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19 Scholarships to Help You Pay for School in Kansas for 2022

LAST UPDATED Dec 20, 2023
Brittany Mailhot

Categories: State-Specific Scholarships

We know what you’re thinking…Topeka financial aid plan is tough! (Alright, no more puns, we promise). But in all seriousness, we bring local and statewide scholarships to you, like scholarships in Kansas, and show you where to fill out your applications for a hassle-free experience.

The University of Kansas, Kansas State University, and Wichita State are just a few of the schools that draw students to the Sunflower State. For its residents, the cost of tuition is among the most affordable in the country, but non-residents can expect to pay a hefty fee for their education.

In fact, the cost of in-state tuition for the University of Kansas is a modest $9,579 per year while out-of-state tuition is more than double at $24,962 per year. Kansas State University isn’t much better, with an in-state tuition of $8,655 and an out-of-state tuition of $21,759.

Fortunately, though, a wide range of scholarships are available for students studying in a number of fields or coming from various backgrounds. Scholarships range from a few hundred dollars to full tuition and can make the cost of attending school much more reasonable!

Kansas City Skyline

Benefits of Scholarships in Kansas & How to Apply

Perhaps the largest benefit of applying for scholarships is that the money never needs to be paid back. That’s right, it’s basically the same as someone handing you a check with no strings attached (although applying does require some effort). Not to mention, scholarships come in all shapes and sizes, meaning that there’s a scholarship for you whether you’re a transfer student, an amateur photographer, or a golf champion.

The best place to start is Going Merry! We match you with the scholarships you qualify for to save you time and effort. The next step is to speak with your high school guidance office or college financial aid office. They’ll have plenty of info on local scholarships and awards that you qualify for.

If you’d like more information on the scholarship process and what you’ll need to apply, head on over to our step-by-step guide on applying for scholarships. If you’re short on time, some scholarship contests only require your name and email to enter!

Now that you’ve got all the info, check out our list of 19 super helpful scholarships in Kansas below. Going Merry is in the process of adding all of these to our page. Feel free to let us know which ones we should add first or if there are any others you’d like to see. We’d love to hear from you!

Student on computer looking for scholarships in Kansas

Scholarships in Kansas

1. J. L. Cleland GLBT Non-Discrimination Scholarship

The J.L. Cleland GLBT Non-Discrimination Scholarship was established to provide a scholarship to ultimately play a part in reducing and eliminating hatred, bullying, discrimination, bigotry, and violence against gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender persons.

Amount: Up to $7,500

Provider: The University of Kansas

Who Can Apply: High School Seniors

Requirements: (a) Resident of Kansas, (b) Demonstrates support for GLBT persons, (c) Students who have experienced some form of bullying because they identify as GLBT, and/or people who have experienced bullying because they support the GLBT community, (d) Resume

2. “Yes for Liberty” Constitution Bee Scholarship

The “YES for Liberty” Constitution Bee Scholarship is designed to encourage the study and knowledge of the Constitution and founding principles by establishing a powerful incentive for students in the form of a scholarship for further education. This is accomplished through an annual Constitution Bee.

Amount: Up to $3,500

Provider: Constitution Bee

Who Can Apply: High School Students

Requirements: (a) Resident of Kansas, (b) Planning to attend either an accredited or approved (by the board of directors) two or four-year public/private university or a vocational, technical, or trade school within the United States

3. Legacy Aviation Scholarship

Legacy Aviation LLC is a brand new aviation business that wants to help others reach their goals in aviation. As a veteran and current helicopter pilot-owned business, we are well aware of the exponential cost of pursuing a career in aviation. We want to help students pursue their dreams of an aviation career with the Legacy Aviation Scholarship.

Amount: Up to $500

Provider: Legacy Aviation LLC

Who Can Apply: High School Seniors

Requirements: (a) Resident of Kansas City, (b) Unweighted GPA greater than or equal to 3.0, (c) Plans to attend a university or other flight program to become an aviator, (d) Letter of recommendation, (e) Transcript

4. The Rudd Scholarship

The Rudd Scholarship helps make paying for college easier by paying for everything for you! After taking other grants and financial aid into account, the Rudd Scholarship will pick up the rest of the bill. This Kansas scholarship aims to promote education and keep talented individuals working within the state in order to boost business ownership, community leadership, and more. Students at Emporia State University, Wichita State University, and Fort Hays State University are eligible to apply, regardless of major.

Amount: Full Tuition over 4 years

Provider: The Rudd Foundation

Who Can Apply: High School Seniors

Requirements: (a) U.S. citizen or permanent resident, (b) Residency in Kansas, (c) Minimum GPA of 3.0, (d) Full-time student status, (e) Eligible for a Pell grant, (f) Enrollment in one of the universities listed above

5. Dan L. Meisinger Sr. Memorial Learn to Fly Scholarship

The Dan L. Meisinger Sr. Memorial Learn to Fly Scholarship was founded in memory of Dan L. Meisinger, who is remembered for his 63-year aviation career. The scholarship provides $2,500 per year for annual flight training. Your chances are higher if you’re recommended by an aviation professional, but direct applications are also welcome.

