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Scholarshipsand Grants

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Scholarships and Grants

KHEAA administers many of Kentucky’s financial aid programs. We gratefully acknowledge the Kentucky Lottery for its support and commitment to Kentucky students. Lottery proceeds fund millions annually in student financial aid awards, including the state’s need-based grant programs, the merit-based Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship (KEES) program, the Work Ready Kentucky program, the KY National Guard Tuition Award, and the KHEAA Teacher Scholarship.

KEES

The KEES program provides scholarships to Kentucky students who earn at least a 2.5 GPA each year they attend a certified Kentucky high school. The better they do in high school, the more they earn toward college. Students may also earn awards for ACT/SAT scores and Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB) or Cambridge Advanced International (CAI) test scores. Home school and GED graduates may earn awards based on their ACT scores.

Eligibility

Limits

    A student’s KEES award expires when the first of the following three conditions are met:
  • Eight (8) semesters of KEES funding has been used; or
  • Five (5) years have passed since high school graduation; or
  • Earning a bachelor’s degree.

Earning KEES

Base/GPA Awards

    To be eligible for a KEES yearly GPA award, a high school student must:
  • Be a U.S. citizen, national or permanent resident.
  • Be a Kentucky resident. You are eligible if your legal residence remains Kentucky while you attend the U.S. Congressional Page School or participate in an approved foreign educational exchange program. You are eligible if your parent or guardian maintains legal residence in Kentucky while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
  • Earn at least a 2.5 GPA in any year of high school while meeting the KEES curriculum requirements.
  • Attend and graduate from a certified Kentucky high school or other approved high school.
  • Not be a convicted felon.

For each year you earn a 2.5 or better GPA, you can earn the base amount listed in the chart. For instance, a high school freshman who earns a 3.5 GPA would have a $375 scholarship for each year of college. Amounts may change based on available funds.

GPA Amount
4.00 $500
3.90 $475
3.80 $450
3.75 $437
3.70 $425
3.60 $400
3.50 $375
3.40 $350
3.30 $325
3.25 $312
3.20 $300
3.10 $275
3.00 $250
2.90 $225
2.80 $200
2.75 $187
2.70 $175
2.60 $150
2.50 $125

ACT Bonus Awards

    To be eligible for a KEES ACT bonus award, a high school graduate must:
  • Achieve an ACT composite score of 15 or higher or an SAT equivalent score of 830 or higher (evidence-based reading/writing and math sections only). The highest score you make before you graduate from high school is used to calculate the amount.
  • Earn at least a 2.5 GPA in any year of high school while meeting the KEES curriculum requirements.

For example, a KEES-eligible student who has a score of 25 would earn an additional $393 for each year of college.

ACT Score Bonus
28+ $500
27 $464
26 $428
25 $393
24 $357
23 $321
22 $286
21 $250
20 $214
19 $179
18 $143
17 $107
16 $71
15 $36

Other Bonus Awards

    To be eligible for a KEES Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), or Cambridge Advanced International (CAI) award, a high school graduate must:
  • Be eligible for free or reduced-price lunch during any year of high school.
  • Earn a qualifying score on an AP/IB/CAI exam.
  • Earn at least a 2.5 GPA in any year of high school while meeting the KEES curriculum requirements.

There is no limit to the number of AP/IB/CAI supplemental awards a student can receive.

For example, a KEES eligible student who receives a score of 3 on an AP exam and is eligible for free or reduced-price lunch would earn an additional $200 for each year of college.

Advanced Placement
Exam Score Supplemental Amount
5 $300
4 $250
3 $200
International Baccalaureate
Exam Score Supplemental Amount
7 $300
6 $250
5 $200
Cambridge Advanced International
Exam Score Supplemental Amount
a*, a, b $300
c, d $250
e $200

Homeschool and GED Students

Students who either graduate from a Kentucky homeschool program, or other Kentucky non-certified school, or obtain a General Education Development (GED) diploma in Kentucky between the ages of 18 and 23, can earn a KEES award based solely on their highest ACT score achieved. Students in this category should contact the financial aid office at their Kentucky college or university to request their enrollment information be reported to KHEAA.

For example, a homeschool graduate who achieved an ACT score of 27 would have a KEES award of $464 each year of college.

