College Access Program (CAP) Grant
Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA)
Kentucky'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.
- How much
- Up to $2,500 at a two-year institution; up to $5,300 at a four-year institution (2026-27)
- Who qualifies
- Kentucky resident with financial need; at least half-time in a program of at least two years at an eligible Kentucky college; no past-due obligation to KHEAA or any Title IV program; no prior bachelor's degree (AHE 2027).
- For students starting college, undergrads
- U.S. citizen, permanent resident or eligible noncitizen (per AHE 2027)
- Need-based: your FAFSA decides how much you get.
- When to apply
- Apply any time FAFSA-driven, no fixed deadline; FAFSA opens October 1 and awards are made first-come, first-served until funds run out.
- How to apply
- File the FAFSA for the year you need aid as soon as it opens (October 1)
- No separate application
- Awards go first-come, first-served by FAFSA completion date
- What you'll need
- FAFSA only
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (kheaa.com) and page 2
The details
CAP helps financially needy Kentucky undergraduates attend eligible public and private colleges, trade schools and technical colleges in Kentucky. 2026-27 maximum: up to $2,500 at a two-year institution, up to $5,300 at a four-year institution. Student must be enrolled at least half-time in a program at least two years long. Eligibility is limited to the equivalent of four full-time terms in a two-year program or eight in a four-year program. Funds are awarded first-come, first-served by FAFSA completion date until exhausted. KHEAA lists ~50 participating institutions.
More money from Kentucky
- Optometry Scholarship$15,000 per recipient (2026-27; varies yearly with funding)
- Kentucky Tuition Grant (KTG)Up to $3,300 for the 2026-27 academic year
- Early Graduation Scholarship CertificateOne-half of the state portion of the average per-pupil SEEK base guarantee for the graduation year (one-time)
- 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)
- Tuition Waiver for Kentuckians 65 and OlderAll tuition and fees waived
Keep looking
- Answer a few questions to see every program you qualify for
- Nearby states: Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia
- Federal aid and national scholarships (open to students in any state)
- The FAFSA in plain English (2027-28)
- Should I file the FAFSA if I don't think I'll qualify?
- FAFSA deadlines by state (2027-28)
- The FAFSA for parents: what you need to do
- How to save on textbooks: free, rented and cheaper options
We list programs; we don't decide who gets them. Always check the official page before you apply. Spot something wrong? Tell us.