20 Great Scholarships in Kentucky

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Simply residing in the “Bluegrass State” qualifies you for countless scholarships in Kentucky to lower your out-of-pocket tuition costs.

Since becoming the Union’s 15th state in 1792, Kentucky has been a notable higher education hot spot for the Midwest. Kentucky houses 53 public and private universities within its borders to serve over 178,800 full-time students. From the immense University of Louisville to the itty-bitty Union College, Kentucky has a top-notch, diverse learning landscape. In particular, the University of Kentucky is ranked the 129th best college and 62nd top public school in America by the U.S. News.

Related: 20 Most Affordable College Towns in Kentucky

Whether you’re a native Kentuckian or migrating to the Upland South, consider the following scholarships in Kentucky.

Best Kentucky Scholarships Available

1. Anthony Muñoz Foundation Scholarships

Deadline: April 30th

Each year, the Anthony Muñoz Foundation awards seven $20,000 scholarships to graduating high school seniors from Greater Cincinnati. These include the counties of:

  • Boone
  • Campbell
  • Grant
  • Gallatin
  • Kenton
  • Pendleton

Eligible candidates must:

  • be accepted as freshmen at accredited Tri-State colleges
  • maintain a 2.5 GPA or higher
  • score at least 18 on the ACT
  • pursue an associate or bachelor’s degree full-time
  • exhibit financial need
  • have leadership roles in the community.
Contact

Anthony Muñoz Foundation Scholarships
8919 Rossash Road
Cincinnati, OH 45236
(513) 772-4900
cwillis@munozfoundation.org
Scholarship Link

2. Brice Simpson Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: March 11th

The Community Foundation of Louisville awards over $1 million annually with scholarships in Kentucky. These include the Brice Simpson Memorial Scholarship. It’s named for a courageous Air Force Lieutenant. The $6,000 award is available for Kentucky high school seniors who belong to a Junior ROTC unit. Eligibility criteria includes:

  • enrolling full-time at an accredited college
  • carrying an overall GPA of 2.5
  • having unmet financial need
  • proving leadership ability.
Contact

Brice Simpson Memorial Scholarship
325 West Main Street #1110
Louisville, KY 40202
(502) 585-4649
ebonyo@cflouisville.org
Scholarship Link

3. Coal County College Completion Scholarship

Deadline: May 1st

The Coal County College Completion Scholarship is administered by the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority. It awards up to $7,457 each year for residents in the Commonwealth’s coal-producing counties. Qualified applicants must:

  • be U.S. citizens
  • attend an in-state non-profit college at least half-time
  • have earned 60+ college credits
  • be pursuing their first bachelor’s degree
  • maintain satisfactory academic progress
  • have no previous financial obligations to the KHEAA.
Contact

Coal County College Completion Scholarship
P.O. Box 798
Frankfort, KY 40602
(502) 696-7442
studentaid@kheaa.com
Scholarship Link

4. Dr. Lois E. Layne Scholarship Award

Deadline: Varies

The Kentucky Association for Gerontology gifts the Dr. Louis E. Layne Scholarship Award yearly. The $1,000 award is for in-state undergraduate or graduate students pursuing degrees in:

  • gerontology
  • geriatrics
  • aging studies
  • related fields

Eligible nominees must:

  • attend a higher learning institution in Kentucky full-time
  • have high academic achievement
  • demonstrate leadership skills
  • show evidence of community service
  • exemplify integrity and selflessness for working with the elderly.
Contact

Dr. Lois E. Layne Scholarship Award
P.O. Box 557
Frankfort, KY 40602
(502) 266-6084
aieshaskinner@hotmail.com
Scholarship Link

5. Garden Club of Kentucky Scholarships

Deadline: March 1st

The Garden Club of Kentucky Scholarships provide financial aid to Kentucky residents enrolled full-time at in-state universities. The award is valued at $1,000, Students must be studying:

  • horticulture
  • forestry
  • botany
  • agronomy
  • landscape design
  • plant science
  • land management,
  • relevant majors.

