Student-centric advice and objective recommendations
Higher education has never been more confusing or expensive. Our goal is to help you navigate the very big decisions related to higher ed with objective information and expert advice. Each piece of content on the site is original, based on extensive research, and reviewed by multiple editors, including a subject matter expert. This ensures that all of our content is up-to-date, useful, accurate, and thorough.
Our reviews and recommendations are based on extensive research, testing, and feedback. We may receive commission from links on our website, but that doesn’t affect our editors’ opinions. Our marketing partners don’t review, approve or endorse our editorial content. It’s accurate to the best of our knowledge when posted. You can find a complete list of our partners here.
Top Kansas Scholarships in 2022
Curious about Kansas scholarships? No wonder! Kansas has plenty to offer in terms of educational opportunities, and we have the perfect scholarships for students wishing to attend college in the Sunflower State. Keep reading for more information on Kansas scholarships to help fund your college experience!
Jump ahead to…
- Kansas student loan debt snapshot
- Top Kansas scholarships
- Merit scholarships at Kansas colleges and universities
- Additional Kansas resources
- Frequently asked questions
Kansas college loan debt snapshot
According to the Department of Education, Kansas residents owe $12.5 billion in federal student loan debt, with 383,700 student borrowers owing $32,578 on average – remember this is just in federal loans, these numbers don’t also include private loans! 52.6% of student loan borrowers in Kansas are under the age of 35. As you are starting your higher education journey, remember that scholarships allow students to take less loans. Make sure that you apply to as many as you qualify for. Keep on reading to learn more about top Kansas scholarships, as well as merit scholarships from colleges in Kansas!
Top Kansas scholarships
Broadcast Scholarship Program
- Eligibility: Kansas residents attending a post-secondary institution in Kansas. If attending a four-year school, must be entering junior year or above; if attending a two-year school, must be entering sophomore year. Must be studying broadcast or related curriculum. Must have a 2.5+ GPA
- Amount: $16,000
- Deadline: April 15th annually
Kansas Ethnic Minority Scholarship
- Eligibility: Kansas students who identify as African American, American Indian/Alaskan Native, Asian/Pacific Islander, and/or Hispanic. Must demonstrate financial need. Must attend an institution in Kansas. Meet one of the following requirements:
- Have a 21+ ACT score or 1060 – 1090 SAT score
- Have a 3.0+ GPA
- High school rank in upper 33%
- Complete Kansas Scholars Curriculum
- Selection by National Merit Corporation in any category
- Selection by College Board as a Hispanic Scholar
- Amount: $1,850 annually
- Deadline: May 1 annually
Kansas Military Service Scholarship
- Eligibility: Residents of Kansas who served in any overseas military operation after 9/11/2001 for which they received hostile fire pay. Must submit a copy of DD-214 form or active duty orders. Must attend a Kansas institution. Must complete FAFSA
- Amount: Varies based on financial need
- Deadline: May 1 annually
Kansas Nursing Service Scholarship
- Eligibility: Must attend or be accepted to a nursing program at a Kansas school. Must commit to full-time service at a Kansas facility after nursing licensure. Enroll in 12+ credit hours. Must complete FAFSA
- Amount: $3,500 – $4,500
- Deadline: May 1 annually
Kansas State Scholarship
- Eligibility: Kansas high school seniors who have completed the Kansas Scholars Curriculum and are designated a Kansas State Scholar by the Kansas Board of Regents. Must complete FAFSA
- Amount: $1,000 annually
- Deadline: May 1 annually
Kansas Career Technical Workforce Grant
- Eligibility: Kansas residents who earned their high school diploma in Kansas. Must be enrolled in or accepted to an eligible career technical education program (see website for eligible programs). Must complete FAFSA
- Amount: $500 – $1,000 per year
- Deadline: May 1 annually
Kansas Teacher Service Scholarship
- Eligibility: Kansas residents attending a Kansas institution. Must be enrolled in a program – undergraduate or masters – leading to licensure as a teacher OR be a currently licensed teacher. Must commit to teaching service in a hard-to-fill discipline or underserved geographic area (see website for eligible areas). Must complete FAFSA
- Amount: $1,166 – $2,915 per semester
