Kansas State University Scholarships (2026–2027)
← Back to college scholarships hub • See Kansas aid & Grants
Last Updated on March 31, 2026- Tuition, housing, and average family net price
- Automatic merit ranges and qualifier benchmarks
- Flagship and hidden-gem awards
- Honors and stacking strategy
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~96%
- Middle 50% ACT: 20-27
- Middle 50% SAT: 1060-1255
- Average GPA: 3.7
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
📌 Kansas State University at a Glance
- December 1 priority deadline matters: That’s where the best automatic merit consideration happens—wait too long and you may leave money on the table.
- Big scholarships are not automatic: Awards like Presidential or Vanier Family are full tuition or better, but extremely competitive and require more than just strong grades.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — Kansas State University is test-optional.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 20-27; SAT: 1060-1255.
Average net price? About $18,745/yearyear after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity? Yes — participates in msep.
K-State Alumni Association: https://www.k-state.com/participate/futurewildcats/scholarships/legacyscholarship.php
Departmental Scholarships: https://art.ksu.edu/student-success/scholarships/scholarships-current-sudents.html
Diversity & Inclusion Office: https://ksufoundation.org/impact/campus-impact/diversity-and-inclusion/
K-State Scholarships & Aid: https://www.k-state.edu/sfa/scholarships-aid/scholarships/future-students/additional-opportunities/freshman/competitive/edgerley-franklin-leadership-scholarship.html
First-Gen Initiatives: https://www.k-state.edu/firstgen/initiatives/proud-scholarships.html
K-State Proud First-Gen Initiatives: https://ksufoundation.org/impact/campus-impact/proud-to-be-first/
K-State Scholarships & Aid: https://www.k-state.edu/sfa/scholarships-aid/scholarships/future-students/
School of Music, Theatre, and Dance: https://www.k-state.edu/mtd/academics/music/auditions/
K-State Scholarships & Aid: https://www.k-state.edu/sfa/scholarships-aid/scholarships/future-students/additional-opportunities/freshman/competitive/robert-e-campbell-scholarship.html
K-State Scholarships & Aid: https://www.k-state.edu/sfa/scholarships-aid/scholarships/future-students/additional-opportunities/freshman/competitive/presidential-scholarship.html
CollegeScorecard / Admissions: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/
💰 Cost of Attendance at Kansas State University 2026-2027
📅 2026–2027 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2025–2026). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2026–2027 numbers are released.
Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.
| Category (2026–2027) | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (2 semesters) | $12,694 | $30,388 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) | $13,652 | $13,652 |
| Total (Direct Costs) | $26,346 | $44,040 |
Average Federal Net Price: $18,745 — this is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on the most recent federal data. Your specific cost could be significantly lower or higher depending on your financial aid eligibility and merit scholarships. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.
https://www.k-state.edu/sfa/cost/manhattan-campus-costs/undergraduate.html
https://www.k-state.edu/finsvcs/cashiers/costs/
https://www.collegetuitioncompare.com/edu/155399/kansas-state-university/tuition/
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/kansas-state-university/tuition-and-costs
https://msep.mhec.org/eligibility
https://msep.mhec.org
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purple & White Scholarship | $3,000/year | 3.6+ GPA and ACT 24+ or SAT 1160+ | No | Yes – 4 years | Students meeting GPA/test benchmarks who apply by the priority date. | Mar 1 |
| Heritage Scholarship | $6,000/year | 3.8+ GPA and ACT 28+ or SAT 1310+ | No | Yes – 4 years | High-achieving students who meet upper-range GPA and test criteria. | Mar 1 |
| Presidential Scholarship | $10,000+/year | 3.9+ GPA and ACT 32+ or SAT 1420+ | No | Yes – 4 years | Top-tier students with excellent academics and early applications. | Mar 1 |
GPA and test score cutoffs are based on Kansas State’s published ranges for 2026–2027 and may shift each year depending on applicant volume and available funding. Awards are automatic with admission; no extra forms required.
Automatic Scholarship FAQs
Do I need to apply separately for these scholarships?
No — if your student applies by the March 1 priority deadline and submits their academic record, they’ll be automatically reviewed.
Are test scores required?
No, but submitting ACT or SAT results can raise the award amount and help reach higher tiers.
When will we find out if my student qualifies?
Automatic scholarships are typically awarded at the same time as admission decisions, usually within a few weeks of acceptance.
https://www.k-state.edu/sfa/scholarships-aid/scholarships/future-students/
https://www.k-state.edu/sfa/scholarships-aid/scholarships/future-students/priority-dates.html
https://www.k-state.edu/admissions/undergrad/manhattan/apply/incoming-freshmen/scores-precollege-curriculum.html
https://www.k-state.edu/sfa/scholarships-aid/scholarships/future-students/kansas-resident-awards/
https://www.k-state.com/news/2022newscholarshipprogram.php
https://www.k-state.edu/sfa/scholarships-aid/scholarships/future-students/renewal-requirements/
https://www.k-state.edu/sfa/scholarships-aid/scholarships/future-students/additional-opportunities/freshman/competitive/presidential-scholarship.html
Flagship Scholarships (Competitive Scholarships)
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vanier Family Presidential Scholarship | $20,000+ per year | Exceptional academics, leadership, service; essays and interview typically required | Yes | Yes (4 years) | Highly selective; top 1–2% of applicants with major leadership impact | Dec 1 (priority) |
| Edgerley-Franklin Leadership Scholarship | $5,000–$10,000 per year | Outstanding leadership record plus strong academics; leadership résumé and essays | Yes | Yes (4 years) | Students holding significant roles (founders, captains, officers) with measurable outcomes | Dec 1 (priority) |
| K-State First Scholarship | $1,000–$2,000 (one-time) | First-generation college student; minimum GPA; short application | Yes | No | Committed first-gen students who apply early and show engagement potential | Feb 1 (typical) |
Competitive Scholarship FAQs
What makes these “competitive”?
