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Top 40 Kentucky Scholarships in March 2024

Written by Kayla Korzekwinski

Kayla Korzekwinski is a Scholarships360 content writer. She earned her BA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she studied Advertising/PR, Rhetorical Communication, and Anthropology. Kayla has worked on communications for non-profits and student organizations. She loves to write and come up with new ways to express ideas.

Full Bio

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and Cece Gilmore

Cece Gilmore is a Content Writer at Scholarships360. Cece earned her undergraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from Arizona State University. While at ASU, she was the education editor as well as a published staff reporter at Downtown Devil. Cece was also the co-host of her own radio show on Blaze Radio ASU.

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Edited by Maria Geiger

Maria Geiger is Director of Content at Scholarships360. She is a former online educational technology instructor and adjunct writing instructor. In addition to education reform, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement. Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania.

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Updated: March 3rd, 2024

When it comes to earning your college degree, Kentucky offers students top-notch academics and research opportunities. Kentucky scholarships are offered by the state of Kentucky, various organizations, and in-state colleges. Abraham Lincoln once said, “I hope to have God on my side, but I must have Kentucky.” If you are a student in the Bluegrass State, keep on reading to learn more about the top Kentucky scholarships for students lucky enough to attend school in such an amazing state!

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Scholarship Review Process

The Scholarships360 Research Team reviews all scholarships individually and strives to exclude any scholarship where any of the below applies:

  • The scholarship requires a fee to apply
  • The scholarship provider’s privacy policy allows for the misuse of student data
  • The scholarship requires paid membership in an organization (with certain exceptions for reputable trade organizations and others)
  • Student are required to sign up for a site or service to apply*
  • The scholarship seems primarily used for lead generation** or idea harvesting purposes***
  • The scholarship website has many grammatical errors and/or advertisements
  • The scholarship or scholarship providing organization seem untrustworthy
  • There is no evidence the scholarship was previously awarded
  • The scholarship has not been awarded in the past 12 months
  • There is no available contact information

If you believe a scholarship has been published in error, please reach out to [email protected] and we’ll take a look!


* There are certain exceptions to this, for example if the sponsoring organization is a major corporation or nonprofit with its own scholarship application system.
** Lead generation scholarships will require students to sign up for an app or website and require minimal (if any) application requirements.
***Idea harvesting scholarships will require students to submit blog posts or other materials that companies may use for marketing purposes.

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40 scholarships
Sort by

KEES Program

Offered by Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority

Multiple awards worth Varies
Deadline Rolling
Grade Level College Students

Offered by Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority

Are you a Kentucky resident who earned a minimum 2.5 GPA in high school and will be attending an in-state college or university? If so,…Show More

Are you a Kentucky resident who earned a minimum 2.5 GPA in high school and will be attending an in-state college or university? If so,…Show More

Are you a Kentucky resident who earned a minimum 2.5 GPA in high school and will be attending an in-state college or university? If so, you may be eligible for the KEES Program! Each year, the program is awarded in varying amounts to Kentucky high school graduates who are attending one of the participating institutions in Kentucky (see KHEAA website for full list). The scholarship can be received until a student has used eight (8) semesters of KEES funding, five (5) years have passed since their high school graduation, or they have earned a bachelor's degree. Further, in addition to the base award of $125 - $500 per year (based on GPA), recipients can earn additional scholarship money based on their ACT, AP, IB, and/or Cambridge Advanced International (CAI) scores. If you're a Kentucky resident attending an eligible in-state university, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more.Show Less

Multiple awards worth Varies
Deadline Rolling
Grade Level College Students
Get Started

$10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Scholarships360

Exclusive
1 award worth $10,000
Deadline Jun 30, 2024
Grade Level All Grade Levels

Offered by Scholarships360

Exclusive

The Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship is open to all students who want some extra help paying for their education. Whether you are a high…Show More

The Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship is open to all students who want some extra help paying for their education. Whether you are a high…Show More

The Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship is open to all students who want some extra help paying for their education. Whether you are a high school student who hopes to go to college, a graduate student who’s in a master’s program, or an adult learner who wants to return to school, you are eligible for our no essay scholarship. This scholarship will be awarded to students who get the most out of Scholarships360 scholarships and content. You will be a strong applicant if you apply to scholarships with the Scholarships360 platform. Finalists for this scholarship will be interviewed about their process for funding their education.Show Less

1 award worth $10,000
Deadline Jun 30, 2024
Grade Level All Grade Levels
Apply

$2,000 Sallie Mae Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Sallie Mae

Easy Application
1 award worth $2,000
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level HS Upperclassmen, College & Graduate Students

Offered by Sallie Mae

Easy Application

Sallie Mae will award $2,000 each month to eligible entrants. No essay or account sign-ups, just a simple scholarship for those seeking help paying for…

Sallie Mae will award $2,000 each month to eligible entrants. No essay or account sign-ups, just a simple scholarship for those seeking help paying for…

Sallie Mae will award $2,000 each month to eligible entrants. No essay or account sign-ups, just a simple scholarship for those seeking help paying for school.