Amount: $2,500

Provider: National Air Transportation Association (NATA)

Who Can Apply: College Freshmen, College Sophomores, College Juniors

Requirements: (a) Minimum “B” average, (b) Current enrollment in an aviation program, (c) Residency in Kansas, Missouri, or Illinois

6. Kansas Financial Scholars Essay Scholarship

In partnership with the State Bank Commissioner (SBC) and the Kansas Insurance Department, the Kansas Securities Commissioner (KSC) offers varying scholarships to students who have a talent for writing. If you have a knack for making lyrical prose flow from the tip of any pen, you could end up saving anywhere from $500 to $2,500 on your tuition bill by applying for the Kansas Financial Scholars Essay Scholarship.

Amount: $500 to $2,500

Provider: Kansas Securities Commissioner (KSC)

Who Can Apply: High School Seniors

Requirements: (a) Residency in Kansas, (b) Response to the essay prompt.

7. Kansas Ethnic Minority Scholarship

In an effort to promote diversity and education, the Kansas Board of Regents grants up to $1,850 per year to African American, Alaskan Native, American Indian, Asian, Pacific Islander, or Hispanic students with the Ethnic Minority Scholarship. Candidates should express a financial needs and demonstrate academic achievement.

Amount: Up to $1,850

Provider: Kansas Board of Regents

Who Can Apply: High School Seniors

Requirements: (a) Academic achievement, (b) Full-time student status, (c) Enrollment in a Kansas community college or four-year university

8. Kansas Seed Industry Association Scholarship

Supporting the state’s agriculture industry, the Kansas Seed Industry Association awards scholarships each year. Students who are majoring in Agronomy, Ag Education, Ag Business/Econ, Ag Communications, Food Science, Grain Milling, Horticulture, or a related field can apply for the Seed Industry Association Scholarship.

Amount: $1,000

Provider: Kansas Seed Industry Association

Who Can Apply: High School Seniors, College Freshmen, College Sophomores, College Juniors

Requirements: (a) Intention to major in one of the areas listed above, (b) Plan to attend a college of university in Kansas

9. Kansas Nursing Service Scholarship

This is one of the more involved scholarships on our list but a fantastic option if you’re planning to study nursing and work in Kansas after graduation. Applicants must find a sponsor who will fund anywhere from $1,000 to one half of the scholarship and the Kansas Board of Regents funds the rest. After graduation, the applicant has to commit to one year of work with their sponsor for each year that they received the scholarship. Both LPN and RN programs are eligible for the Nursing Service Scholarship, but pre-nursing programs are not.

Amount: $2,500 for LPN programs and $3,500 for RN programs

Provider: Kansas Board of Regents + Private Sponsor

Who Can Apply: High School Seniors, College Freshmen, College Sophomores, College Juniors

Requirements: (a) Acceptance into Kansas nursing program (pre-nursing not eligible), (b) Commitment from sponsor to fund at least half of scholarship, (c) Commitment to work full-time with sponsor within six months of licensure

10. Kansas Teacher Service Scholarship

Kansas shows its support for teachers by offering the Teacher Service Scholarship each year. Both students pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in teaching AND licensed teachers pursuing a Master’s degree in a hard-to-fill discipline are eligible. Students and teachers who commit to working in an underserved community within the state can also apply. Winners have to commit to one year of work in Kansas for each year that they receive the scholarship.

Amount: Up to $5,514

Provider: Kansas Board of Regents

Who Can Apply: High School Seniors, College Freshmen, College Sophomores, College Juniors, College Seniors, Graduate Students, Certified Teachers

Requirements: (a) Academic achievement, (b) Residency in Kansas, (c) Enrollment in a program that grants teaching licensure OR certified teacher pursuing a Master’s degree in a hard-to-fill discipline, (d) Commitment to teaching in Kansas for each year the scholarship is received

11. Tortoise Young Entrepreneur Scholarship

If you were creating inventions from a young age and love crafting new ideas, the Tortoise Young Entrepreneur Scholarship is calling your name! Tortoise awards scholarships in Kansas ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 to students who have either started their own business or have created detailed plans and have the urge to take action.

Amount: $1,000 to $3,000

Provider: Tortoise

Who Can Apply: High School Seniors, College Freshmen, College Sophomores, College Juniors

Requirements: (a) Kansas resident who is enrolled or plans to enroll in full-time Bachelor’s degree program OR non-resident planning to enroll or enrolled in a full-time Bachelor’s degree program at a Kansas or Missouri university, (b) Minimum GPA of 3.3, (c) Minimum ACT score of 24 or SAT score of 1680, (d) entrepreneurial success

12. Kansas Initiative for New Dentists Scholarship

Even rural communities need dentists…and Kansas knows it! That’s why the Initiative for New Dentists Scholarship in Kansas can help you cut up to $25,000 per year off your tuition bill (that’s not so bad if you ask us). Recipients are required to work in a rural Kansas community for a predetermined amount of time in order to receive this award.

