About the Program | Eligibility and Application | Financial Aid Questions | Other Questions
About the Program
What is the Baltimore Scholars Program all about?
The centerpiece of this program is a four-year, full-tuition scholarship for full-time undergraduates at the Homewood campus of Johns Hopkins.
Does anything else go along with the scholarship?
Yes, guidance and enrichment. Baltimore Scholars benefit from working closely with a faculty and staff program committee to achieve their goals, beginning as soon as they enroll. They also attend special events throughout the school year. Even before matriculation, Johns Hopkins assists Baltimore students in preparing for both college and the Baltimore Scholars program. Students who qualify for the Baltimore Scholars program will also have their application fee waived when they submit their application.
How many Baltimore Scholars are expected each year? Is there a limit?
The program is not limited in its enrollment. Participation each year is dependent upon the number of eligible applicants who are admitted to the university. There are 50 students enrolled in the program at this time.
What schools and majors are represented?
Students from public schools across Baltimore City participate in the program. Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, Baltimore City College, Digital Harbor High School, Mergenthaler Vocational-Technical High School, Paul Laurence Dunbar High School, Western High School, Maryland Academy of Technology and Baltimore School for the Arts have sent scholars. Baltimore Scholars have a wide variety of interests; majors across the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering are represented.
Why did Johns Hopkins undertake this initiative?
We want all of Baltimore's best students to consider studying at Johns Hopkins—a world-class university in their own backyard. We also want Baltimore families who are choosing a high school for their students to know that Johns Hopkins supports our city's public schools as a great way to prepare for college. This program encourages Baltimore City students to give back to their communities and emerge as leaders after their graduation from Johns Hopkins—and while they're enrolled here!
Eligibility and Application
What are the requirements to be considered for the program?
Baltimore Scholars must:
- be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
- graduate from a Baltimore City public high school.
- have been a student in a Baltimore City public school for at least 10th, 11th, and 12th grades, and have been a resident of Baltimore City, along with the custodial parent, for those same three years.
- enroll at Johns Hopkins no later than two years following high school graduation, maintain City residency, and have enrolled in no post-secondary coursework.
How do I apply?
Simply apply for undergraduate admission to the Johns Hopkins division you'd like to attend: the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, the Whiting School of Engineering, and the Peabody Conservatory. Specific instructions are available through each division's admissions office. No separate application is needed for the Baltimore Scholars Program. You're automatically considered if you meet the three eligibility requirements listed above.
A Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required, even if the family is not seeking aid beyond the tuition award.
In general, Johns Hopkins seeks students who are well-prepared for college, who are deeply interested in learning, and who contribute to their schools and communities. These are the same qualities we seek in Baltimore Scholars, and applicants who qualify for the Baltimore Scholars Program are subject to the same admissions evaluation process as all of our other applicants. To learn more about the general application process and see deadlines and requirements, please visit http://apply.jhu.edu/apply/application.html.
When would I be notified about my scholarship status?
Along with your acceptance to Johns Hopkins, by April 1 each year.
What are the requirements for retaining Baltimore Scholars' full-tuition scholarship award throughout my time as an undergraduate?
Tuition support continues as long as the student maintains a 2.0 cumulative GPA, completes at least 12 credits per semester, and remains in good standing. If a student is required to withdraw from Johns Hopkins for unsatisfactory academic performance and returns to the university, a financial aid package based on need (which would include loans and a work expectation) will be provided. When the student returns to good academic standing, the original Baltimore Scholars tuition grant award will be reinstated in full. If the student is required to withdraw a second time, he or she will become ineligible for the Baltimore Scholars award even when he or she returns to academic good standing.
Financial Aid Questions
What if I can't afford room and board? Is financial aid available beyond the cost of tuition?
Yes, additional financial aid is available. Students requiring additional assistance need to follow the normal financial aid application process. We'll meet demonstrated need for room and board, and other expenses such as books, supplies, and a personal allowance. Students who are also eligible for the Federal Pell Grant Program will not be expected to borrow at all to pay for their education.
What happens if I win an additional scholarship from an outside source? Would it be added to my Baltimore Scholars award?
Yes, other scholarship awards can be combined with the Baltimore Scholars award, but only up to the level of the cost of attendance at Johns Hopkins (including room and board and expenses). After the total cost of attendance is met, funds from your Baltimore Scholars award would be reduced to bring your scholarships in line with actual cost.
I have a parent who works at the university. Would I receive the full Baltimore Scholars Program grant in addition to the tuition grant benefit my parent receives?
No. We will adjust Baltimore Scholars awards to ensure that total tuition scholarship assistance (from all sources) is not greater than the cost of tuition at Johns Hopkins.
I am a Baltimore City resident with financial need, but I attend a private secondary school on financial aid. Am I eligible for the Baltimore Scholars Program?
No. This program is restricted to public schools. Students with need who are in private schools are eligible to have that need met through our regular financial aid process.
Other Questions
I graduated from a Baltimore City public school a couple of years ago, but went to work because I couldn't afford a college. Am I eligible for the Baltimore Scholars Program?
In order to be eligible for the Baltimore Scholars Program, you must enroll at Johns Hopkins no later than two years following high school graduation, maintain City residency, and have enrolled in no post-secondary coursework.
I graduated from a Baltimore City public school a couple of years ago, and have attended another four-year college. If I transfer to Johns Hopkins, am I eligible for the Baltimore Scholars Program?
No. The program's focus is on students applying as first-time freshman.
Are there any limits on what Baltimore Scholars can do as Johns Hopkins students? Would I be able to live in the residence halls, study abroad, take courses in all the Johns Hopkins divisions, change my major, take part in extracurricular activities, get a campus job, and do whatever other students do?
Baltimore Scholars enjoy the full Johns Hopkins experience.
What happens if my family moves out of Baltimore City while I am a Baltimore Scholar?
Once you are designated a Baltimore Scholar that designation does not change, even if your family moves out of Baltimore City.