To qualify, candidates must:

  • be pursuing an accredited degree-granting program
  • have at least junior standing
  • maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA
  • demonstrate financial need
  • have gardening experience
  • submit one letter of recommendation.
Contact

Garden Club of Kentucky Scholarships
1905 Port Royal Court
Lexington, KY 40504
(270) 781-5695
marthamorgan@twc.com
Scholarship Link

6. Harry Barfield KBA Scholarship Program

Deadline: April 24th

The Harry Barfield KBA Scholarship Program honors the late chairman for Lexington’s WLEX-TV. The Kentucky Broadcasters Association established the  scholarship. It grants six $2,500 scholarships in Kentucky each year. Successful applicants will be Commonwealth residents at an accredited Kentucky college. The must be majoring in:

  • broadcasting
  • journalism
  • communications

Funds are reserved for tuition and fees incurred while pursuing a career in television or radio broadcasting.

Contact

Harry Barfield KBA Scholarship Program
101 Enterprise Drive
Frankfort, KY 40601
(888) 843-5221
karen@kba.org
Scholarship Link

7. Horatio Alger Kentucky Scholarship

Deadline: October 25th

The Horatio Alger Kentucky Scholarship is funded by the Lift a Life Foundation. It presents $10,000 annually to 10 deserving high school seniors. They must  plan to pursue bachelor’s degrees full-time at accredited, non-profit colleges in the U.S. Qualified Kentuckians must:

  • have U.S. citizenship
  • achieve a minimum 2.0 GPA
  • have overcome adverse setbacks with perseverance
  • be actively involved in co-curricular activities
  • have an adjusted gross family income below $55,000 per year.
Contact

Horatio Alger Kentucky Scholarship
99 Canal Center Plaza #320
Alexandria, VA 22314
(844) 422-4200
scholarships@horatioalger.org
Scholarship Link

8. Isaac Murphy Horsemen’s Scholarship

Deadline: March 25th

The Isaac Murphy Horsemen’s Scholarship is sponsored by Team Valor International. It is granted by the Race for Education annually. It provides $5,000 to African American students who reside in or are attending college full-time in Kentucky. Eligible recipients must:

  • be 24 years old or younger
  • show commitment to an equine-related career
  • have a minimum 2.85 GPA
  • have an annual family income under $75,000 or be financially independent

There’s also a $500 4-H “Leg Up” Scholarship in Kentucky.

Contact

Isaac Murphy Horsemen’s Scholarship
1818 Versailles Road
Lexington, KY 40504
(859) 252-8648
info@raceforeducation.org
Scholarship Link

9. Jacqueline Bail Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: February 14th

The Kentucky Coalition of Nurse Practitioners and Nurse Midwives offers the Jacqueline Bail Memorial Scholarship annually for $1,500. It’s for registered nurses enrolling in an accredited MSN program. Aspiring APRNs must:

  • legally reside in Kentucky
  • have at least one semester remaining
  • carry a minimum 3.0 GPA
  • display financial need
  • plan to practice as nurse practitioners

Online applicants must write a 500-word essay titled “The Benefits of Belonging,” about the importance of NP organizations.

Contact

Jacqueline Bail Memorial Scholarship
1017 Ash Street
Louisville, KY 40217
(502) 333-0076
scholarships@kcnpnm.org
Scholarship Link

10. Jane Allen Newman Scholarships

Deadline: March 15th

The Jane Allen Newman Scholarships range from $1,000 to $2,000. They’re given annually by the Blue Grass Community Foundation. They’re for Kentucky high school seniors from the counties of:

  • Fayette
  • Harrison
  • Union

They must have significant financial need to afford attending college. Recipients can renew funds for four years if a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.0 is maintained.

Other BGCF scholarships in Kentucky include the Lewis Sexton Scholarship and Emma E. Buckley Scholarship.

