Financial Aid for Kentucky Resident Students: Adults and Traditional
College goers who are permanent residents of Kentucky can benefit from some of the state’s student financial aid resources specifically designated to help access higher education. Kentucky state-based college grants are awarded to thousands of students every year, particularly needy students who otherwise would struggle to pay for their tuition. Below we have listed most of the grants that are available to both traditional and adult students.
Access College with the Kentucky Student CAP Grant Program
Financially needy undergraduate students could receive a grant from the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA) to the value of $1,900 per academic year to study at an eligible public or private college, university, technical or proprietary school through the College Access Program (CAP). Grants are awarded to Kentucky residents enrolled for minimum of six semester hours in academic programs that take no less than 2 years to complete.
For students to qualify for the Kentucky state-based CAP grant their total Expected Family Contributions (EFC) calculated by the FAFSA must not exceed $4,617. Students can use the grants for associate degrees and bachelor degrees. In order to apply applicants are required to complete a Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA).
Free Dollars to Study at Commonwealth Independent Colleges
Need-based grants are available for Kentucky students wishing to study in one of the Commonwealth’s Independent colleges through the Kentucky Tuition Grant (KTG) Program. Full-time undergraduate students enrolled in an associate or baccalaureate degree program can receive assistance ranging between $200 and $2,964 in grants towards tuition charges at independent colleges, although online courses are not covered. The KTG grants are awarded based on student’s financial need, applicants are required to file a FAFSA application in order to apply for this state-based college grant program.
Adults Aim Higher with Grants Specifically for Mature Students
Most college grants are designed specifically for traditional students up to the age of 24, but the state of Kentucky have created a program, which provides college grants for older students. This new need-based grant program provides up to $1000 to adults wishing to return to college less than half time in a participating Kentucky college or university for one academic year. The Go Higher Grant provides a tuition and book allowance worth up to $50 per credit hour, but in order to apply you must be able to demonstrate a need for financial assistance and be a permanent resident of the state.
Although there are no deadlines for this state-based adult grant, funds are limited and applicants are advised to apply ASAP by completing a Go Higher Application which can be download from the KHEAA website and a FAFSA which can be filed online.
Assistance for Native American and Alaskan Students
The Kentucky-based Presbyterian Church (USA) offer financial assistance for Native American and Alaskan students enrolled at an accredited college or university institution working towards a degree through the Native American Education Grant program. Up to $2,000 in grant, money is available to students from Indian American backgrounds who demonstrate financial need providing they are making satisfactory progress towards a first degree. Preference for the award is given to members of the Presbyterian Church although membership is not required. To apply for the grant program, students must be a member of a Native American or Alaska Native tribe, questions and application requests can be sent to the Office of Financial Aid for Studies, email: Jessica.Johnson@pcusa.org