Kentucky scholarships and grants
Every program the state of Kentucky runs for students, checked against its official page. For a list matched to you, answer a few questions.
Hide service scholarships (9) These pay for school in exchange for working in a job or place afterward.
Open to most students
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Civil Engineering Scholarship
$7,200 per semester (freshmen/sophomores), $7,600 per semester (juniors/seniors), plus paid summer employmentKentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC)
Open now · due February 1, 2027Service scholarshipThe catch: Work full time for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet one year per school year funded, wherever placed, or repay it plus interest.
Paid stipend of $7,200-$7,600 per semester plus summer jobs for civil engineering students at UK, UofL or WKU, in exchange for working for the Transportation Cabinet after graduation.
- What it takes: state application + transcript + recommendation + test scores + interview
- For high school seniors, students starting college, undergrads
- For civil engineering students
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Construction Management Scholarship
$7,200 per semester (freshmen/sophomores), $7,600 per semester (juniors/seniors), plus paid summer employmentKentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC)
Open now · due February 1, 2027Service scholarshipThe catch: Work full time for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet one year per school year funded; repayment terms are on the official page.
Paid stipend of $7,200-$7,600 per semester for construction management students at five Kentucky public universities, in exchange for working for the Transportation Cabinet after graduation.
- What it takes: state application + transcript + recommendation + test scores + interview
- For high school seniors, students starting college, undergrads
- For construction management students
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Optometry Scholarship
$15,000 per recipient (2026-27; varies yearly with funding)Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA)
Open now · due December 1, 2026$15,000 per recipient (2026-27) for Kentucky residents earning a Doctor of Optometry at a participating school.
- What it takes: state application + transcript
- For grad students
- For optometry students
- Who can get it: U.S. citizen
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Civil Engineering Technology Scholarship
$3,700 per semester, up to $14,800 total (the program page also states $3,000 gross per semester elsewhere)Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC)
Open now · due February 1, 2027Service scholarshipThe catch: Work full time for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet one year per school year funded; repayment terms are on the official page.
Paid stipend each semester for an associate degree in civil engineering technology at Bluegrass or Big Sandy Community and Technical College, then a job with the Transportation Cabinet.
- What it takes: state application + transcript + recommendation
- For high school seniors, students starting college, undergrads
- For civil engineering technology students
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship (WRKS)
Tuition and fees minus federal and state grants and scholarships, up to the KCTCS in-state tuition and fees rate (fees capped at $400/yr)Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA)
Open nowLast-dollar scholarship covering tuition (up to KCTCS rates) for a certificate, diploma or AAS degree in a high-demand field, for Kentuckians without an associate degree.
- What it takes: FAFSA + state application
- For students starting college, undergrads, trade school students, adults going back to school
- For Construction, Education, Healthcare students
- Who can get it: U.S. citizen or permanent resident
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
College Access Program (CAP) Grant
Up to $2,500 at a two-year institution; up to $5,300 at a four-year institution (2026-27)Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA)
Apply any timeKentucky's need-based grant: up to $2,500 at a two-year school or $5,300 at a four-year school (2026-27), first-come first-served by FAFSA date.
- What it takes: FAFSA only
- For students starting college, undergrads
- Need-based: the FAFSA decides how much you get.
- Who can get it: U.S. citizen, permanent resident or eligible noncitizen (per AHE 2027)
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Kentucky Tuition Grant (KTG)
Up to $3,300 for the 2026-27 academic yearKentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA)
Apply any timeNeed-based grant of up to $3,300 (2026-27) for Kentucky residents attending an eligible private Kentucky college full time.
- What it takes: FAFSA only
- For students starting college, undergrads
- Need-based: the FAFSA decides how much you get.
- Who can get it: U.S. citizen (per AHE 2027)
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Early Graduation Scholarship Certificate
One-half of the state portion of the average per-pupil SEEK base guarantee for the graduation year (one-time)Kentucky Department of Education with KHEAA
Apply any timeOne-time scholarship for Kentucky public high school students who complete the state Early Graduation Program in three years or less.
