19 Scholarships to Help You Pay for School in Kansas for 2024
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 $11,166 per year while out-of-state tuition is more than double at $28,034 per year. Kansas State University isn’t much better, with an in-state tuition of $10,448 and an out-of-state tuition of $26,519.
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!
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!
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. Shamrock Cares Scholarship
The passion Shamrock holds for their community exceeds even the passion we have for providing top-of-the-line roofing services. The Shamrock Cares Scholarship is their unique way of giving back to Overland Park neighbors.
Amount: $1,000
Provider: Shamrock Roofing
Who Can Apply: Incoming college freshman
Requirements: (a) Resident of Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas, Missouri, or Texas (b) 2.5 minimum GPA
3. Kansas Association of Broadcasters Scholarships
The KAB will make available up to $20,000 annually in scholarship awards (for tuition and books) via their Kansas Association of Broadcasters Scholarships. Applicants determined to be the best candidates will receive a scholarship award without regard to their enrollment in a four-year or two-year college.
Amount: $20,000
Provider: Kansas Association of Broadcasters
Who Can Apply: Any current college or vocational student
Requirements: (1) Kansas resident, (2) 2.5 minimum GPA, (3) major in any of the following: Communication, Journalism, Radio, Television, or Digital Communications
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 Osteopathic Medical Service Scholarship
The Kansas Osteopathic Medical Service Scholarship is designed to encourage primary care physicians to establish practices in rural areas of Kansas. Recipients receive $20,000 per year for up to four years of study at nationally accredited osteopathic schools. Preference goes to first-year students.
Amount: $20,000
Provider: Kansas Board of Regents
Who Can Apply: Graduate or doctoral students
Requirements: (a) Resident of Kansas, (2) majoring in Medicine, (3) Committed to providing primary medical care in an underserved area in Kansas
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. The Wolfs Family Scholarship
The Wolfs Family Scholarship honors four engineers: Karl Wolfs, his daughter, Denise Wolfs, Karl’s brother John Wolfs, and John’s daughter Lorraine Wolfs Minderman.
Amount: $1,250
Provider: SWE
Who Can Apply: Females currently enrolled in college
Requirements: (a) Residents of Kansas, (2) SWE Collegiate membership, (3) majoring in some form of Engineering
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. Mary Alice Hartigan Scholarship for Nursing
The Mary Alice Hartigan Scholarship for Nursing provides financial support to individuals for healthcare education in the field of nursing and surgical services with an emphasis on surgical nursing. Created in 1999 to honor the late Mary Alice Hartigan, friends, family, and co-workers of Mrs. Hartigan partnered with Mosaic Life Care Foundation to establish this fund to serve as a tribute to her years of dedication to the profession of nursing and devotion to the field of surgical services.
Amount: Varies
Provider: Mosaic Life Care Foundation
Who Can Apply: Nursing students
Requirements: (a) Residents of Kansas, (b) minimum 2.5 GPA, (c) majoring in nursing
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 SeniorsRequirements: (a) Major in agronomy, (b) Attending the University of Kansas, (c) Junior or Senior status at the time of award
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.
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