Top Kentucky Scholarships in 2020
Abraham Lincoln once famously said, “I hope to have God on my side, but I must have Kentucky.” What is it about the Bluegrass State that makes people admire it so much? When it comes to earning your college degree, Kentucky offers students top- notch academics and research opportunities. In addition, Kentucky Scholarships are offered by the state, various organizations, and the top colleges we profile below.
Jump ahead to:
- Top Kentucky Scholarships
- Top Scholarships at Kentucky Colleges & Universities
- Resources for Kentucky Students
- Summary of Scholarships at Kentucky Colleges
Honest Abe was not kidding about his reverence for Kentucky and all that it offers, so listen to that great man and check out our post about educational opportunities!
Top Kentucky Scholarships
Kentucky 4-H Scholarships
- Eligibility: Kentucky high school seniors applicants who have been an active Kentucky 4-H member for at least the last two years
- Amount: $500 to $1,500
- Deadline: May 1 (Scholarship opens early 2021)
Nursing Incentive Scholarship Fund
- Eligibility: Kentucky residents attending approved LPN, ADN, BSN, or graduate nursing programs with financial need
- Amount: $3,000 per year
- Deadline: June 1, 2021
Kid’s Chance of Kentucky
- Eligibility: Applicants must be the child of a Kentucky worker who has been seriously, catastrophically, or fatally injured in a work related accident. Applicants must be between 16 to 24 years old
- Amount: Varies
- Deadline: April 15 for the Fall Semester and October 30 for the Spring Semester Scholarship
Women Leading Kentucky Scholarships
- Eligibility: Open to female undergraduate students with exceptional leadership abilities who are attending a Kentucky college/university
- Amount: $1,000 to 1,500
- Deadline: April 2021 (Scholarship opens January 1, 2021)
Kentucky Colleges & Universities
In the list below, we share a variety of college specific scholarships open to first-year undergraduate students. The Kentucky public higher education system has eight public universities and 16 community college/technical schools, offering a place for all education seekers. We did our best to include a variety of colleges and universities, both public and private. One of the most important decisions you will ever make is where you attend college, so give the actual search the time it deserves. Good luck!
Asbury University
- Eligibility: A variety of scholarships are offered to students who demonstrate high achievement in high school, including GPA, standardized test scores, extra curricular activities, and leadership
- Amount: Up to full tuition
- Deadline: February 21
Bellarmine University
- Eligibility: High achieving high school students with a demonstrated love of learning
- Amount: Full cost of attending including a study abroad stipend and enrollment in Bellarmine’s Honors Program
- Deadline: December 1
Berea College
- Eligibility: The application process is wholistic and includes high school transcripts, teacher/school counselor recommendation forms, and optional standardized test scores
- Amount: All admitted students receive Berea’s No-Tuition Promise, which covers 100% of tuition costs (on average, $176,000 across four years
- Deadline: Rolling, but students are encouraged to apply by the November 30th priority deadline
Morehead State University
- Eligibility: Selection is based on academic achievement, including GPA, test scores, challenging coursework, leadership and service experiences, awards and recognitions, essay, sample of work and interview
- Amount: Full cost of attending for in-state students, and in-state tuition for qualifying out-of-state students
- Deadline: December 1
Murray State University
- Eligibility: High achieving first year students in regard to academic and/or specific categories (departmental, activities, diversity, etc.)
- Amount: Up to 100% of tuition + $1,500 stipend
- Deadline: December 1
Transylvania University
- Eligibility: Based on application materials, ACT scores (or SAT equivalent) and GPA. Students eligible for Premier Scholarships are selected based on application materials, academics, essays and an interview
- Amount: From $10,000 awards to full tuition
- Deadline: February 1 for merit-based scholarships and December 1 for the Premier Scholarships
University of Kentucky
- Eligibility: Academic and competitive scholarships awarded on achievement
- Amount: $2,500 to full tuition + Housing stipend
- Deadline: December 1
University of Louisville
- Eligibility: Selection based on place of residence, academic achievement, ethnicity, program participation and more
- Amount: $2,500 to full in-state tuition
- Deadline: Admission based scholarship applications are due by May 1. Competitive scholarship applications are due by December 1
Other Resources for Students
Kentucky Goes to College
The Kentucky Goes to College website offers access to scholarships resources that enhance college-going by sharing information about various initiatives such as Close the Deal, Kentucky College Application Campaign and College Decision Day.
Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA) Scholarship Database
This comprehensive list of Kentucky Scholarships includes statewide and county-specific programs for public and private colleges, universities, community colleges and trade schools. Bookmark this resource!
Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA)
According to their website, KHSAA “administers several financial aid programs and disseminates information about higher education opportunities.” This is a one-stop shopping website for potential and current students in Kentucky, offering guidance on choosing a college, paying for it, and overall management of your finances. Bookmark this one too!
KHEAA Video Library
Prefer to learn through watching videos? The Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority has you covered! Learn about choosing and paying for college. The website also includes videos for military and adults returning to college as well.