1 award worth $2,000
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level HS Upperclassmen, College & Graduate Students
Apply

Regions Riding Forward Scholarship Contest

Offered by Regions Bank

4 awards worth $8,000
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level HS Seniors, College Freshmen, Sophomores & Juniors

Offered by Regions Bank

Are you a Black, college-bound high school senior or current college student who will be enrolled in an accredited university for this upcoming academic year?…Show More

Are you a Black, college-bound high school senior or current college student who will be enrolled in an accredited university for this upcoming academic year?…Show More

Are you a Black, college-bound high school senior or current college student who will be enrolled in an accredited university for this upcoming academic year? If so, you may be eligible for the Regions Riding Forward Scholarship Contest! Each quarter, the contest awards $8,000 to the top four (4) applicants who submit an essay (500 words or less) or a video (3 minutes or less) about how someone they know has (1) inspired them and (2) given them the confidence to achieve their goals. The scholarship is offered four times a year, with deadlines every March, June, September, and December. Bear in mind that applicants must also reside in a state with Regions Bank full-service branches to apply. To find out whether or not your state is eligible, keep on reading. If it is, we encourage you to apply!Show Less

4 awards worth $8,000
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level HS Seniors, College Freshmen, Sophomores & Juniors
Get Started

$40,000 BigFuture Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by The College Board

Easy Application
Multiple awards worth up to $40,000
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level High School Sophomores & Juniors

Offered by The College Board

Easy Application

Open to US-based high school students in the class of 2025 and 2026 - no essay, no minimum GPA, and no citizenship requirements.

Open to US-based high school students in the class of 2025 and 2026 - no essay, no minimum GPA, and no citizenship requirements.

Open to US-based high school students in the class of 2025 and 2026 - no essay, no minimum GPA, and no citizenship requirements.

Multiple awards worth up to $40,000
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level High School Sophomores & Juniors
Apply

Noah Thomas Foster Memorial Scholarship

Offered by Queener Law

1 award worth $1,500
Deadline Mar 15, 2024
Grade Level High School Senior

Offered by Queener Law

The Noah Thomas Foster Memorial Scholarship is offered to college-bound high school seniors who will be attending a two- or four-year college or university. Each…Show More

The Noah Thomas Foster Memorial Scholarship is offered to college-bound high school seniors who will be attending a two- or four-year college or university. Each…Show More

The Noah Thomas Foster Memorial Scholarship is offered to college-bound high school seniors who will be attending a two- or four-year college or university. Each year, it awards $1,500 to one (1) high school senior from Tennessee, Kentucky, or Colorado. If this sounds like a good opportunity for you, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more.Show Less

1 award worth $1,500
Deadline Mar 15, 2024
Grade Level High School Senior
Get Started

Niche $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Niche

Easy Application
1 award worth $10,000
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level All Grade Levels

Offered by Niche

Easy Application

Easy scholarship open to all high school and college students, as well as anyone looking to attend college or graduate school in the next year

Easy scholarship open to all high school and college students, as well as anyone looking to attend college or graduate school in the next year

Easy scholarship open to all high school and college students, as well as anyone looking to attend college or graduate school in the next year

1 award worth $10,000
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level All Grade Levels
Apply

Southern Automotive Women’s Forum Scholarship

Offered by Southern Automotive Women's Forum

Multiple awards worth $1,000 - $5,000
Deadline Mar 25, 2024
Grade Level College & Graduate Students

Offered by Southern Automotive Women's Forum

The Southern Automotive Women’s Forum Scholarship is open to female postsecondary students who are pursuing a STEM degree and interested in a career in STEM.…Show More

The Southern Automotive Women’s Forum Scholarship is open to female postsecondary students who are pursuing a STEM degree and interested in a career in STEM.…Show More

