Financial Aid in Kentucky (2026–27)
Your FAFSA deadline, Kentucky's grant programs, and how to get every dollar you qualify for: federal, state, and scholarships.
Kentucky FAFSA deadline for state aid
As soon as possible after the FAFSA opens. Awards are made while funds last.
The FAFSA for 2026–27 opened October 1, 2025; the federal deadline is June 30, 2027. State and school funds often run out well before deadlines, so file early either way.
Not sure what you'll get? Estimate your federal aid in 2 minutes
Kentucky grant programs
College Access Program (CAP) Grant
Kentucky's main need-based grant, claimed first-come, first-served. Early filers win.
Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship (KEES)
Merit money earned automatically for every year of good grades in a Kentucky high school.
Administered by Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority. Filing the FAFSA is how you're considered for most state programs.
Scholarships for Kentucky students
Grants and federal aid have income cutoffs. Scholarships don't, and they stack on top of everything above. Award Scholar matches Kentuckystudents with scholarships they actually qualify for (including state-specific awards) and writes the application essays. It's free.
Common questions
When is the FAFSA deadline in Kentucky?
For 2026–27 state aid: As soon as possible after the FAFSA opens. Awards are made while funds last. The federal FAFSA deadline is June 30, 2027, but state and school money often runs out far earlier, so file as soon as you can.
What grants does Kentucky offer?
College Access Program (CAP) Grant: Kentucky's main need-based grant, claimed first-come, first-served. Early filers win. Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship (KEES): Merit money earned automatically for every year of good grades in a Kentucky high school. You're considered for most of these automatically when you file the FAFSA as a Kentucky resident.
How do I apply for financial aid in Kentucky?
File the FAFSA at studentaid.gov. It covers federal aid (Pell Grants, loans, work-study) and is how Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority determines state awards. Then apply to scholarships separately; they stack on top of everything else.