The Best Scholarships in Kansas

Kansas may be famous for its sunflowers, but it also has some of the top colleges in the country! Kansas students have plenty of options when it comes to colleges, universities, and technical schools, but those come at a price.  With over 250,000 Kansas students entering a college, university, or technical school in 2019, scholarships are more competitive than ever. The average price of in-state tuition is over $11,000, with the most expensive school costing over $30,000. No matter your plans after graduation, if you are continuing your education, you will probably need some help to pay for it. Scholarships allow you to fund your tuition and graduate with little or no debt! Read on to learn about the best scholarships for Kansas students.

Scholarships may be competitive, but with a little work, you can find one that is the perfect fit. This list tells you all about general Kansas grants for college, university of Kansas scholarships, and even local scholarships in Kansas City! You can also learn about field-specific scholarships for Kansas scholars. Wherever you plan to continue your education as a Kansas student, there is a scholarship for you!

Looking for scholarships in another state? Check out our other scholarship lists here.

This post is part of our Ultimate FAQ for Applying to Scholarships.

The Best Scholarships in Kansas for High Achieving Students

1. Tortoise Young Entrepreneurs Scholarship

• Description: The Tortoise Young Entrepreneurs Scholarship awards tuition scholarships to Kansas students attending a Kansas college or university with excellent grades, test scores, and community involvement.
• Amount: $3,000
• Requirements: Students must be a legal Kansas resident entering or attending a Kansas college or university. Students must have achieved at least a 3.3 GPA, and a minimum of 24 on the ACT or 1680 on the SAT. Students must also demonstrate community involvement and future potential.
• How to Apply: Students must submit transcripts, personal statements, test scores, and letters of recommendation to Tortoise Advisors by May 1^st. Application materials and more information can be found on the Tortoise Advisors website.

2. Wichita State University Freshman Merit Scholarship

• Description: Wichita State University offers incoming students with high grades, test scores, and class ranking a significant tuition scholarship. The award can be renewed for up to four years, and is available to both incoming first year students and transfer.
• Amount: Award varies
• Requirements: Students must be accepted to Wichita State University, with a GPA of at least 3.25, ACT score of 22 or SAT score of 1100, and be ranked in the top fifty percent of their class. Students must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress for award renewal each year.
• How to Apply: Students must submit the FAFSA and will be notified of eligibility by the Wichita State Office of Financial Aid at time of acceptance. More information can be found on the Wichita State University website.

3. Jubilee Scholarship

• Description: The Jubilee scholarship is offered to Kansas students accepted to University of Saint Mary who demonstrate academic achievement and excellent test scores. The scholarship is renewable up to four years and includes college expenses such a room, board, and books.
• Amount: Cost of tuition
• Requirements: Students must be accepted to the University of Saint Mary, with a GPA of at least 3.7, ACT score of 26, and be ranked in the top ten percent of their class. Students must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress for award renewal each year.
• How to Apply: Students must submit the FAFSA and State of Kansas Student Aid Application at time of application. Students will be notified of their eligibility for the award at time of acceptance. More information can be found on the University of Saint Mary website.

4. Fort Hays State University Freshman Academic Awards

• Description: These renewable scholarships available to freshman entering Fort Hays State University are available to incoming students who have demonstrated academic achievement and high test scores.
• Amount: Award varies
• Requirements: Students must have submitted SAT or ACT scores to Fort Hays State University at time of application to be considered. Students must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress to be considered for award renewal each year.
• How to Apply: Students must submit FAFSA, State of Kansas Student Aid Application, and test scores at time of application. Scores must be received before June 1^st. Students will be notified of eligibility at time of acceptance. More information can be found on the Fort Hays State University Office of Financial Aid website.

The Best Scholarships in Kansas for Minorities or Underrepresented Groups

1. Gregory Fleming Memorial Scholarship

• Description: The Gregory Fleming Memorial Scholarship supports students who have faced adverse circumstances in their youth and interested in pursuing higher education. This scholarship rewards students who have overcome challenges and want to give back to their community.
• Amount: $500
• Requirements: Students must be a legal Kansas resident who has overcome a challenge based on socioeconomic status, race, academic circumstances, or other social or cultural factor. Student must have demonstrated commitment to community service and plan to attend a Kansas institution of higher learning.
• How to Apply: Students must complete the application, including transcripts and personal essays, by the mid-March deadline. Application and scholarship information can be found on the Wichita Community Foundation website.

2. The Rudd Foundation Scholarship

• Description: The Rudd Foundation Scholarship supports socioeconomically disadvantaged students by providing tuition coverage for Kansas students with the most financial need. The scholarship ensures low socioeconomic status students can graduate without debt and pursue careers in Kansas.
• Amount: Award varies
• Requirements: Students must be a Kansas resident and legal United States citizen attending an eligible Kansas educational institution. Students must have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA and plan to attend school full-time. Students must also be Pell Grant-eligible and have tuition costs not covered by other scholarships. Students must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress to receive scholarship renewal each year.
• How to Apply: Students must complete the FAFSA and State of Kansas Student Aid Application by the mid-December deadline. More information and application materials can be found on the Rudd Foundation website.