The Southern Automotive Women’s Forum Scholarship is open to female postsecondary students who are pursuing a STEM degree and interested in a career in STEM. Applicants must be attending an institution in a southern state (Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Texas or West Virginia), and are eligible to earn between $1,000 and $5,000 to go toward their education. If this sounds like you, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more, and get a headstart on your career.Show Less

Multiple awards worth $1,000 - $5,000
Deadline Mar 25, 2024
Grade Level College & Graduate Students
Get Started

MAC Louisa Bowen Memorial Scholarship for Graduate Students in Archival Administration

Offered by Midwest Archives Conference

1 award worth $1,500
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level Graduate Students

Offered by Midwest Archives Conference

Are you a resident or full-time graduate student in the MAC region (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South…Show More

Are you a resident or full-time graduate student in the MAC region (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South…Show More

Are you a resident or full-time graduate student in the MAC region (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin) who is pursuing a degree in archival administration? If so, the MAC Louisa Bowen Memorial Scholarship for Graduate Students in Archival Administration may be a great opportunity for you! Each year, the scholarship awards $1,500 to one individual in the MAC region who is pursuing graduate studies in archival administration. Applicants must also have a minimum 3.0 GPA in the most recent academic year. If this sounds like a good opportunity for you, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more.Show Less

1 award worth $1,500
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level Graduate Students
Get Started

$25k “Be Bold” No-Essay Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Bold.org

Easy Application
1 award worth $25,000
Deadline Apr 1, 2024
Grade Level All Grade Levels

Offered by Bold.org

Easy Application

Open to high school students, college students, community college students, and graduate students.

Open to high school students, college students, community college students, and graduate students.

Open to high school students, college students, community college students, and graduate students.

1 award worth $25,000
Deadline Apr 1, 2024
Grade Level All Grade Levels
Apply

Sr. Mary Jeannette Wess, S.N.D. Scholarship

Offered by St. Claire Regional Medical Center

Multiple awards worth $1,000
Deadline Apr 1, 2024
Grade Level College Sophomores & Juniors

Offered by St. Claire Regional Medical Center

The Sr. Mary Jeannette Wess, S.N.D. Scholarship is a prestigious opportunity for rising college juniors and seniors in the St. Claire HealthCare service-area counties. Such…Show More

The Sr. Mary Jeannette Wess, S.N.D. Scholarship is a prestigious opportunity for rising college juniors and seniors in the St. Claire HealthCare service-area counties. Such…Show More

The Sr. Mary Jeannette Wess, S.N.D. Scholarship is a prestigious opportunity for rising college juniors and seniors in the St. Claire HealthCare service-area counties. Such counties include Bath, Carter, Elliott, Fleming, Lewis, Magoffin, Menifee, Montgomery, Morgan, Rowan, and Wolfe County, Kentucky. Applicants should also demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and service, and have financial need. If this sounds like a good opportunity for you, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more.Show Less

Multiple awards worth $1,000
Deadline Apr 1, 2024
Grade Level College Sophomores & Juniors
Get Started

KBA Harry Barfield Scholarship

Offered by Kentucky Broadcasters Association

4 awards worth $2,500
Deadline Apr 1, 2024
Grade Level College & Graduate Students

Offered by Kentucky Broadcasters Association

The KBA Harry Barfield Scholarship is annually awarded to college students who are currently majoring in broadcasting or communications at a college or university in…Show More

The KBA Harry Barfield Scholarship is annually awarded to college students who are currently majoring in broadcasting or communications at a college or university in…Show More

The KBA Harry Barfield Scholarship is annually awarded to college students who are currently majoring in broadcasting or communications at a college or university in Kentucky. The scholarships are awarded through a competitive application process which includes academic achievement, the recommendation of a faculty member, and extracurricular activities. Since the scholarship awards are renewable for a second year provided recipients continue to meet specified criteria, priority consideration will be given to students who are rising juniors. The scholarship is named in honor of Harry Barfield, the late chairman of the Kentucky Broadcasters Association and manager of WLEX-TV in Lexington. If you fit the scholarship criteria and would like to honor the legacy of Harry, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more.Show Less

4 awards worth $2,500
Deadline Apr 1, 2024
Grade Level College & Graduate Students
Get Started

$10,000 CollegeXpress Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by CollegeXpress

Easy Application
1 award worth $10,000
Deadline May 1, 2024
Grade Level High School Freshmen, Sophomores & Juniors

Offered by CollegeXpress

Easy Application

Annual $10k scholarship from CollegeXpress open to all high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors.