ACT Score Bonus
28+ $500
27 $464
26 $428
25 $393
24 $357
23 $321
22 $286
21 $250
20 $214
19 $179
18 $143
17 $107
16 $71
15 $36

Using KEES

Out of State Use

KEES can be used in states other than Kentucky under certain conditions: 1) the student’s program of study (major) is not offered at any public college or university in Kentucky; and 2) the program of study is available at an institution that participates in the Academic Common Market (ACM) program that is administered by the Southern Region Education Board (SREB). The ACM is a partnership between states that are primarily located in the Southeastern region of the United States. States that are to Kentucky’s north, such as Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois do not participate in the ACM and are ineligible for KEES.

Kentucky residents who are interested in pursuing an undergraduate program through the ACM must apply and be approved by the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education. For additional information, visit the Council’s website at https://cpe.ky.gov/acm/.

Renewal Requirements

Students receiving KEES funds at a participating college or university must meet academic requirements to renew and keep their KEES award from one year to the next. Note, only the student’s status at the end of each spring term is accepted for the KEES renewal determination.

  • At the end of the student’s first year of college, the student must have a cumulative GPA of 2.50 or higher.
  • At the end of the second, third, or fourth year of college, the student must meet one of the following requirements for full KEES renewal:
    • Cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher; or
    • Cumulative GPA at or between 2.50 and 2.99, and be certified as on track to graduate by the college.
  • Award reduction
    • Students whose cumulative GPA is between 2.50 and 2.99, but do not have enough hours to be considered on track to graduate, will receive a 50% reduction in their KEES award amount if they were enrolled full-time (12 or more credit hours) during the prior year.
    • Students can regain their full KEES by raising their cumulative GPA and/or meeting their college’s on-track-to-graduate requirements.
  • Loss of award
    • Students who have a cumulative GPA below 2.50 at the end of the spring term, or do not meet any of the requirements for full or reduced KEES renewal, will lose their KEES award until they meet renewal requirements at the end of the next spring term.
    • Grades earned during a summer term cannot be used to renew KEES if the preceding spring term GPA was low.
    • It is the responsibility of the student to ensure their GPA is reported to KHEAA at the end of the next spring term to have their KEES reinstated. Students can contact kees@kheaa.com with questions about losing or regaining a KEES award.

Workforce Related Reimbursement Pathways

High school graduates participating in an eligible program may choose to request reimbursement of approved expenses from their KEES earnings instead of having funds sent directly to an eligible Kentucky college or university.

    The eligible programs are as follows:
  • A registered apprenticeship program that is approved through the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet
  • Enrollment in a qualified workforce program at an eligible proprietary institution
    • Program of study must be in one of Kentucky’s top high-demand work sectors – currently Advanced Manufacturing, Agriculture, Business / Information Technology, Construction, Healthcare, and Transportation / Logistics.
  • Enrollment at the Kentucky College of Art + Design
  • Enrollment in an approved KCTCS Workforce Solutions program
    To qualify for reimbursement, a person must:
  • Be a Kentucky high school graduate.
  • Have earned a KEES award that has not expired.
    • KEES is available for up to five (5) years from high school graduation, receipt of a bachelor’s degree, or scholarship receipt for eight (8) semesters, whichever comes first.
  • Be in one of the eligible programs mentioned above.
  • Complete the process to opt into reimbursement (see below).
    Approved expenses:
  • Items required for the graduate’s eligible program of study.
    • Those items include, but are not limited to, equipment, required tools, licensures, course materials, tuition and books, and uniforms.
  • Reimbursement for travel expenses may be requested, not to exceed $500 per year.
    Reimbursement amount:
  • The total reimbursed each year cannot exceed the total KEES earned during high school.
  • Reimbursement may be requested for up to four years, within the first five years following high school graduation.
    Opt-in process:
  • Complete a Reimbursement Pathway Selection Form and submit to KHEAA.
  • Note: a form is only required if a workforce related pathway participant wants to receive reimbursement. Nothing needs to be submitted if KEES funds are to be paid directly to an eligible Kentucky college or university.
    Reimbursement request process:
  • STEP 1: Pay workforce training and education related expenses out of pocket. Be sure to keep itemized receipts for proof of purchase.
  • STEP 2: Submit legible, itemized receipts and the request for reimbursement form to KHEAA.
    Reimbursement request deadline:
  • All requests for reimbursement from the period ranging from July 2023 to May 2024 must be submitted to KHEAA with a postmark dated on or before June 15, 2024.

