The Kansas Promise Scholarship is a state-funded program designed to help Kansas residents secure a debt-free education in high-demand fields. This scholarship program provides financial assistance for students pursuing specific two-year or technical programs. The goal of the scholarship is to build a skilled workforce for Kansas by covering educational costs for programs that lead directly to promising careers. It operates on a “last-dollar” basis, which means it covers any costs left after other federal and state grants have been applied.
This financial award makes technical and community college more accessible. These fully funded scholarships removes major financial barriers for talented students. By funding education in critical industries, Kansas strengthens its economy and provides residents with stable, well-paying jobs. Students who accept the scholarship agree to live and work in Kansas for two years after completing their program, directly contributing to the state’s workforce.
This guide provides all the necessary information about the Kansas Promise Scholarship. It outlines the eligibility criteria, application process, and benefits. You will find clear, factual details to help you secure funding for your education and career goals in Kansas.
Eligible Fields of Study
The Kansas Promise Scholarship targets four primary fields of study that are critical to the state’s economy. These fields offer high-wage, high-demand career paths for graduates.
- Information Technology and Security: This includes programs like cybersecurity, network administration, and software development.
- Mental and Physical Healthcare: This covers many healthcare-related programs, such as nursing (LPN & RN), respiratory therapy, and surgical technology.
- Advanced Manufacturing and Building Trades: This field includes programs for jobs like welding, construction management, and electrical technology.
- Early Childhood Education and Development: This supports students preparing for careers in teaching and caring for young children.
Additionally, each participating college has the option to designate one other program as Promise-eligible. You should check directly with your chosen institution for a complete list of its approved programs.
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Scholarship Coverage
The Kansas Promise Scholarship is a last-dollar award, meaning it covers educational costs not met by other non-repayable aid. The scholarship pays for tuition, required fees, books, and supplies. It does not provide a stipend for living expenses, such as housing or food. Scholarship funds are paid directly to the educational institution on behalf of the student.
The total award amount varies for each student. The scholarship committee calculates the final award after Pell Grants and other state grants are applied. The Promise Scholarship then covers the remaining balance for all required costs.
Scholarship Benefits
The primary benefit of the Kansas Promise Scholarship is the opportunity to earn a degree or certificate tuition-free. This significantly reduces the financial burden on students and allows them to enter the workforce without student loan debt.
There are three key benefits for recipients:
- Financial Freedom: Graduates can start their careers without the stress of repaying student loans.
- Career Pathway: The scholarship aligns students with high-demand industries, increasing their chances of securing a stable job immediately after graduation.
- State Investment: Recipients become part of a skilled workforce that directly supports and grows the Kansas economy.
Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
To secure funding from the Kansas Promise Scholarship, you must meet all eligibility criteria. There are four main requirements applicants must satisfy.
- Residency: You must be a U.S. citizen and a Kansas resident.
- Education History: You must meet one of the following conditions:
- Have graduated from a Kansas high school or received a GED within the last 12 months.
- Have been a Kansas resident for the preceding three consecutive years.
- Be a dependent of a military service member.
- Have been in the foster care system in Kansas at any time during grades 9-12.
- Household Income: Your family’s household income must not exceed a specific limit. The income cap is $100,000 for a family of one or two or $150,000 for a family of three. For families larger than three, the limit increases by $4,800 for each additional family member.
- Enrollment: You must be enrolled in at least six credit hours per semester in an eligible program at an approved Kansas college.
You must sign a legal agreement, if you are awarded the scholarship, to live and work in Kansas for two consecutive years after program completion.
How to Apply for the Kansas Promise Scholarship
To apply for the Kansas Promise Scholarship, you must complete three main steps before the deadline. The scholarship is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so early application is encouraged.
- Complete the FAFSA: The first step is to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This determines your eligibility for federal grants, which are applied before the Promise Scholarship.
- Apply to a College: You must be accepted into an eligible program at a participating Kansas community college, technical college, or Washburn Institute of Technology.
- Submit the State Application: After completing the FAFSA, you must submit the Kansas Promise Scholarship application, which is available online through the Kansas Board of Regents portal.
Deadlines vary by semester, so check the official website for the specific dates for the term you plan to enroll.