Annual $10k scholarship from CollegeXpress open to all high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors.

Annual $10k scholarship from CollegeXpress open to all high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors.

1 award worth $10,000
Deadline May 1, 2024
Grade Level High School Freshmen, Sophomores & Juniors
Apply

Women Leading Kentucky High School Senior Scholarship

Offered by Women Leading Kentucky

1 award worth $1,000 - $1,500
Deadline Apr 5, 2024
Grade Level High School Senior

Offered by Women Leading Kentucky

Are you a college-bound, female high school senior from Kentucky who will be attending an in-state university? If so, you may be eligible for the…Show More

Are you a college-bound, female high school senior from Kentucky who will be attending an in-state university? If so, you may be eligible for the…Show More

Are you a college-bound, female high school senior from Kentucky who will be attending an in-state university? If so, you may be eligible for the Women Leading Kentucky High School Senior Scholarship! Each year, the scholarship awards between $1,000 and $1,500 to one female undergraduate student who demonstrates exceptional leadership and will be attending a Kentucky college/university. If this sounds like a good opportunity for you, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more.Show Less

1 award worth $1,000 - $1,500
Deadline Apr 5, 2024
Grade Level High School Senior
Get Started

Jennifer Casey Alderman Legacy Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Twisted Pink

1 award worth $10,000
Deadline Apr 15, 2024
Grade Level College Students

Offered by Twisted Pink

The Jennifer Casey Alderman Legacy Scholarship Award is open to young adults who have lost a parent to metastatic breast cancer or have financial hardship…Show More

The Jennifer Casey Alderman Legacy Scholarship Award is open to young adults who have lost a parent to metastatic breast cancer or have financial hardship…Show More

The Jennifer Casey Alderman Legacy Scholarship Award is open to young adults who have lost a parent to metastatic breast cancer or have financial hardship due to a parent currently living with metastatic breast cancer who wishes to seek higher education as a post-high school graduate. At this time scholarship applications will be considered from individuals living in IN, KY, OH, or TN. To apply for the Jennifer Casey Alderman Legacy Scholarship, submit a written essay about the subject of your choice, no more than five pages in length. Applicants should include proof of nominee qualifications either in the form of an obituary, a copy of the death certificate, or a signed letter from the parents’ medical oncologist. Applications should be submitted to: Twisted Pink – Jennifer Casey Alderman Legacy Scholarship Award, 8016 Vinecrest Avenue #2, Louisville, KY 40222. Email applications can be sent to [email protected] with the Subject "Jennifer Casey Alderman Legacy Scholarship Award".Show Less

1 award worth $10,000
Deadline Apr 15, 2024
Grade Level College Students
Get Started

$1,000 Appily Easy College Money Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Appily

Easy Application
Monthly awards worth $1,000
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level High School Freshman, High School Sophomore, High School Junior, College Freshman & College Sophomore

Offered by Appily

Easy Application

This easy scholarship from Appily is open to U.S. high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, 2027) and college transfer students. One scholarship will be…Show More

This easy scholarship from Appily is open to U.S. high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, 2027) and college transfer students. One scholarship will be…Show More

This easy scholarship from Appily is open to U.S. high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, 2027) and college transfer students. One scholarship will be awarded each month.Show Less

Monthly awards worth $1,000
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level High School Freshman, High School Sophomore, High School Junior, College Freshman & College Sophomore
Apply

Steve Bayless Undergraduate Scholarship

Offered by Southeastern Theatre Conference

1 award worth $2,000
Deadline Apr 15, 2024
Grade Level High School Senior

Offered by Southeastern Theatre Conference

The Steve Bayless Undergraduate Scholarship is open to high school seniors who will be entering a college or university in the Southeastern Theater Conference (SETC)…Show More

The Steve Bayless Undergraduate Scholarship is open to high school seniors who will be entering a college or university in the Southeastern Theater Conference (SETC)…Show More

The Steve Bayless Undergraduate Scholarship is open to high school seniors who will be entering a college or university in the Southeastern Theater Conference (SETC) region to major in theater. The SETC region includes Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. If you're a college-bound student in the SETC region with a passion for theater, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more.Show Less

1 award worth $2,000
Deadline Apr 15, 2024
Grade Level High School Senior
Get Started

Kids’ Chance of Kentucky Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Kids’ Chance of Kentucky