Contact

Jane Allen Newman Scholarships
499 East High Street Suite 112
Lexington, KY 40507
(859) 225-3343
kbranham@bgcf.org
Scholarship Link

11. John and Sue Gompper Founders Scholarship

Deadline: April 26th

Since 2009, the Kentucky Youth Soccer Association has distributed the John and Sue Gompper Founders Scholarship. It’s a one-time $1,000 award for high school seniors who have participated in a youth soccer program. Eligible applicants must:

  • reside in Kentucky
  • be completing a college-prep curriculum
  • be accepted at an accredited U.S. institution
  • maintain a cumulative GPA above 3.0
  • demonstrate active community service.

Those signing to play Division I soccer cannot apply.

Contact

John and Sue Gompper Founders Scholarship
158 Constitution Street
Lexington, KY, 40507
(859) 268-1254
StanSizemore@kysoccer.net
Scholarship Link

12. Kentucky Minority Educator Recruitment Scholarship

Deadline: Varies

For $5,000, the KHEAA also awards the Kentucky Minority Educator Recruitment Scholarship annually. It’s racial minority students who are enrolling full-time in participating Kentucky colleges for a bachelor’s degree in education. Eligibility criteria mandates:

  • being a U.S. citizen
  • seeking initial state teacher certification
  • achieving a minimum 2.75 GPA
  • exhibiting professional capacity for leading elementary or secondary classrooms

Recipients must teach one semester in Kentucky per semester funded.

Contact

Kentucky Minority Educator Recruitment Scholarship
P.O. Box 798
Frankfort, KY 40602
(502) 696-7442
studentaid@kheaa.com
Scholarship Link

13. Kids’ Chance of Kentucky Scholarship

Deadline: April 15th or October 30th

Biannually, the Kids’ Chance of Kentucky Scholarship provides $1,500 to $3,000 to young adults. They must be between the ages of 16 and 25. They must be the natural and adopted children of Kentucky employees who were killed or permanently injured in compensable work-related accidents. Interested applicants must:

  • have substantial financial need
  • plan to enroll at two- or four-year colleges
  • exhibit academic achievement
  • be actively involved in community service.
Contact

Kids’ Chance of Kentucky Scholarship
P.O. Box 910234
Lexington, KY 40591
(859) 219-0194
info@kidschanceky.org
Scholarship Link

14. Marvin Dodson-Carl Perkins Scholarship

Deadline: December 31st

The Kentucky Education Association (KEA) sponsors the Marvin Dodson-Carl Perkins Scholarship. It  provides four $1,000 and four $500 awards to undergraduate or graduate student members. They must be pursuing first-time teaching endorsements at Kentucky colleges. To apply, future educators must:

  • attain at least junior standing
  • display involvement in the KEA student program
  • maintain a minimum B average
  • provide two reference letters
  • plan to teach full-time in Kentucky, especially rural communities.
Contact

Marvin Dodson-Carl Perkins Scholarship
401 Capital Avenue
Frankfort, KY 40601
(502) 875-2889
cmain@kea.org
Scholarship Link

15. NTA Pat and Jim Host Scholarship

Deadline: April 15th

Tourism Cares offers the NTA Pat and Jim Host Scholarship each year for $2,000. They’re for  permanent residents of Kentucky who are enrolled as full-time undergraduates and graduate students. They must be studying:

hospitality

travel management

tourism development

related fields

Eligible awardees must:

  • attend an accredited college in the United States or Canada
  • maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater
  • hold at least 30 college credits
  • display professional dedication to the travel industry.
Contact

NTA Pat and Jim Host Scholarship
275 Turnpike Street #307
Canton, MA 02021
(781) 821-5990
scholarships@tourismcares.org
Scholarship Link

16. Oren and Patty Justice Scholarship

Deadline: March 1st

The Oren and Patty Justice Scholarship was established by the Tri-State Foundation. It grants at least $1,000 to graduating high school seniors residing in Kentucky’s counties of:

  • Boyd
  • Carter
  • Elliott
  • Greenup
  • Lawrence

Successful candidates must:

  • be accepted at participating four-year colleges like the University of Kentucky
  • pursue majors in the sciences
  • display strong academic merit
  • possess unmet financial need
  • attach a counselor’s recommendation

Science education majors won’t be considered.