- What it takes: state application + test scores
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship (KEES)
Varies: $187-$500 per year of college for each high school year with a 2.75+ GPA, plus ACT/SAT bonus up to $500 and AP/IB/CAI supplements of $200-$300 per qualifying score (free/reduced lunch students)Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA)
Apply any timeMerit scholarship earned in high school: $187-$500 for each year with a 2.75+ GPA, plus ACT/SAT and (for lower-income students) AP/IB/CAI bonuses, paid every year of college.
- What it takes: See how to apply
- For high school seniors, students starting college, undergrads
- Needs a 2.75+ GPA
- Who can get it: U.S. citizen, national or permanent resident
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Tuition Waiver for Kentuckians 65 and Older
All tuition and fees waivedCommonwealth of Kentucky (KRS 164.284), granted by public colleges
Apply any timeKentucky residents 65 or older pay no tuition or fees at Kentucky state-supported colleges and universities.
- What it takes: See how to apply
- For undergrads, grad students, adults going back to school
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Osteopathic Medicine Scholarship
Difference between average in-state tuition at Kentucky medical schools and KYCOM tuitionKentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA)
Check datesService scholarshipThe catch: Practice as a primary care physician in Kentucky one year per year funded, or repay it plus interest.
Covers the tuition gap between Kentucky's public medical schools and the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine, for residents who agree to practice in Kentucky.
- What it takes: state application
- For grad students
- For osteopathic medicine students
- Who can get it: U.S. citizen
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Veterinary Contract Spaces Program
Up to the difference between out-of-state and in-state tuition at a participating college of veterinary medicineKentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA)
Check datesService scholarshipThe catch: If you start in fall 2027 or later, practice veterinary medicine in Kentucky one year per year funded, or it becomes a loan with interest.
Kentucky pays the out-of-state tuition difference so residents can attend Auburn or Georgia vet school at reduced tuition; new recipients from fall 2027 owe Kentucky practice service.
- What it takes: state application
- For grad students
- For veterinary medicine students
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Nursing Incentive Scholarship Fund (NISF)
$3,000 for one academic year (per AHE 2027; the KBN page states no amount)Kentucky Board of Nursing
Opens laterService scholarshipThe catch: Work as a nurse in Kentucky one year per year funded, starting within 6 months of licensure, or repay it plus 8% interest.
Scholarship for Kentucky residents in nursing programs (prelicensure, BSN completion or graduate); work as a nurse in Kentucky one year per year funded.
- What it takes: state application + transcript
- For undergrads, grad students
- For nursing students
- Partly need-based: your FAFSA can affect whether you get it or how much.
- Usual timing: Annual; application window January 1 - May 1 for the following academic year.
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
KHEAA Teacher Scholarship
Up to $3,000 per fall and spring semester; $2,000 for summerKentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA)
Opens laterService scholarshipThe catch: Teach in a Kentucky school one semester per semester funded, or repay the scholarship with interest.
Need-based scholarship of up to $3,000 per fall/spring semester ($2,000 summer) for students seeking teacher certification; teach one semester in Kentucky per semester funded.
- What it takes: FAFSA + state application
- For undergrads, grad students, adults going back to school
- For education students
- Need-based: the FAFSA decides how much you get.
- Who can get it: U.S. citizen
- Usual timing: Annual; application available in January, deadline May 1 (2026-27 cycle closed May 1, 2026).
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
For specific students
Military families, foster youth, certain careers and more. Each card says who qualifies.
Chafee Education and Training Voucher (ETV)
Up to $5,000 per year, for up to 5 years or until age 26Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Chafee Independence Program
Apply any timeUp to $5,000 a year (up to 5 years, through age 26) for former Kentucky foster youth in college or job training.
- Who it's for: Former Kentucky foster youth (left care at/after 18, or adopted from care at/after 16)
- What it takes: state application
- For students starting college, undergrads, trade school students
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Kentucky Veterans' Dependents Tuition Waiver
Full tuition (tuition only) at Kentucky public colleges, universities and vocational schoolsKentucky Department of Veterans Affairs (KDVA)
Apply any timeFree tuition at Kentucky public colleges for children, stepchildren, spouses and surviving spouses of eligible deceased or disabled Kentucky veterans.