- Deadline: May 1 annually
KASF Mountain States Regional Chapter scholarship
- Eligibility: Kansas residents of Korean heritage. Must enroll full-time at a Kansas institution. Must have a 3.0+ GPA. Must demonstrate financial need
- Amount: Varies
- Deadline: Mid to late June
Kansas Health Information Management Association (KHIMA) scholarships
- Eligibility: Must be a member/student member of AHIMA and KHIMA. Must be a full-time or part-time student in your last year of studies at one of these programs:
- HIA Program at the University of Kansas
- HIT Program at Washburn University
- HIT Program at Hutchinson Community College
- HIT Program at Neosho County Community College
- HIA Program at the University of Saint Mary
- Amount: Varies
- Deadline: October 31
Dan L. Meisinger, Sr. Memorial Learn to Fly Scholarship
- Eligibility: College students enrolled in aviation programs with a “B” average or better. Preferably, applicants will be recommended by an aviation professional and be residents of Kansas, Missouri, or Illinois
- Amount: $2,500
- Deadline: Last Friday in November annually
Kansas Agricultural Retailers Association (KARA) scholarships
- Eligibility: Graduating Kansas high school seniors or current undergraduate students enrolled in a Kansas 4-year university, community college, or technical school. Must study an agricultural related field
- Amount: $500 – $1,500
- Deadline: Early March annually
Youth Education Scholarship (YES) Constitution Bee
- Eligibility: Kansas residents who are high school students in grades 9-12. Must participate in the Kansas Constitution Bee
- Amount: Up to $3,500
- Deadline: End of December each year
The Rudd Scholarship Program
- Eligibility: Residents of Kansas who qualify for in-state tuition. Must have a 3.0+ GPA. Must qualify for the Pell Grant. Must be planning to attend either Emporia State, Fort Hays State, or Wichita State University.
- Amount: Designed to pay off any remaining costs associated with tuition and fees, books and supplies, and room and board
- Deadline: Opens October 10, deadline January 1, annually
Merit scholarships at Kansas colleges and universities
University of Kansas
- Eligibility: Incoming first-year students at University of Kansas. Have a 3.25+ GPA.
- Amount: $1,000 per year – $5,000 per year for in-state students; $8,000 – $16,000 per year for out-of-state students
- Deadline: December 1 annually
Kansas State University
- Eligibility: In-state students who are incoming first-years to Kansas State University. Have a 3.1+ GPA
- Amount: $4,000 – $20,000
- Deadline: December 15 annually
Baker University
- Eligibility: Incoming first-years to Baker University. Must have a 2.0+ GPA. Must have a 16+ ACT score
- Amount: $10,000 – $18,000
- Deadline: Considered upon admission to Baker University
Benedictine College
- Eligibility: Incoming first-year students to Benedictine College. Have a 2.2+ GPA. Have a 18+ ACT score or 960+ SAT score or 61+ CLT score. Must enroll full-time
- Amount: $10,000 – $19,000
- Deadline: Considered upon admission to Benedictine College
McPherson College
- Eligibility: Incoming first-years and transfer students to McPherson College. Must have a 2.0+ GPA
- Amount: Up to $16,000
- Deadline: Considered upon admission to McPherson College
Additional Kansas resources
Kansas Board of Regents
This website is a “one-stop shopping” experience for students looking for information on the 32 public higher education institutions in Kansas, as well as financial aid, adult education, and career and technical education programs.
Topeka Community Foundation
The Topeka Community Foundation offers a variety of scholarships for high school and college students in the Topeka area.
Celebrate the West High School Art Competition
Celebrate the West is an art competition for high schoolers with a monetary award. The panel of art experts select one finalist from each state and territory. State Winners will receive $200 and compete for First ($1,500), Second ($750), and Third Place ($500) Awards at the regional level.
FAFSA Guide
On October 1st of every year, the FAFSA opens nationwide. For priority consideration, students in Kansas should submit their FAFSA applications by midnight on April 1st each year. Check out our handy guide for tips on completing the FAFSA.
Frequently asked questions
Does Kansas offer free college?
There is not a state-sponsored program in Kansas that offers free college. However, there are several scholarship opportunities available from organizations like the Kansas Board of Regents and school-specific full-tuition scholarships.