3. Kansas Ethnic Minority Scholarship

• Description: Funded by the State of Kansas Board of Regents, The Kansas Ethnic Minority Scholarship serves to support racially diverse students who demonstrate academic achievement and financial need and plan to attend a Kansas college or university.
• Amount: $1,850
• Requirements: Students must be Kansas residents who identify as a racial minority. Priority will be given to students who have scored a 21 on the ACT or 1060 on the SAT, a cumulative high school GPA of 3.0, and/or rank in the top third of their graduating class.
• How to Apply: Students must complete the FAFSA, State of Kansas Student Aid Application, and the Kansas Ethnic Minority Scholarship application by the FAFSA priority deadline of April 1^st. More information and application materials can be found on the Kansas Board of Regents website.

4. Korean American Scholarship Foundation Midwestern Region Scholarship

• Description: The Midwestern Region of the Korean American Scholarship Foundation supports academically talented Korean American students attending a college or university in an eligible Midwest state. Scholarships are available for undergraduate and graduate students.
• Amount: Award varies
• Requirements: Students must be Kansas residents of Korean American descent who have graduated with at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA and are attending an eligible college or university in the Midwest.
• How to Apply: Students must submit the application package including transcripts, personal statements, and letters of recommendation by the May 1^st More information and application materials can be found on the Midwestern Region of the Korean American Scholarship Foundation website.

5. Kansas Young Women in Public Affairs Scholarship

• Description: The Kansas Chapter of Zonta International supports women interested in continuing their education in Kansas who have demonstrated commitment to academic achievement, community involvement, and leadership.
• Amount: $1,000
• Requirements: Students must be female-identifying Kansas residents who have graduated with at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA and are attending a Kansas college or university. Students should have completed community service and be involved in extra-curricular activities.
• How to Apply: Students must submit the application package including transcripts, personal statements, and letters of recommendation by the March 1^st More information and application materials can be found on the Zonta International website.

The Best In-State Scholarships and Grants for Kansas Colleges

1. The University of Kansas Scholarships

• Description: The University of Kansas offers scholarships specifically for Kansas students based on academic merit and financial need. Scholarships are available to incoming freshman as well as current students at the undergraduate level.
• Amount: Award varies
• Requirements: Students must be a Kansas resident accepted to or attending the University of Kansas. Students must either demonstrate financial need not addressed by other scholarships or academic merit based on test scores and/or GPA.
• How to Apply: Students must submit the FAFSA and State of Kansas Student Aid Application. Students will receive notification of acceptance from the University of Kansas Office of Financial Aid. More information and application materials can be found on the University of Kansas website.

2. Elberta Harris Scholarship at Emporia University

• Description: The Elberta Harris Scholarship is available to Kansas residents accepted to Emporia University who have demonstrated academic success and commitment to community service. It is available to both incoming first year and transfer students
• Amount: Award varies
• Requirements: Students must be a legal resident of Kansas entering or attending Emporia University who have graduated high school with at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA. Students must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress of a 3.0 cumulative GPA to be considered for grant renewal.
• How to Apply: Students must complete the FAFSA and the State of Kansas Student Aid Application by November 15^th. Students must also complete an application package inclusive of community service documentation and letters of recommendation. More information and application materials can be found on the Emporia University website.

3. Kansas State University Scholarships

• Description: Kansas State University offers scholarships to Kansas residents entering Kansas State University as a first year or transfer student based on a variety of criteria. Scholarships are awarded based on academic merit, financial need, community involvement, and leadership.
• Requirements: Students must be residents of Kansas accepted to Kansas State University. Students must demonstrate financial need and either academic merit, community involvement, or leadership
• How to Apply: Students must complete the FAFSA and the State of Kansas Student Aid Application upon application to Kansas State University. Students may have to submit test scores and/or additional documentation. Additional information and specific application materials can be found on the Kansas State University website.

4. The Walter S. and Evan C. Jones Foundation Scholarship

• Description: Awarded to Kansas students who demonstrate financial need, scholarships offered by the Walter S. and Evan C. Jones Foundation pay for tuition as well as books and other costs associated with college.
• Amount: Award varies
• Requirements: Students must be a Kansas resident attending an accredited Kansas college or university. Students must enroll in at least twelve credits each semester and maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress to renew the scholarship each year.
• How to Apply: Students complete the FAFSA and application, including letters of recommendation, transcripts, and personal statements, by June 15^th. Application materials and more information can be found on the Walter S. and Evan C. Jones Foundation website.