Amount: Up to $25,000 per year

Provider: Kansas Dental Association (KDA), Kansas Dental Charitable Foundation (KDCF), and Delta Dental of Kansas

Who Can Apply: High School Seniors, College Freshmen, College Sophomores, College Juniors

Requirements: (a) Commitment to providing dental care in a rural area as a KanCare provider, (b) Letter of interest, (c) Three Letters of Recommendation, (d) Resume, (e) Licensure or plans for licensure

13. Nolan Moore Foundation Scholarship

While it may be a very specific major, print technology and/or management seems a whole lot more appealing when it comes with a discount! In honor of the late Nolan Moore, the former executive of PIA-Texas, PIA MidAmerica is offering the Nolan Moore Foundation Scholarship which offers between $500 and $2,500 to students in Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and Missouri who decide to major in this niche field.

Amount: $500 to $2,500

Provider: PIA MidAmerica

Who Can Apply: High School Seniors, College Freshmen, College Sophomores, College Juniors

Requirements: (a) Enrollment in a printing management or technology program, (b) Residency in Kansas, Texas, Missouri, or Oklahoma

14. KASF Scholarship – Midwestern Regional Chapter

The Korean American Scholarship Foundation offers awards to both U.S. citizens and foreign students in any Midwestern state (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin). Any major can apply!

Amount: Varies

Provider: Korean American Scholarship Foundation

Who Can Apply: High School Sophomores, High School Juniors, High School Seniors, College Freshmen, College Sophomores, College Juniors, College Seniors, Graduate Students

Requirements: (a) Residency in a Midwestern state, (b) Minimum GPA of 3.0, (c) Financial need

15. Young Women In Public Affairs (YWPA) Scholarship

With the intention of supporting strong and successful women, the Zonta Club of Johnson County, Kansas awards a $1,000 YWPA Scholarship to an eligible candidate. Applicants should demonstrate experience with volunteerism and volunteer leadership, participation in local or student government, knowledge of Zonta International, and an interest in advocating for the organization’s mission of moving women forward all over the world.

Amount: $1,000

Provider: Zonta Club of Johnson County, Kansas

Who Can Apply: High School Seniors

Requirements: (a) Be a high school senior between 16 and 19 years of age, (b) Plan to attend an accredited college or university in the USA, (c) Residency in Johnson County, Kansas or a surrounding Kansas county

16. Kansas Career Technical Workforce Grant

A four-year education isn’t for everyone and technical careers play a major role in moving our society forward. With that in mind, the Kansas Board of Regents awards up to $1,000 per year to a candidate pursuing a technical career in a high-demand employment field. Applicants for the Technical Workforce Grant should have an interest in using their skills to better the state of Kansas.

Amount: Up to $1,000 per year

Provider: Kansas Board of Regents

Who Can Apply: High School Seniors, GED Graduates, or Home School Graduates

Requirements: (a) Residency in Kansas, (b) Enrollment in an eligible technical career program

17. Kansas Military Service Scholarship

Serving in the military is no easy task and, because of that, paying for school should be a little easier. Aspiring students who served overseas after September 11th, 2001, and received hostile fire pay can apply for the Military Service Scholarship. Applicants must be planning to attend one of the six state universities, Washburn University, a Kansas community college, or a technical school within the state.

Amount: Varies

Provider: Kansas Board of Regents

Who Can Apply: Active and/or Honorably Discharged Military Members who served after September 11th, 2001

Requirements: (a) Residency in Kansas, (b) Good academic standing, (c) Enrollment in a minimum of six hours each semester

18. Kansas Junior Golf Scholarship

Kansas seniors who love spending their extra time on the putting green can now be rewarded with the Junior Golf Scholarship from the Kansas Golf Foundation. Show your love for the game and earn money for school at the same time!

Amount: Varies

Provider: Kansas Golf Foundation

Who Can Apply: High School Seniors

Requirements: (a) Residency in Kansas, (b) Interest and history of participation in golf, (c) Financial need, (d) Letters of Recommendation

19. KARA Scholarship

KARA, an organization that supports the plant and crop protection industry, awards scholarships through the KARA Scholarship in Kansas each year to agronomy majors at the University of Kansas. Juniors and seniors are given preference but all years can apply.

Amount: $1,500

Provider: KARA & the University of Kansas

Who Can Apply: College Sophomores, College Juniors, College Seniors

Requirements: (a) Major in agronomy, (b) Attending the University of Kansas, (c) Junior or Senior status at the time of award

Flower field

Still need help with financial aid and college scholarships?

We get it. Financing college tuition can be quite a challenge. That’s why we’ve got all the resources for you. Start with this article on everything you need to know about college financial aid.

Then, submit your FAFSA form as soon as possible since this will help determine what financial aid you might qualify for. Need more info about the FAFSA? We’ve got you covered there too.

Next, put on your favorite Kansas-pride hat, and check out these state-specific, Kansas scholarship options:

Finally, complete your checklist by creating a free Going Merry profile, to access our exclusive library of hundreds of thousands of scholarships.

At Going Merry, we make finding and applying for scholarships easy. You’ll be matched with the scholarships you’re eligible for, save your favorite scholarships, and then apply for those scholarships. Get started today. Sign up here.

Brittany Mailhot
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