Kentucky National Guard Tuition Award Program (State Tuition Assistance)
Kentucky National Guard (Department of Military Affairs), funded through KHEAA
Pays up to 100% of public in-state tuition for Kentucky Army and Air National Guard members seeking an associate or first bachelor's degree.
- How much
- Up to 100% of public in-state tuition (private schools capped about $5,616 per semester); lifetime cap $30,000-$75,000 by school type
- Who qualifies
- Member of the Kentucky Army or Air National Guard
- Completed Basic Combat Training or contracted ROTC/SMP before class start; passing fitness and weight standards; not flagged; no unexcused drill absences in the previous 12 months; pursuing an associate or first bachelor's degree; under the lifetime cap; ETS date after the class ends.
- For students starting college, undergrads, adults going back to school
- When to apply
- Due April 1, 2027 Per term: apply before April 1 for fall and before October 1 for spring; summer/winter not funded.
- How to apply
- Register at ky.ngb.army.mil with your CAC on the state ARNG network, then apply online at ky.ngb.army.mil before each term: by April 1 for fall, by October 1 for spring
- Contact the State TA Manager (520-852-7154) with questions
- What you'll need
- state application + membership
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (ky.ng.mil), page 2 and page 3
The details
State Tuition Assistance pays actual public in-state tuition (100% of the in-classroom rate, up to full time) directly to an eligible Kentucky public school; participating private schools are capped at about $5,616 per semester. Does not pay fees, online-tuition surcharges, books, housing or meals, or lateral/lesser degrees. Lifetime caps as of fall 2026: $30,000 at community and technical colleges, $60,000 at comprehensive universities or approved private colleges, $75,000 at research universities (UK, UofL); caps rise 5% a year. Summer and winter terms are not funded (AHE 2027). Can be combined with GI Bill and Federal TA (state TA applies first). Subject to state funding.
More money from Kentucky
- Optometry Scholarship$15,000 per recipient (2026-27; varies yearly with funding)
- College Access Program (CAP) GrantUp to $2,500 at a two-year institution; up to $5,300 at a four-year institution (2026-27)
- 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)
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.