Multiple awards worth Varies
Deadline Apr 15, 2024
Grade Level College & Graduate Students

Offered by Kids’ Chance of Kentucky

The Kids’ Chance of Kentucky Scholarship is annually awarded to college students who are the children of a Kentucky worker who has been seriously, catastrophically…Show More

The Kids’ Chance of Kentucky Scholarship is annually awarded to college students who are the children of a Kentucky worker who has been seriously, catastrophically…Show More

The Kids’ Chance of Kentucky Scholarship is annually awarded to college students who are the children of a Kentucky worker who has been seriously, catastrophically or fatally injured in a work related accident. Applicants must also be between the ages of 16 and 25 and demonstrate significant financial need. Recipients will be selected based on academic achievement, aptitude, and community service of applicants. If you fit these criteria and have lost a parent in a work-related incident in Kentucky, we are sorry for your loss, and encourage you to apply for this chance to earn funding towards your post-secondary education. Keep on reading to learn more.Show Less

Multiple awards worth Varies
Deadline Apr 15, 2024
Grade Level College & Graduate Students
Get Started

$5,000 Christian Connector Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Christian Connector

Easy Application
1 award worth $5,000
Deadline May 31, 2024
Grade Level High School Freshmen, Sophomores & Juniors

Offered by Christian Connector

Easy Application

Students applying to the $5,000 Christian Connector Scholarship must be current high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, or 2027) interested in attending a Christian…

Students applying to the $5,000 Christian Connector Scholarship must be current high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, or 2027) interested in attending a Christian…

Students applying to the $5,000 Christian Connector Scholarship must be current high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, or 2027) interested in attending a Christian university or college.

1 award worth $5,000
Deadline May 31, 2024
Grade Level High School Freshmen, Sophomores & Juniors
Apply

Elaine Chapin Memorial Scholarship Fund

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Elaine Chapin Memorial Scholarship Fund

Multiple awards worth up to $1,000
Deadline Apr 30, 2024
Grade Level College Students

Offered by Elaine Chapin Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Elaine Chapin Memorial Scholarship Fund honors the legacy of Elaine Chapin by providing financial support to students impacted by multiple sclerosis, whether directly or…Show More

The Elaine Chapin Memorial Scholarship Fund honors the legacy of Elaine Chapin by providing financial support to students impacted by multiple sclerosis, whether directly or…Show More

The Elaine Chapin Memorial Scholarship Fund honors the legacy of Elaine Chapin by providing financial support to students impacted by multiple sclerosis, whether directly or as a family member. Applications are accepted from November 1st to April 30th, with scholarships up to $1,000 awarded to deserving students. To be eligible, applicants must be US citizens who are currently or will soon be enrolled in an accredited college, university, vocational, or technical school within 300 miles of Elaine Chapin Memorial Scholarship Fund's St. Louis (Missouri) offices. Recipients will be chosen based on financial need, academic standing, and the impact of multiple sclerosis on their lives. If you're an eligible incoming or current post-secondary student whose life has been impacted by multiple sclerosis, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more.Show Less

Multiple awards worth up to $1,000
Deadline Apr 30, 2024
Grade Level College Students
Get Started
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How to win Kentucky scholarships

In order to win Kentucky scholarships, you should highlight your passions and the unique aspects of Kentucky as a state. By showcasing your genuine interests and enthusiasm, you can stand out from the competition and demonstrate your commitment to personal and professional growth. 

Kentucky boasts a rich cultural heritage, impressive natural landscapes, and a vibrant bluegrass music scene that is unlike any other state. Therefore, you should emphasize how your passions align with these unique characteristics, whether it’s through your involvement in local art, sports, or even playing the fiddle. By embracing your individuality and connecting it to the richness of Kentucky, you can make a compelling case for why you are deserving of a Kentucky scholarship. Celebrate your commitment to the “Bluegrass State” that you call home!

Resources for writing Kentucky scholarship essays

Winning Kentucky scholarships may require you to write an essay about yourself. Therefore, read over our Scholarships360 ultimate guide to finding and winning scholarships and our overview of common scholarship essay prompts to help ensure you are prepared to win Kentucky scholarships! Everything you need is at your fingertips with Scholarships360 from guides on how to start a scholarship essay to how to write a 500 word essay. Best of luck! 