Questions regarding the KEES Workforce Related Pathway Program should be sent to kees@kheaa.com.

KEES for Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary Programs

    Students with intellectual disabilities who are enrolled in a comprehensive transition and postsecondary (CTP) program at a Kentucky college or university are eligible for KEES CTP awards as follows:
  • $500 for enrollment in six (6) or more credit hours in an academic term; or
  • $250 for enrollment in less than six (6) credit hours in an academic term.

Qualifying students can receive a KEES CTP award in addition to any other KEES the student may have earned while attending a Kentucky high school.

CTP awards are good for eight (8) terms of receipt and are not subject to KEES renewal eligibility requirements.

For more information on CTP programs, visit the Kentucky Supported Higher Education Partnership.

Participating Institutions

Once a student graduates from a Kentucky high school, their total KEES earned while in high school (GPA awards plus any ACT bonus and AP/IB/CAI supplemental awards) becomes available for use at a participating Kentucky college or university. Kentucky residents who graduate from a home-school program and qualifying GED graduates are eligible for KEES based on their ACT score.

  • Alice Lloyd College
  • American National University *
  • Asbury University
  • Ashland Community and Technical College
  • ATA College
  • Beckfield College
  • Bellarmine University
  • Berea College
  • Big Sandy Community and Technical College
  • Bluegrass Community and Technical College
  • Brescia University
  • Campbellsville University
  • Centre College
  • Eastern Kentucky University
  • Elizabethtown Community and Technical College
  • Galen College of Nursing
  • Gateway Community and Technical College
  • Georgetown College
  • Hazard Community and Technical College
  • Henderson Community College
  • Hopkinsville Community College
  • Indiana Wesleyan University *
  • Jefferson Community and Technical College
  • Kentucky Christian University
  • Kentucky State University
  • Kentucky Wesleyan College
  • Lincoln Memorial University *
  • Lindsey Wilson College
  • Madisonville Community College
  • Maysville Community and Technical College
  • Midway University
  • Morehead State University
  • Murray State University
  • Northern Kentucky University
  • Northwood University *
  • Owensboro Community and Technical College
  • Simmons College of Kentucky
  • Somerset Community College
  • Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College
  • Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College
  • Spalding University
  • Sullivan University
  • Thomas More University
  • Transylvania University
  • Union College
  • University of Kentucky
  • University of Louisville
  • University of Pikeville
  • University of the Cumberlands
  • Western Kentucky University
  • West Kentucky Community and Technical College

* Available only at campuses located in Kentucky. For more information please email studentaid@kheaa.com.

The total earned prior to high school graduation is the amount available each year of college provided the student meets renewal eligibility requirements.

Students must be enrolled at least half time (6 credit hours or the equivalent at a quarter school) during the fall and/or spring terms to receive KEES.

Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship

The Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship (WRKS) helps Kentuckians who have not yet earned an associate’s degree obtain an industry-recognized certificate, diploma, or an associate of applied science degree. The WRKS program is available to college students.

Eligibility

Requirements

    To be eligible for WRKS, a college student must:
  • Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
  • Be a Kentucky resident.
  • Be a high school graduate or be enrolled in or have completed a General Educational Development (GED) Program.
  • Have not earned an associate’s or higher degree.
  • Be enrolled, or accepted for enrollment, at an eligible postsecondary institution in an approved program of study that leads to an industry recognized certificate or diploma or Associates of Applied Science (AAS) degree in a high-demand workforce sector or comprehensive transition and postsecondary (CTP) program.
    • Qualifying areas for the 2023-2024 year are currently Advanced Manufacturing, Business/Information Technology, Construction, Healthcare, and Transportation/Logistics.
  • Not be enrolled in an ineligible degree program, such as a bachelor or other associate program, at the same or any other institution.
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress as determined by the eligible postsecondary institution.
  • Not be in default on any Title IV program or KHEAA administered program.

