Profile: Ensure that both the FAFSA and CSS Profile are submitted by the specified deadlines.
Check goBAYLOR Account: After submitting the FAFSA and CSS Profile, monitor the goBAYLOR account for the Baylor Benefit Scholarship application. The application will be made available to qualifying students once their FAFSA and CSS Profile applications have been received and processed.
Complete the Online Application: Access the Financial Aid tab in goBAYLOR and complete the Baylor Benefit Scholarship application.

Key Dates and Deadlines

Deadline to Apply: March 1, 2025
Award Notification Date: On or before March 15, 2025
Deadline to Accept Award: April 1, 2025
Deadline to Submit Baylor Enrollment Deposit: May 1, 2025

Award Details

If awarded, a student’s Baylor tuition is fully covered by a combination of the Baylor Benefit Scholarship, Baylor Distinction Award (merit-based), federal grants, state grants, and Baylor need-based grants.

Additional Scholarship Programs

Baylor also offers a number of scholarship programs for high-achieving students. Candidates will be expected to have performed at a high-level both in and out of the classroom and exhibited the potential for leadership. Prospective scholarship candidates must first apply to Baylor by creating an Admission & Enrollment (A & E) Portal Account. Once the form is submitted, scholarship applicants will be prompted to complete a Baylor Scholarship Essay and request an additional recommendation on their Admission Checklist.

Scholarships for Transfer Students

Planning to continue your journey after TJC? We’ve partnered with SMU, Baylor, and UT Tyler to offer transfer scholarships designed just for our graduates. These scholarships can help cover the cost of your next degree while rewarding your hard work and accomplishments at TJC.

The Baylor Bound Presidential Transfer scholarship, established in 1989, aims to support graduates of Tyler Junior College through the Presidential Scholarship Program at Baylor University. Annually, Baylor selects a recipient for a full-tuition scholarship, renewable for their senior year provided a 3.5 cumulative GPA is maintained. Each year, the scholarship is awarded to a TJC spring graduate. To be eligible, students must be on track to graduate from TJC in May, be in good moral standing with the dean of students, and have a minimum, cumulative 3.5 GPA. Once approved by the scholarship office, students will then be responsible for preparing their own letter of recommendation, which will undergo a final review before being sent to Baylor. This process allows students to advocate for themselves through their letters of recommendation. The scholarship office will provide an outline of how to best prepare your letter of recommendation. Followed by recommendations sent to Baylor on behalf of the President. Baylor will send a notification upon their final selection. If needed, students will meet individually with the TJC President.

Other Financial Aid Resources

Endowed Scholarships

Baylor offers a substantial number of endowed need-based scholarships. The CSS Profile and Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) serve as the applications for these scholarships. Award amounts vary based on an evaluation of the student's need and merit. Renewal of these scholarships is contingent on the student maintaining financial need, full-time undergraduate enrollment status, and a minimum 2.5 cumulative Baylor GPA. There are many scholarships available to students who demonstrate financial need.

Baylor Sibling Scholarship

Baylor awards sibling scholarships in the amount of $3,000 each on a first-come, first serve basis to undergraduate students who have one or more dependent siblings concurrently enrolled at Baylor (at least one must be an incoming freshman). Students must complete the CSS Profile and Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the deadlines and demonstrate financial need. Each sibling must be admitted and subsequently enroll at Baylor. Renewal of this scholarship is contingent on the siblings maintaining financial need, full-time undergraduate enrollment status, and a minimum 2.5 cumulative Baylor GPA. Renewal eligibility ends when fewer than two siblings are enrolled as undergraduates at Baylor.

Bear Book Scholarship

The Paul L. Foster Success Center and First in Line, through the generosity of parent and alumni donors, established the Bear Book Scholarship to assist new and continuing students with purchasing textbooks for the spring 2025 semester. The one-time maximum award is $350. To apply, simply complete the Bear Book Scholarship Application.

Read also: Affording Baylor University

Tuition Remission

Tuition remission benefits for eligible employees, qualifying spouses, or qualifying dependent children at an undergraduate level are not taxable.

According to Internal Revenue Service guidelines, employer-provided tuition remission and educational assistance is taxable in the following cases and the Payroll Office will withhold employment taxes:

Graduate and Seminary educational assistance in excess of $5,250 per calendar year for employees.
Graduate and Seminary tuition remission for spouse.
Graduate, Seminary and Law tuition remission for children.
Undergraduate tuition remission for children beginning the calendar year in which they can no longer be claimed as a dependent.

Refer to the Taxable Tuition Remission Guidelines for more information.

Steps to Apply for Tuition Remission

Employee: Read the Educational Assistance Plan and Employee Tuition Remission Policy
Spouse/Child: Read the Educational Assistance Spouse and Children Tuition Remission Policy
Complete the application process for admission to Baylor University and be accepted to the University.
Be accepted to the University and in good academic standing.
If there is a message indicating the "student does not have an active record," confirm active student status:
- Undergraduate: Registrar 254-710-1814
- Graduate: Graduate School 254-710-3584
Log on to the Tuition Remission Application with your BearID and password and follow the instructions provided there to apply.

NOTE: A new application must be submitted for each academic year.

Complete Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) if needed.

Eligible spouses/children of employees hired on or after July 1, 2003, that apply for undergraduate tuition remission may be required to complete the FAFSA form to determine eligibility for federal, state, or institutional aid. To be considered for the maximum amount of financial aid, you must submit both the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the CSS Profile. Both applications open on October 1 and should be submitted by the priority date to be considered for the most available funds.

Resources at Baylor Scott & White Health

At Baylor Scott & White Health, we value tomorrow's leaders in health care. We not only train professionals but also offer a full range of services and resources in support of the educational, research and clinical care needs of the Baylor Scott & White Health staff and students. At Baylor Scott & White Health, we are proud of our legacy of teaching. Because we value tomorrow's leaders in health care, we not only train professionals but also offer scholarship assistance. In addition, we offer a tuition reimbursement program to Baylor Scott & White full-time and part-time employees. Baylor Scott & White is home to two medical libraries-Baylor Health Sciences Library in Dallas and Richard D. As a part of the Baylor Scott & White Health community, our residents and fellows work hard to make this the best place to give and receive safe, high-quality, compassionate care.

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