5. Kansas Office of the Securities Commissioner Essay Contest

• Description: The Kansas Office of the Securities Commissioner offers scholarships to Kansas students attending a Kansas college, university, or technical institution. The award encourages students to write about their experience in the Kansas educational system and financial literacy.
• Amount: Up to $2,500
• Requirements: Students must be a Kansas resident attending an accredited Kansas college or university, or technical institution. Students must enroll in at least twelve credits each semester and maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress to renew the scholarship each year.
• How to Apply: Students complete the FAFSA and application, including letters of recommendation, transcripts, and personal statements, by April 1^st. Students must also submit two essays. Essay prompts and more information can be found on the Kansas Office of the Securities Commissioner website.

The Best Kansas Field-Specific Scholarships

1. Capitol Federal Education Scholarships

• Description: The Capitol Federal Savings Bank provides scholarships for students interested in business who have demonstrated academic success andhave been accepted to a Kansas college or university.
• Amount: Award varies
• Requirements: Students must be Kansas residents attending a Kansas college or university majoring or planning to major in business or related field. Students must have graduated high school with at least a 3.35 cumulative GPA. Students must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress for award renewal.
• How to Apply: Students must complete the application package including letters of recommendation, transcripts, and personal essays by May 1^st. More information and application materials can be found on the Capitol Federal Savings Bank website.

2. Dan L. Meisinger Senior Memorial Learn to Fly Scholarship

• Description: The Kansas chapter of the National Air Transportation Association supports students interested in aviation fields through renewable scholarships for academically successful students attending Kansas colleges, universities, or technical institutions.
• Amount: $2,500
• Requirements: Students must be legal residents of Kansas attending a Kansas college, university or technical institution in an aviation related field. Students must have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA.
• How to Apply: Submit the application package including personal statement and transcripts by the November 30^th Application materials and more information can be found on the National Air Transportation Association website.

3. Kansas Nursing Service Scholarship

• Description: Funded by the State of Kansas, the Kansas Nursing Service Scholarship seeks to address the need for nurses in Kansas by easing the burden of tuition for nursing students. Students are matched with sponsoring organizations that guarantee employment after graduation.
• Amount: $2,500
• Requirements: Students must be a legal resident of Kansas and pursuing a nursing major at a Kansas college or university. Students must commit to work for their sponsoring organization for a minimum of one year upon program completion.
• How to Apply: Submit the FAFSA, State of Kansas Student Aid Application, and application package to the State of Kansas Board of Regents by May 1st. Students will receive notification of acceptance from their educational institution. More information and application materials can be found on the Kansas Board of Regents website.

4. Kansas Teacher Service Scholarship

• Description: Funded by the State of Kansas, the Kansas Teacher Service Scholarship supports Kansas teachers by providing tuition scholarships. Students who receive the scholarship must intend to teach in a Kansas school after graduation.
• Amount: $5,000
• Requirements: Students must be a resident of Kansas attending a Kansas college or university. Students must be pursuing a teaching degree (undergraduate or graduate) and plan to teach in the state of Kansas following program completion.
• How to Apply: Submit the FAFSA, State of Kansas Student Aid Application, and application package to the State of Kansas Board of Regents by May 1st. Students will receive notification of acceptance from their educational institution. More information and application materials can be found on the Kansas Board of Regents website.

5. Kansas Initiative for New Dentists

• Description: Sponsored by the Kansas Dental Association, the Kansas Initiative for New Dentists not only helps with the cost of tuition for dental school students, but also offers loan repayment for dentist practicing in the state of Kansas who attended a Kansas college or university.
• Amount: Up to $25,000/year
• Requirements: Students must be a Kansas resident attending or graduated from a Kansas college or university who is training to be or practicing as a dentist in the state of Kansas.
• How to Apply: Students must complete the application including transcripts, personal statements, and letters of recommendation by December 1^st, regardless if they are applying for a tuition grant or loan repayment. Application materials nad information can be found on the Kansas Dental Association website.

6. American Radio Relay League Irving W. Cook Scholarship

• Description: Sponsored by the American Radio Relay League, the Irving W. Cook Scholarship supports Kansas students interested in communications to pursue higher education. The award is not renewable but can be used for undergraduate or graduate study.
• Amount: $1,000
• Requirements: Students must be a Kansas resident attending a Kansas college or university at the undergraduate or graduate level who intends to pursue a career related to communications and media.
• How to Apply: Students must complete the application including transcripts, personal statements, and letters of recommendation by December 31^st and will be notified of their decision in May. Application materials and information can be found on the American Radio Relay League website.

You have read through some of the best scholarships Kansas has to offer, and hopefully found the perfect one for you! Whether you are a Kansas scholar looking for a local scholarship in Kansas City, planning to attend an in-state school with a University of Kansas Scholarship, or take advantage of another Kansas grant for college, you can fund your education. Scholarships for Kansas students may be competitive, but with a great application for a scholarship that is a great fit, you will have that tuition taken care of in no time.

Applying to schools in another state? Check out our other scholarship lists here.

If you’re looking for which sites to use to find more scholarships, check out our guide on the best scholarship databases here.

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