Limits

    Eligibility expires when the first of the following conditions is met:
  • Receipt of scholarship funding for sixty (60) credit hours of enrollment; or
  • Receipt of a first associate’s degree

Approved Programs of Study

Academic programs of study that have been approved for WRKS are those that lead to an industry-recognized certificate, diploma, or Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in one of Kentucky’s top five high-demand workforce sectors — currently Advanced Manufacturing, Business/Information Technology, Construction, Healthcare, and Transportation/Logistics. View the complete listing of WRKS approved programs of study.

Starting with the 2022-2023 year, Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary (CTP) programs are also approved for the Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship. For more information on CTP programs, visit the Kentucky Supported Higher Education Partnership.

Application

    Subject to the availability of funds, award determinations are made on a first-come, first-served basis by WRKS application date.
  • The 2023-2024 Work Ready KY Scholarship application has closed as of December 1, 2023 due to the exhaustion of program funding. Scholarship award commitments for the fall 2023 and spring 2024 semesters will be honored for all eligible students who apply by December 1, 2023. However, no new applications for the 2023-2024 year are being accepted at this time.

    • Award Amount

    WRKS Calculation

    • The amount of WRKS scholarship a student can receive is the amount remaining after subtracting federal and state grants and scholarships from the tuition and fees assessed by the student’s eligible institution.
    • The maximum award amount shall not exceed the in-state tuition and fees rate for enrollment at the Kentucky Community and Technical College System.
    • The amount awarded for fees shall not exceed $400 per year.

    WRKS Award Estimator

    To get an estimate of how much Work Ready KY Scholarship you could be eligible to receive, enter your school cost, hours enrolled (or hours you’re planning to enroll), and your Federal and State grant and scholarship amounts where indicated below. If you are not eligible for the financial aid programs listed, enter zero (0) in the appropriate field(s).

    Note: The Work Ready KY Scholarship amount shown is only an estimate based on the information you provide. There is no guarantee of funding or eligibility. Actual scholarship amounts will be based on actual costs and aid amounts reported by your institution to KHEAA after the semester begins.

    School Cost and Enrollment

    $
    $

    Financial Aid

    $

    State Aid

    $
    $
    $
    Your WRKS Award estimate is:
    $0

    Participating Institutions

      The following Kentucky institutions currently offer approved programs of study for WRKS participation:
    • All campuses of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS)
    • American National University*
    • Campbellsville University
    • College for Technical Education - Lexington campus only
    • Eastern Kentucky University
    • Galen College of Nursing
    • Indiana Institute of Technology - Louisville campus only
    • Medical Career and Technical College
    • MedQuest College
    • Morehead State University
    • Murray State University - CTP programs only
    • Northern Kentucky University
    • Sullivan University
    • University of Kentucky
    • University of Louisville
    • University of the Cumberlands
    • Western Kentucky University

    * Available only at campuses located in Kentucky. For more information please email studentaid@kheaa.com.

    College Access Program Grant

    College Access Program (CAP) grants help Kentucky’s financially needy undergraduate students attend eligible public and private colleges and universities, trade schools, and technical colleges.

    Eligibility

    Requirements

      To be considered for a CAP grant, a student must:
    • Be a Kentucky resident.
    • Have financial need.
    • Attend an eligible college.
    • Have no past due financial obligations to KHEAA or to any Title IV program.
    • Be enrolled at least half-time in a program that is at least two years in length.

    Limits

      CAP eligibility is limited to:
    • Equivalent of full-time enrollment for four academic terms when enrolled in a two-year program of study.
    • Equivalent of full-time enrollment for eight academic terms when enrolled in a four-year program of study.

    Application

    To apply for CAP, students must complete the FAFSA for the school year they are needing financial aid.

    The FAFSA opens on October 1 each year. Students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible once the FAFSA is available.

    CAP grant funds are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis by FAFSA completion date.

    Award Amount

      The 2023-2024 CAP maximum award is as follows:
    • Up to $2,500 at a two-year institution.
    • Up to $5,300 at a four-year institution.

