BELTON, Texas—The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (UMHB) is excited to announce a new free tuition program for eligible first-time freshmen and new transfer undergraduate students beginning with the incoming fall 2026 class. The UMHB Promise program is designed to minimize financial barriers so more students can pursue a transformative Christ-centered education.
“The UMHB Promise makes Christian higher education accessible to more people,” explained Dr. Gary Lamm, UMHB’s vice president for enrollment management. “We are investing in students who may think they cannot afford a private college education at Mary Hardin-Baylor. Interested students should visit our website at www.umhb.edu or reach out to our Admissions office at 254-295-4520 to find out more.”
Eligibility requirements for the UMHB Promise include:
- Annual family income of $65,000 or less;
- Federal Pell Grant eligible;
- Entering fall 2026 class;
- First-time freshmen or new transfer undergraduate students;
- Incoming freshmen must be in the top 50% of their high school class, or freshmen from non-ranking high schools must have a minimum 21 ACT or 1070 SAT or 67 CLT exam score;
- Incoming transfers must have a 2.0 cumulative GPA;
- Campus residency required.
“This program is about opening doors and changing lives,” said Dr. Brandon Skaggs, UMHB’s vice president for student life. “By minimizing financial barriers, we are inviting more students into a Christ-centered education. We see God’s work in our students’ lives every day, and we are excited to share that transformative experience with more students than ever before.”
Founded in 1845, the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor prepares students for lives of leadership, service, and faith-informed discernment in a global society. Propelled by an unapologetically Christian commitment for more than 180 years, the university is dedicated to helping students deepen their faith and integrate Christian perspectives into every dimension of life. Located in the heart of Central Texas, UMHB offers bachelor’s degrees in more than 65 undergraduate majors, 12 master’s degree programs, and four doctoral degrees. The vibrant campus in Belton boasts state-of-the-art academic and athletic facilities. To learn more about the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor and the UMHB Promise, call 254-295-4520 or visit www.umhb.edu.
