Scholarships for Kansas

Ruth Marie Park Scholarship Fund for Advancement in Healthcare

Due: 5/31/26 No min. GPA Required No Transcripts Required
Varies
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Ray, NORP, and Katie, WOKTE, Pautz Scholarship

Due: 12/30/26 No essay No Recommendations Required
$1,000
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Paul and Helen L. Grauer Scholarship

Due: 12/30/26 No essay No Recommendations Required
$1,000
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ARRL Foundation Inc. PHD Amateur Radio Association Scholarship

Due: 12/30/26 No essay No Recommendations Required
$1,000
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Kansas Federation of Republican Women Scholarship

Due: 2/15/27 No Recommendations Required No Transcripts Required
Varies
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Weigand Trust Scholarship

Due: 2/15/27 No essay No min. GPA Required
Varies
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American Legion Department of Kansas Music Committee Scholarship

Due: 2/15/27 No min. GPA Required
$1,000
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Florence Evelyn Westhoff Scholarship

Due: 2/15/27 No essay No Recommendations Required No min. GPA Required No Transcripts Required
Varies
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NIAF Norman R. Peterson Scholarship

Due: 3/1/27 No essay
$5,000
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Key things to know about Kansas scholarships

  • Kansas scholarships and grants can significantly reduce college costs. They can help lower tuition and reduce how much students may need to borrow or pay out of pocket.
  • Kansas students have access to several types of aid. Merit-based, need-based, and local scholarships can all play a role.
  • State financial aid programs are an important part of the picture. Kansas offers grants and scholarships through the Kansas Board of Regents.
  • You don’t need to be a straight-A student to win. Many scholarships consider need, background, or career goals—not just grades.
  • Combining state, school, and local scholarships can help maximize funding. Looking beyond one program can make college more affordable.

Paying for college can feel overwhelming. That’s why maximizing free money you don’t have to pay back—like scholarships and grants—should be part of your funding plan.

If you’re looking for Kansas scholarships, it helps to explore scholarships, grants, and school-based aid together—not just one option.

That effort can make a real difference. Sallie Mae’s How America Pays for College 2025 found that scholarships and grants covered 27% of college costs on average, and 75% of students who received a scholarship said it made college possible.

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What are Kansas scholarships?

Kansas scholarships are financial awards that help students pay for college, graduate school, or career training programs. These awards can come from colleges, state programs, nonprofits, employers, and community organizations.

Unlike student loans, scholarships don’t need to be repaid.

What scholarships are available for Kansas students?

Most students get the best results when they apply to multiple types of scholarships. In Kansas, scholarships typically fall into three main categories: state programs, institutional scholarships, and local awards.

State scholarships

These programs are funded by Kansas and often use information from the FAFSA® to determine eligibility.

Kansas State Scholarship

The Kansas State Scholarship is a merit-based program for students who meet academic requirements.

Kansas Ethnic Minority Scholarship

The Kansas Ethnic Minority Scholarship supports eligible students from underrepresented backgrounds.

Kansas Nursing Service Scholarship

The Kansas Nursing Service Scholarship helps students pursuing nursing and may include service requirements after graduation.

Local and community scholarships in Kansas

Local scholarships are often less competitive because they draw from smaller applicant pools. These may come from community foundations, nonprofits, employers, and civic organizations.

College and university scholarships in Kansas

Many Kansas colleges offer scholarships based on merit, need, or major. Some are automatic after admission, while others require separate applications. To compare schools and their average financial aid awards, use tools like Scout College Search.

More Kansas state financial aid programs

Kansas Board of Regents (KBOR)

The Kansas Board of Regents oversees many of the state’s financial aid programs, including grants and scholarships for Kansas residents.

Kansas Comprehensive Grant

The Kansas Comprehensive Grant is one of the state’s primary need-based programs. It helps eligible Kansas residents pay for college at participating institutions.

Scholly Scholarships

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Easily search through thousands of college scholarships based on your background, major, state you live in, and more.

Hot tip! Smaller scholarships may have less competition, increasing your odds of winning.

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How to find and apply for scholarships in Kansas

Finding and applying for scholarships in Kansas is easier when you break the process into clear steps and stay organized from the beginning.