Kentucky student debt snapshot

According to the Department of Education, Kentucky residents owe $19.7 billion in federal student loan debt, with students owing $32,779 on average (that does not include private loans). 51.4% of loan borrowers are under 35 years old. As you are starting your higher education journey, remember that scholarships allow students to take fewer loans. Be sure to apply to as many as you qualify for. 

Keep on reading to learn more about merit scholarships from colleges in Kentucky as well as top Kentucky scholarships!

Merit scholarships at Kentucky colleges and universities

Morehead State University

  • Eligibility: Based on academic achievement, including GPA, test scores, challenging coursework, leadership and service experiences, awards and recognitions, essay, sample of work and interview
  • Amount: Up to full cost of tuition 
  • Deadline: Mid-March

University of Louisville

  • Eligibility: Incoming first-years to University of Louisville with a 3.5+ GPA
  • Amount: $2,500 up to full tuition
  • Deadline: May 1 

University of Kentucky

  • Eligibility: Incoming first-years to University of Kentucky with a 3.0+ GPA
  • Amount: $2,500 up to full cost of tuition
  • Deadline: December 1

Asbury University 

  • Eligibility: Incoming first-years to Asbury University with  a 3.0+ GPA
  • Amount: $9,000 up to $15,000
  • Deadline: Admission to Asbury University

Murray State University

  • Eligibility: Incoming first-year students to Murray State University with a 2.75+ GPA
  • Amount: $1,000 up to $10,000 
  • Deadline: Admission to Murray State University

Transylvania University

  • Eligibility: Incoming students to Transylvania University with a 3.0+ GPA. Students eligible for Premier Scholarships are selected based on application materials, academics, essays, and an interview
  • Amount: $10,000 up to full tuition
  • Deadline: Considered upon admission to Transylvania University

Consider in-state tuition and tuition reciprocity

In-state tuition provides students with a lower cost compared to out-of-state tuition rates. Additionally, many universities and colleges reserve scholarships and financial aid for in-state students, which helps reduce the cost of attending college for those who live there.

Here are a few well-known Kentucky universities and their in-state vs out-of-state tuition costs: 

University of Kentucky

  • In-state tuition: $12,860
  • Out-of-state tuition: $32,276

University of Louisville

  • In-state tuition: $12,632
  • Out-of-state tuition: $28,978

Morehead State University

  • In-state tuition: $9,240
  • Out-of-state tuition: $13,966

How do you get in-state tuition? 

The University of Kentucky has stricter rules when it comes to obtaining residency status and in-state tuition. You will need to establish a domicile in Kentucky for one year prior to the beginning of your intended semester. However, during this domicile period you must be employed in the state of Kentucky for no less than 30 hours per week and full-time attendance at the school is not allowed during your domicile period. In addition, on-campus residence is not allowed. Be sure to double check with your intended Kentucky university what their specific requirements are for obtaining residency for tuition purposes. 

Does Kentucky have tuition reciprocity?

Yes, Kentucky is a member of the Academic Common Market’s Southern Regional Education Board tuition reciprocity agreement. In this agreement, Kentucky residents can attend a program at a fellow Southern states university for a discounted rate. However, the program they attend can not be offered by a Kentucky institution. 

Additionally, qualified Kentucky residents can attend certain colleges in Indiana, Ohio, and West Virginia for a reduced tuition rate. 

Additional Kentucky resources

Kentucky Goes to College

The Kentucky Goes to College website offers access to scholarship resources that enhance the college experience 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)

According to their website, KHEAA “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.

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.

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.

FAFSA Guide

On October 1st of every year, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opens nationwide. Florida students should complete the FAFSA as soon as possible to be eligible for federal student aid as well as some scholarships.

Frequently asked questions about Kentucky scholarships

Does Kentucky offer free college?

The state of Kentucky does not offer scholarships that cover the entire cost of college, but there are programs sponsored by the state that provide funds for college such as Kentucky Nursing Incentive Scholarship Fund.

Do I need to be a Kentucky resident to qualify for Kentucky scholarships?

Many Kentucky scholarships require that applicants be Kentucky residents or attend a Kentucky public university or college. However, there are some scholarships that are open to non-Kentucky residents as well. Ultimately, make sure you are researching your scholarships and ensuring you fit the eligibility criteria for them.

What GPA do you need to get a scholarship to the University of Kentucky?

Earning a scholarship to the University of Kentucky is quite competitive. Most students have a minimum test score of 31 ACT or 1390 SAT and a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.50. If applicants are going test-optional, they must have a minimum unweighted high school GPA of 4.0.

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