Kentucky Scholarships

The Pikeville Medical Center and UPIKE Elliott School of Nursing Workforce Investment ADN Scholarship awards $24,700 per year for up to two years to Kentucky residents pursuing an Associate Degree in Nursing at the University of Pikeville. Eligible applicants need a minimum ACT composite of 21, demonstrated financial need, and strong interest in future employment at Pikeville Medical Center. Recipients sign a service agreement matching one year of PMC employment per academic year funded. Selected students must maintain a 2.75 cumulative GPA throughout enrollment. Submit the dedicated scholarship application on the UPIKE financial aid page.

The in-state Grawemeyer Scholarship at the University of Louisville is a mentored award for Kentucky residents with strong academic records and a passion for undergraduate research or creative activity. Ten students are selected annually for twenty-two thousand dollars per year. Applicants need a 3.5 weighted GPA, qualifying test scores, letters of recommendation, essays, a student-involvement resume, and acceptance into the University Honors Program. Recipients participate in civic and cultural engagement tied to the Grawemeyer Award program. The application deadline is December 1 through the UofL Gateway competitive and mentored scholarship process.

The Henry Vogt Scholarship is one of the University of Louisville's flagship competitive admissions awards for Kentucky and Southern Indiana residents. Approximately one hundred fifty Vogt Scholars are selected each year for a sixteen-thousand-dollar annual award. Eligible students must meet competitive scholarship criteria including a 3.5 weighted GPA and qualifying test scores, then complete the additional competitive scholarship application, student-involvement resume, and related materials in the UofL Gateway by December 1. The scholarship is renewable while recipients maintain program requirements. Students who qualify for the ten-thousand-dollar GSA, GSP, GSE, Gatton Academy, Craft Academy, or Rogers Scholars automatic award may also apply.

The Woodford R. Porter Scholarship at the University of Louisville recognizes Kentucky and Southern Indiana students who combine strong academic achievement with sustained community service and a commitment to inclusive leadership. Awards provide up to eight thousand dollars per year toward undergraduate costs. Applicants must be admitted to UofL, hold at least a 3.5 cumulative weighted GPA, and submit a scholarship application, student-involvement resume, and essay through the UofL Gateway by December 1. Awards are competitive, renewable, and open to all eligible students regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, or age.

The First-Time Freshman Cardinal Commitment Grant helps Kentucky resident students whose financial aid package still leaves a gap between scholarships, grants, and the cost of attendance after filing the FAFSA. Many non-Pell-eligible students receive two thousand to seven thousand dollars per year, identified and awarded automatically with no separate scholarship application. Recipients must be first-time freshmen accepted to UofL and enrolled full time. The award amount is locked based on the first-year offer and renews while eligibility requirements are met. Students must complete the FAFSA using UofL school code 001999.

Kentucky residents employed at least 20 hours weekly in a participating early childhood facility, or as a state-funded preschool associate teacher, who are pursuing approved early childhood credentials or degrees at participating Kentucky colleges may apply for KHEAA's Early Childhood Development Scholarship. Awards cover up to full tuition and fees, capped at $6,751 per semester. Eligible credentials include the Child Development Associate, associate's or bachelor's degrees in early childhood education, a master's in interdisciplinary early childhood education, or the Kentucky Early Childhood Development Director's Certificate. Recipients agree to a service commitment based on the credential pursued. Complete the FAFSA and MyKHEAA application.

Kentucky residents who demonstrate financial need and enroll at least half-time in an eligible Kentucky college program of at least two years in length may receive the College Access Program (CAP) Grant. Eligible schools include public and private colleges and universities, proprietary schools, and technical colleges. Awards pay up to $5,300 per year, depending on institution type and available funding. The number of awards varies; funding is first-come, first-served. Students who file the FAFSA are entered into consideration. No separate CAP application is described beyond the FAFSA and enrollment at an eligible school.

Actively practicing visual artists 18 and older who are legal U.S. residents and permanent residents of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, or Tennessee for at least two years may apply. Matriculated high school or fine-arts degree students are ineligible. Each of nine state fellows receives a $5,000 unrestricted award. Fellows then compete for the $25,000 Southern Prize or $10,000 finalist prize plus a Hambidge Center residency. Fellows must attend an awards ceremony and participate in a touring exhibition. Applications are submitted through South Arts' Salesforce portal with a $25 fee (waivers available), state ID, work samples, artist statement, and resume. The 2026 cycle closed March 18, 2026. South Arts is the regional arts organization for the nine-state American South, funded by state arts agencies and private foundations.

Trustees' Competitive Scholarships at the University of Louisville provide an enhancement of one thousand to five thousand dollars per year on top of admission-based Trustees' Scholarship eligibility for high-achieving Kentucky and Southern Indiana freshmen. Students must meet competitive scholarship academic thresholds, including a 3.5 weighted GPA and qualifying test scores, and submit the separate competitive scholarship application and student-involvement resume through the UofL Gateway by December 1. These awards recognize students with exceptional academic records who also compete for other UofL competitive programs. Awards are renewable and are not guaranteed; all competitive scholarships require the additional application materials beyond general admission.

The KY Governor's Scholarship at Northern Kentucky University recognizes Kentucky Governor's Scholars, School for the Arts, and School for Entrepreneurs participants who are first-time freshmen with a 3.5 or higher weighted high school GPA. This competitive award pays four thousand five hundred dollars per year. Kentucky residents only are eligible. Students are considered automatically when they apply for admission and submit qualifying credentials. The scholarship renews for up to eight consecutive fall and spring semesters while recipients remain full-time, meet satisfactory academic progress, and maintain the published cumulative GPA and twenty-four credit hours per academic year.