- Who it's for: Child, stepchild, spouse or surviving spouse of an eligible deceased or disabled Kentucky veteran (or KY National Guard/Reserve member, POW or MIA)
- What it takes: state application
- For students starting college, undergrads, grad students, trade school students
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Tuition Waiver for Dependents of Kentucky Police Officers and Firefighters Killed or Disabled in the Line of Duty
Full tuition and matriculation fees at Kentucky public colleges (up to 36 months for dependents of disabled responders)Commonwealth of Kentucky (KRS 164.2841 / 164.2842), granted by public colleges
Apply any timeFree tuition at Kentucky public colleges for the children and spouses of Kentucky law enforcement officers and firefighters (including volunteers) killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty.
- Who it's for: Child or spouse of a Kentucky law enforcement officer, firefighter or volunteer firefighter killed or permanently and totally disabled in the line of duty
- What it takes: See how to apply
- For students starting college, undergrads, grad students, trade school students
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Tuition Waiver for Dependents of State Retirement System Employees Killed or Disabled on Duty
Full tuition and matriculation fees at Kentucky public collegesCommonwealth of Kentucky (KRS 164.2841(2) / 164.2842(2)), granted by public colleges
Apply any timeFree tuition at Kentucky public colleges for children and spouses of state-retirement-system employees who died or were disabled from a duty-related injury.
- Who it's for: Child or spouse of a Kentucky state-administered retirement system member who died or was disabled from a duty-related injury
- What it takes: See how to apply
- For students starting college, undergrads, grad students, trade school students
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Tuition Waiver for Kentucky Foster and Adopted Youth
Full tuition and mandatory fees at Kentucky public colleges for up to 150 credits or until age 28Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (KRS 164.2847)
Apply any timeWaives tuition and mandatory fees at any Kentucky public college or university for current and former foster youth and youth adopted from state care, for up to 150 credits or until age 28.
- Who it's for: Current or former Kentucky foster youth, youth adopted from Kentucky state care, or eligible DJJ youth
- What it takes: state application
- For students starting college, undergrads, grad students, trade school students
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
CW PREP Public Child Welfare Certification Program (PCWCP) Scholarship
Full-time in-state tuition (public) or up to the highest public in-state tuition (private), plus $1,400 per fall/spring semester and $650 summer, for up to 4 semestersKentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Department for Community Based Services
Check datesService scholarshipThe catch: Work 2 years as a Kentucky public child welfare worker (CHFS/DCBS), or repay the costs.
Full in-state tuition plus a $1,400 stipend per semester for social work, sociology or psychology majors who commit to two years as a Kentucky child welfare worker.
- Who it's for: Commitment to 2 years of employment with Kentucky DCBS
- What it takes: state application + essay + video + recommendation + interview
- For undergrads
- Needs a 2.5+ GPA
- For social work, sociology, psychology students
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Early Childhood Development Scholarship
Up to full tuition and fees, not to exceed $7,089 per semester (2026-27)Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA)
Check datesService scholarshipThe catch: Complete a service commitment based on the credential you earn; the length and repayment terms are on the official page.
Up to full tuition and fees (max $7,089 per semester in 2026-27) for Kentuckians working in child care or preschool who pursue early childhood credentials and degrees.
- Who it's for: Employed 20+ hours/week in a participating early childhood facility or as a preschool associate teacher in a state-funded preschool
- What it takes: FAFSA + state application
- For undergrads, grad students, adults going back to school
- For early childhood education students
- Who can get it: U.S. citizen, national or permanent resident
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Kentucky National Guard Tuition Award Program (State Tuition Assistance)
Up to 100% of public in-state tuition (private schools capped about $5,616 per semester); lifetime cap $30,000-$75,000 by school typeKentucky National Guard (Department of Military Affairs), funded through KHEAA
Due April 1, 2027Pays up to 100% of public in-state tuition for Kentucky Army and Air National Guard members seeking an associate or first bachelor's degree.
- Who it's for: Member of the Kentucky Army or Air National Guard
- What it takes: state application + membership
- For students starting college, undergrads, adults going back to school
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
We list programs; we don't decide who gets them. Always check the official page before you apply. Spot something wrong? Tell us.