  1. Gather key documents early
    Start by collecting materials you’ll use across multiple applications, such as your transcript, resume, list of activities, recommendations, and a basic personal statement. Having these ready will make it easier to apply consistently.
  2. Make a list of Kansas scholarships
    Create a list that includes state programs, college scholarships, and local opportunities. Be sure to include programs like the Kansas Board of Regents scholarships and grants, along with local community awards and institutional scholarships from colleges you’re considering.
  3. Submit the FAFSA® as early as possible
    Many Kansas scholarships and grants use FAFSA® information to determine eligibility. Filing early can help you qualify for more need-based aid. If you need help, check our FAFSA® guide.
  4. Use scholarship search tools
    Tools like Scholly® Scholarships can help you find opportunities that match your background, interests, and goals.
  5. Track deadlines and requirements
    Use a calendar, spreadsheet, or checklist to keep track of due dates, essays, recommendation letters, and required forms. Missing one requirement can disqualify your application.

For an easier starting point, many students begin with low-effort options like the $2,000 No Essay Scholarship or apply to multiple opportunities at once using Scholly® Easy Apply Scholarships.

How do I improve my chances of winning a scholarship?

  • Apply to a mix of scholarships.
    Combine large national awards with smaller local ones to improve your chances and total funding.
  • Tailor each application.
    Adjust your essays and materials so they clearly align with each scholarship’s goals.
  • Ask for recommendations early.
    Giving recommenders more time usually results in stronger, more thoughtful letters.
  • Stay organized and consistent.
    Track deadlines and complete applications regularly to avoid missing opportunities.
  • Submit the FAFSA® early.
    Filing early can help you qualify for more need-based scholarships and grants.

Who qualifies for Kansas scholarships?

Eligibility varies, but most programs consider:

  • Kansas residency
  • Enrollment at an eligible school
  • Academic achievement (for merit-based awards)
  • Financial need (for need-based aid)
  • FAFSA® completion

When should I apply for Kansas scholarships?

High school juniors and seniors
Start researching during junior year and apply throughout senior year.

Current college students
Continue applying each year for departmental, transfer, and local scholarships.

Additional ways to pay for college

Scholarships are only one part of the bigger funding plan. Kansas students may also use federal aid, grants, work-study, or borrowing to cover remaining costs. To build a broader plan, review the FAFSA® guide, explore more financial aid resources, and compare options for student loans if needed.

Your next steps

Paying for college in Kansas is more manageable when you take a proactive approach. Start by combining scholarships, grants, and other aid instead of relying on one source. A strong plan includes completing the FAFSA®, reviewing state programs, and applying to local and college-based scholarships throughout the year.

FAQs about Kansas scholarships

What scholarships are available in Kansas?

Kansas students may qualify for state financial aid programs, institutional scholarships from colleges, and local scholarships from community groups, foundations, and employers.

What is the Kansas Comprehensive Grant?

The Kansas Comprehensive Grant is a major need-based state aid program for eligible Kansas students attending participating in-state colleges.

Who qualifies for the Kansas State Scholarship?

The Kansas State Scholarship is generally meant for high-achieving Kansas students, but applicants should always confirm the current eligibility rules through official state sources.

How do I apply for Kansas financial aid?

Start by completing the FAFSA®, researching Kansas state programs, reviewing college scholarship pages, and applying for local awards that match your background and goals.

Are there full-ride scholarships in Kansas?

Some scholarships may cover a large share of costs, especially when combined with grants and institutional aid, but full-ride opportunities are limited and highly competitive.

When should I apply for scholarships in Kansas?

Students should begin researching during junior year of high school when possible and continue applying through senior year and college.

Can out-of-state students get Kansas scholarships?

Most Kansas state-funded programs require Kansas residency, but some college-specific or private scholarships may be available to nonresidents.

What is the Kansas Board of Regents (KBOR)?

The Kansas Board of Regents is the state body that oversees many Kansas public higher education institutions and administers several important state financial aid programs.

Need more money for college?

Private student loans can help you cover additional costs for school.

No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Odds of winning depend on number of entries received. See Official Rules and Entry Periods on each scholarship page.

FAFSA® is a registered service mark of U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Aid.