    Participating Institutions

    • Alice Lloyd College
    • American National University *
    • Asbury University
    • Ashland Community and Technical College
    • ATA College
    • Beckfield College
    • Bellarmine University
    • Berea College
    • Big Sandy Community and Technical College
    • Bluegrass Community and Technical College
    • Brescia University
    • Campbellsville University
    • Centre College
    • Eastern Kentucky University
    • Elizabethtown Community and Technical College
    • Galen College of Nursing
    • Gateway Community and Technical College
    • Georgetown College
    • Hazard Community and Technical College
    • Henderson Community College
    • Hopkinsville Community College
    • Indiana Wesleyan University *
    • Jefferson Community and Technical College
    • Kentucky Christian University
    • Kentucky State University
    • Kentucky Wesleyan College
    • Lincoln Memorial University *
    • Lindsey Wilson College
    • Madisonville Community College
    • Maysville Community and Technical College
    • Midway University
    • Morehead State University
    • Murray State University
    • Northern Kentucky University
    • Northwood University *
    • Owensboro Community and Technical College
    • Simmons College of Kentucky
    • Somerset Community College
    • Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College
    • Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College
    • Spalding University
    • Sullivan University
    • Thomas More University
    • Transylvania University
    • Union College
    • University of Kentucky
    • University of Louisville
    • University of Pikeville
    • University of the Cumberlands
    • Western Kentucky University
    • West Kentucky Community and Technical College

    * Available only at campuses located in Kentucky. For more information please email studentaid@kheaa.com.

    Dual Credit Scholarship

    The Dual Credit Scholarship helps Kentucky high school and home school students pay for dual credit classes at a participating Kentucky college or university.

    Eligibility

    Requirements

      To qualify for the Dual Credit Scholarship, a student must:
    • Be a Kentucky resident; and
    • Be enrolled in a Kentucky public or private high school, or Kentucky home school, in grades 11 or 12; and
    • Be enrolled, or approved for enrollment, in an approved dual credit class at a participating Kentucky college or university; and
    • Complete a 30-minute college success counseling session each year a scholarship is awarded.

    Application

    High School Students

      Kentucky public and private high school students:
    • The student’s high school will send information to KHEAA identifying the students taking dual credit. KHEAA will, in turn, contact students to obtain college and semester preferences for scholarship use.

    Home School Students

      Kentucky home school students:
    • Complete and submit the Dual Credit Scholarship Application.

    The 2023-2024 application period is closed. The 2024-2025 application will be available in July 2024.

    Award Amount

      The scholarship award is:
    • Equal to dual credit tuition amount charged by the participating college or university.
    • Limited to two General Education dual credit classes for the 2023-2024 year.
    • May not be used for developmental, remedial, repeated or audited classes.

    Scholarship funds will be disbursed by KHEAA to the student’s participating college upon receipt of enrollment data from the college. Students can view their scholarship activity on MyKHEAA.

    Counseling Video

    Participating Institutions

      Participating colleges and universities have agreed to:
    • Charge no more than the dual credit tuition ceiling rate, which is 1/2 of the KCTCS hourly tuition rate ($93 per credit hour for the 2023-2024 year), for all dual credit classes taken by Kentucky high school and home school students regardless of scholarship eligibility.
    • Charge no additional fees to dual credit students including, but not limited to, lab fees, special equipment and admission/application fees.
    • Alice Lloyd College
    • Asbury University
    • Ashland Community and Technical College
    • Bellarmine University
    • Big Sandy Community and Technical College
    • Bluegrass Community and Technical College
    • Brescia University
    • Campbellsville University
    • Eastern Kentucky University
    • Elizabethtown Community and Technical College
    • Gateway Community and Technical College
    • Hazard Community and Technical College
    • Henderson Community College
    • Hopkinsville Community College
    • Jefferson Community and Technical College
    • Kentucky Christian University
    • Kentucky State University
    • Kentucky Wesleyan College
    • Lindsey Wilson College
    • Madisonville Community College
    • Maysville Community and Technical College
    • Midway University
    • Morehead State University
    • Murray State University
    • Northern Kentucky University
    • Owensboro Community and Technical College
    • Simmons College of Kentucky
    • Somerset Community College
    • Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College
    • Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College
    • Spalding University
    • Thomas More University
    • Union College
    • University of Kentucky
    • University of Louisville
    • University of Pikeville
    • University of the Cumberlands
    • Western Kentucky University
    • West Kentucky Community and Technical College

    Work Ready Dual Credit Scholarship

    The Work Ready Dual Credit Scholarship helps Kentucky high school students pay for dual credit courses that are part of a Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathway approved by the Kentucky Department of Education.