Contact

Oren and Patty Justice Scholarship
855 Central Avenue #300
Ashland, KY 41105
(606) 324-3888
info@tristatefoundation.org
Scholarship Link

17. Paul D. Everman Lifetime Learning Scholarship

Deadline: April 29th

The Kentucky Farm Bureau gifts the Paul D. Everman Lifetime Learning Scholarship for $3,000 annually. It’s for non-traditional adult students who are returning to any SACS-accredited Kentucky college to completiea bachelor’s degree. Eligible candidates must:

  • hold a high school diploma or GED certificate
  • be at least 23 years old
  • be KFB members for 2+ years carrying a minimum “C” average
  • maintain satisfactory degree progress
  • write a 300-word essay about their continuing education goals.
Contact

Paul D. Everman Lifetime Learning Scholarship
9201 Bunsen Parkway
Louisville, KY 40250
(502) 495-7781
Susan.Tanner@kyfb.com
Scholarship Link

18. Peggy Sherrell Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: June 3rd

The Peggy Sherrell Memorial Scholarship grants $1,000 through the Epilepsy Foundation of Kentuckiana. It’s for non-traditional students showing outstanding perseverance in eliminating college barriers after being diagnosed with epilepsy or seizure disorders. Applications are accepted from Kentucky residents, except those living in the counties of:

  • Boone
  • Campbell
  • Grant
  • Kenton

Eligible students must be currently under a physician’s care for anticonvulsant medications or other epilepsy treatments.

Contact

Peggy Sherrell Memorial Scholarship
982 Eastern Parkway
Louisville, KY 40217
(502) 637-4440
bstivers@efky.org
Scholarship Link

19. Tommy Thompson Scholarship Fund

Deadline: April 15th

The Home Builders Association of Kentucky sponsors the Tommy Thompson Scholarship Fund. It  awards $1,000 to graduating high school seniors who are pursuing housing-related majors, including:

  • architecture
  • construction management
  • real estate
  • government affairs

Future freshmen at accredited two- and four-year Kentucky colleges who are the children or grandchildren of the HBAK may apply. Applications require:

  • two recommendation letters
  • three semesters of transcripts
  • a 500-word career goals statement.
Contact

Tommy Thompson Scholarship Fund
1040 Burlington Lane
Frankfort, KY 40601
(800) 489-4225
lora@hbak.com
Scholarship Link

20. Vaughn Williamson Scholarship Program

Deadline: February 15th

The Kentucky Association Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) offers three annual scholarships in Kentucky, including the Vaughn Williamson Scholarship. Applicants must be active members. They must be pursuing degrees in family and consumer sciences at accredited four-year Kentucky colleges. They must have a scholastic standing above a 3.0 GPA. Selection is based upon a candidate’s:

  • community leadership
  • FCCLA contributions
  • personal character
  • academic merit
  • career dedication.
Contact

Vaughn Williamson Scholarship Program
2025 Capital Plaza Tower
Frankfort, KY 40601
(502) 564-3472 ext. 4223
Scholarship Link

According to the College Board, the average in-state tuition is $9,188 at public, four-year universities in Kentucky. Those graduating on time will spend approximately $36,752 on tuition, plus extra on room and board. Prices are even more astronomical at private colleges like Bellarmine University where tuition costs $48,058 per year!

Scholarships are essential to lower these expenses without being crushed with loan debt. Financially pave the pathway towards your degree by applying for these 20 great scholarships in Kentucky.

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