    Eligibility

    Requirements

      To qualify for a Work Ready Dual Credit Scholarship, a student must:
    • Be a Kentucky resident.
    • Be enrolled in grades 9-12 at a Kentucky high school.
    • Be enrolled, or accepted for enrollment in, an approved dual credit course at an eligible institution.
      • Approved dual credit courses are limited to Career and Technical Education (CTE) coursework that is in a career pathway approved by the Kentucky Department of Education as leading to an industry-recognized credential.

    Limits

    The scholarship award is limited to two (2) approved Career and Technical Education dual credit courses per school year.

    Application

      To apply for a Work Ready Dual Credit scholarship:
    • Each participating Kentucky high school will send information to KHEAA identifying each student who is enrolled in Career and Technical Education pathway coursework. KHEAA will, in turn, create a scholarship link on each student’s MyKHEAA account. The student must then visit KHEAA.com and sign into MyKHEAA to access their scholarship link and submit their preferences for college choice and semester of scholarship use.
    • Funds are awarded on a first-come, first-served order based on the date students submit their scholarship preferences.
    • The deadline to submit a Work Ready Dual Credit scholarship request for the 2023-2024 year is March 1, 2024.

    Award Amount

    The scholarship amount is equal to the dual credit course amount charged by an eligible college or university.

    Scholarship funds will be disbursed by KHEAA to the student’s participating college upon receipt of enrollment data from the college. Students can view their scholarship activity on MyKHEAA.

    Participating Institutions

      Participating colleges and universities have agreed to:
    • Charge no more than the dual credit tuition ceiling rate, which is 1/2 of the KCTCS hourly tuition rate ($93 per credit hour for the 2023-2024 year), for all dual credit classes taken by Kentucky high school students regardless of scholarship eligibility.
    • Charge no additional fees to dual credit students including, but not limited to, lab fees, special equipment and admission/application fees.
    • Alice Lloyd College
    • Asbury University
    • Ashland Community and Technical College
    • Big Sandy Community and Technical College
    • Bluegrass Community and Technical College
    • Campbellsville University
    • Eastern Kentucky University
    • Elizabethtown Community and Technical College
    • Gateway Community and Technical College
    • Hazard Community and Technical College
    • Henderson Community College
    • Hopkinsville Community College
    • Jefferson Community and Technical College
    • Kentucky Christian University
    • Kentucky State University
    • Lindsey Wilson College
    • Madisonville Community College
    • Maysville Community and Technical College
    • Midway University
    • Morehead State University
    • Murray State University
    • Northern Kentucky University
    • Owensboro Community and Technical College
    • Simmons College of Kentucky
    • Somerset Community College
    • Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College
    • Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College
    • Spalding University
    • Thomas More University
    • Union College
    • University of Louisville
    • University of Pikeville
    • University of the Cumberlands
    • Western Kentucky University
    • West Kentucky Community and Technical College

    Early Childhood Development Scholarship

    The Early Childhood Development Scholarship helps Kentuckians who work in daycares and preschool settings earn credentials, certificates and degrees in the field of early childhood education.

    Eligibility

    Requirements

      To qualify for an Early Childhood Development Scholarship, a student must:
    • Be a Kentucky resident.
    • Be a U.S. citizen, national or permanent resident.
    • Be enrolled in a qualifying program of study at a participating institution pursuing one of the approved credentials.
    • Maintain satisfactory academic progress as determined by the student’s institution.
    • Be employed at least 20 hours weekly in a participating early childhood facility or be employed as a preschool associate teacher in a state-funded pre-school program.
    • Not be eligible for state or federal training funds through Head Start, a public preschool program, or First Steps.
    • Have no unpaid financial obligation to KHEAA or to any other Title IV program.
    • Agree to a service commitment based on the credential pursued.

    Approved Programs of Study

      The following programs of study (majors) have been approved for the Early Childhood Development Scholarship program:
    • Child Development Associate Credential
    • Associate’s degree in early childhood education
    • Bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary early childhood education or a related program approved by the Early Childhood Development Authority
    • Master’s degree in interdisciplinary early childhood education
    • Kentucky Early Childhood Development Director’s Certificate

    Application

      Students must complete two applications in order to be considered for an Early Childhood Development Scholarship:
    • FAFSA
    • Early Childhood Development Scholarship application - Available by signing in to MyKHEAA and then navigating to the "Apply Online for Scholarships" link

    Award Amount

    Up to full tuition and fees at a participating institution, not to exceed $6,606 per semester for the 2023-2024 year.

    Participating Institutions

    • Ashland Community and Technical College
    • Bluegrass Community and Technical College
    • Brescia University
    • Campbellsville University
    • Eastern Kentucky University
    • Elizabethtown Community and Technical College
    • Gateway Community and Technical College
    • Hazard Community and Technical College
    • Henderson Community College
    • Hopkinsville Community College
    • Jefferson Community and Technical College
    • Kentucky State University
    • Madisonville Community College
    • Maysville Community and Technical College
    • Morehead State University
    • Murray State University
    • Northern Kentucky University
    • Owensboro Community and Technical College
    • Simmons College of Kentucky
    • Somerset Community College
    • Sullivan University
    • University of Kentucky
    • University of Louisville
    • University of the Cumberlands
    • Western Kentucky University
    • West Kentucky Community and Technical College

    Kentucky Tuition Grant

    The Kentucky Tuition Grant (KTG) program provides need-based aid to help Kentucky residents attend an eligible private college or university in Kentucky.

    Eligibility

    Requirements

      To be considered for a KY Tuition Grant, a student must:
    • Be a Kentucky resident.
    • Have financial need.
      • The final determination of need is made by the college. Other scholarships and grants a student receives may reduce or eliminate financial need for this program.
    • Attend an eligible college.
    • Have no past due financial obligations to KHEAA or to any Title IV program.
    • Be enrolled full-time in an associate or bachelor’s degree program.

    Limits

      KTG eligibility is limited to:
    • Equivalent of full-time enrollment for four academic terms when enrolled in a two-year program of study.
    • Equivalent of full-time enrollment for eight academic terms when enrolled in a four-year program of study.

    Application

    To apply for KTG, students must complete the FAFSA for the school year they are needing financial aid.

    The FAFSA opens on October 1 each year. Students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible once the FAFSA is available.

    KTG funds are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis by FAFSA completion date.

    Award Amount

    The maximum KTG award is $3,300 for the 2023-2024 academic year.

    Participating Institutions

    • Alice Lloyd College
    • Asbury University
    • Bellarmine University
    • Berea College
    • Brescia University
    • Campbellsville University
    • Centre College
    • Galen College of Nursing
    • Georgetown College
    • Kentucky Christian University
    • Kentucky Wesleyan College
    • Lincoln Memorial University *
    • Lindsey Wilson College
    • Midway University
    • Simmons College of Kentucky
    • Spalding University
    • Sullivan University
    • Thomas More University
    • Transylvania University
    • Union College
    • University of Pikeville
    • University of the Cumberlands

    * Available only at campuses located in Kentucky. For more information please email studentaid@kheaa.com.

    Optometry Scholarship

    The Optometry Scholarship program provides eligible Kentucky residents the opportunity to attend a participating school of optometry to become certified practitioners that render medical service to the Commonwealth.

    Eligibility

    Requirements

      To be considered for an Optometry Scholarship, a student must:
    • Be a U.S. citizen.
    • Be a Kentucky resident.
    • Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment at a participating institution in a program of study that leads to a doctor of optometry degree.
      • A student may submit a scholarship application prior to being accepted for enrollment. However, it is recommended applicants take steps to be accepted at a participating institution prior to the December 1 deadline.
    • Have no past due financial obligations to KHEAA or to any Title IV program.

    Application

    Scholarship decisions have been finalized for the 2023-2024 year.

    The 2024-2025 year application and instructions are now available. The deadline to apply is December 1, 2023.

    Award Amount

    The Optometry Scholarship amount varies each year based on available funding. For the 2022-2023 year, the scholarship was $15,000 per recipient.

    Participating Institutions

      The institutions that are eligible for participation in the Optometry Scholarship program are as follows:
    • Kentucky College of Optometry
    • Indiana University College of Optometry
    • Southern College of Optometry
    • University of Alabama Birmingham College of Optometry

    Osteopathic Medicine Scholarship

    The Osteopathic Medicine Scholarship Program provides financial aid to Kentucky students pursuing a degree at the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine at the University of Pikeville.

    Eligibility

    Requirements

      To qualify for an Osteopathic Medicine Scholarship, a student must:
    • Be a U.S. citizen.
    • Be a Kentucky resident.
    • Practice one year in Kentucky in a qualifying field for each year the scholarship is received.
    • Repay the scholarship plus interest if student does not complete program or service requirement.

    Application

    To apply, contact Teresa Jones in the Office of Financial Aid, Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine, 147 Sycamore Street, Pikeville, KY 41501 or call 606-218-5407.

    Award Amount

    The Osteopathic Medicine Scholarship amount is equal to the difference between the average amount charged for in-state tuition at Kentucky medical schools and the tuition charged at the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine.

    Teacher Scholarship

    The Teacher Scholarship Program provides financial aid to Kentucky students pursuing teacher certification at participating Kentucky colleges.

    Eligibility

    Requirements

      To be considered for a Teacher Scholarship, a student must:
    • Be a U.S. citizen.
    • Be a Kentucky resident.
    • Meet one of the following criteria:
      • Be admitted to a teacher education program pursuing initial teacher certification at a participating Kentucky college; or
      • Be a certified teacher (primary through grade 12) pursuing additional certification for classroom teaching.
    • Demonstrate financial need.
    • Meet school’s satisfactory academic progress requirements.
    • Teach one semester at a Kentucky public or certified non-public school for each semester the scholarship is received.
    • Repay the scholarship plus interest if the teacher education program or service requirement is not completed.

    Application

      Students must complete two applications to be considered for a Teacher Scholarship.*
    • Complete the FAFSA.
    • Submit the Teacher Scholarship application. Log in to MyKHEAA to apply.

    The 2024-2025 Teacher Scholarship Application will be available in January 2024. The application deadline will be May 1, 2024.

    Award Amount

    The Teacher Scholarship award maximum is $3,000 per semester.

    Participating Institutions

    • Alice Lloyd College
    • Asbury University
    • Bellarmine University
    • Brescia University
    • Campbellsville University
    • Centre College
    • Eastern Kentucky University
    • Georgetown College
    • Kentucky Christian University
    • Kentucky State University
    • Kentucky Wesleyan College
    • Lindsey Wilson College
    • Midway University
    • Morehead State University
    • Murray State University
    • Northern Kentucky University
    • Spalding University
    • Thomas More University
    • Transylvania University
    • Union College
    • University of Kentucky
    • University of Louisville
    • University of Pikeville
    • University of the Cumberlands
    • Western Kentucky University

    Veterinary Contract Spaces

    The Veterinary Contract Spaces program, facilitated through the Southern Regional Education Board, helps Kentucky residents pursue veterinary medicine degrees at discounted tuition rates.

    Eligibility

    Requirements

      To be considered for the Veterinary Contract Spaces program, a student must:
    • Be a Kentucky resident.
    • Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment at a participating College of Veterinary Medicine and selected by the institution for participation in the program.

    Application

    To apply, upload a completed Veterinary Contract Spaces Program Application and Kentucky residency documentation to the Veterinary Contract Spaces portal on MyKHEAA. See the instructions for details.

    Award Amount

    The Veterinary Contract Spaces amount is up to the difference between the out-of-state and in-state tuition amount at a public participating institution or equivalent amount at a non-public participating institution.

    Subject to the availability of funds, 164 contract spaces seats will be awarded to Kentucky students each year.

    Participating Kentucky students maintaining continuous enrollment at the same participating institution may receive benefits up to eight (8) semesters.

    Participating Institutions

      Two postsecondary institutions participate in the Veterinary Contract Spaces program with Kentucky:
    • Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine
    • Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine

    Other Scholarship Searches

      Use your money to pay for college, not scholarship searches. Most information about scholarships is available for free. Scholarship search companies may charge hundreds, even thousands, of dollars to give you a list of scholarships. That’s money better spent paying for college. With a little detective work, you can find financial aid sources yourself. Here’s how:
    • Use the free Federal Student Aid Scholarship Search
    • Affording Higher Education to explore financial aid programs for Kentucky students.
    • Talk with your school counselor.
    • Talk with a financial aid advisor at the college you plan to attend.
    • Attend free financial aid workshops offered by your school and local colleges.