They require essays, recommendations, and proof of leadership/service—selection is holistic, not just GPA.
Are they worth the extra effort?
Yes. They can cover substantial costs and may stack with other aid (subject to cost-of-attendance limits).
How to improve the odds?
Apply by the priority date, submit specific impact-focused essays, and include detailed leadership outcomes.
https://www.k-state.edu/sfa/scholarships-aid/scholarships/future-students/additional-opportunities/freshman/competitive/presidential-scholarship.html
https://cba.k-state.edu/success/paying-for-college/VanierBestofKS.html
https://www.salina.k-state.edu/admissions/tuition-scholarships-financial-aid/scholarships/salina-competitive/
https://www.k-state.edu/sfa/scholarships-aid/scholarships/future-students/additional-opportunities/freshman/competitive/edgerley-franklin-leadership-scholarship.html
https://ksufoundation.org/impact/campus-impact/proud-to-be-first/
https://www.k-state.edu/firstgen/initiatives/proud-scholarships.html
https://www.k-state.edu/admissions/undergrad/manhattan/apply/deadlines.html
https://www.k-state.edu/sfa/scholarships-aid/scholarships/future-students/renewal-requirements/
🎖 University Honors Program at Kansas State University
Kansas State’s University Honors Program (UHP) is not automatic—students must apply. Incoming Wildcats can indicate interest on the main university application to unlock the Honors item in the portal. Current and transfer students submit a short UHP application. The program is built for curious, high-impact students who want smaller seminars, faculty mentoring, and space for research and projects.
• Incoming students: Answer “Yes” to the Honors question on the K-State application to activate the UHP item in your portal.
• Current/transfer students: Submit the UHP form with a 300–500 word essay and one reference; a 3.5+ GPA is typically expected.
• UHP is a self-apply program—no automatic invitations, even for top GPAs.
• Priority enrollment each term.
• Small, discussion-driven seminars and tailored advising.
• Capstone/honors project plus co-curricular experiences that impress grad schools and employers.
• Faculty mentorship and early research opportunities.
What a Typical K-State Honors Student Looks Like
- Consistent A/A- work with rigorous coursework; current/transfer students usually hold a 3.5+ college GPA.
- Purposeful involvement—leadership, service, or research experience with clear motivation in the short essay.
- Incoming first-years: Strong academics; no fixed cutoff, but many successful students show about a 3.75 GPA and ACT 28+ (optional).
| Honors Program / Scholarship | Award / Benefit | Eligibility (plain English) | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University Honors Program (UHP) | Small classes, mentoring, priority enrollment, co-curriculars, honors project | Incoming: indicate interest on university app (unlocks portal item). Current/transfer: 3.5+ GPA, short essay & one reference | Yes — portal item (incoming) or UHP form (current/transfer) | Stay in good standing; graduate with 3.5+ GPA and honors requirements | High-achieving, engaged students seeking smaller classes + research space | Rolling; apply upon admission (complete KSN by Mar 15 for funding access) |
| Robert E. Campbell Scholarship (UHP-affiliated) | $6,000/year for 4 years (Honors housing 1st year) | Incoming frosh/transfer; admitted to UHP; strong academics (3.5+), leadership & service | Yes — KSN + UHP application | Yes — maintain 3.5 K-State GPA | Top UHP admits with academic excellence and community impact | Dec 15 |
Honors FAQs
Is Honors automatic?
No. Students must opt in and apply (incoming via the admission portal; current/transfer via the UHP form).
Are there fixed GPA/test cutoffs?
No universal cutoff. A strong record helps; tests are optional. Current/transfer students should have a 3.5+ college GPA.
Any deadlines tied to money?
Yes. Robert E. Campbell Scholarship due Dec 15. Also complete your K-State Scholarship Network (KSN) profile by Mar 15 to surface additional opportunities.
https://www.k-state.edu/leadership/university-honors-program/about/requirements/
https://www.k-state.edu/leadership/university-honors-program/application/
https://apply2.ksu.edu/register/current_honors
https://www.k-state.edu/leadership/university-honors-program/archive/enrollment.html
https://www.k-state.edu/sfa/scholarships-aid/scholarships/future-students/additional-opportunities/freshman/competitive/robert-e-campbell-scholarship.html
https://housing.k-state.edu/living-options/honors-house/
https://www.k-state.edu/sfa/scholarships-aid/scholarships/future-students/priority-dates.html
⭐ College Specialties
Kansas State University stands out as a top-tier public land-grant institution—now classified as an R1 research university—with deep roots in agriculture, engineering, and service-oriented innovation. It’s known for hands-on programs where students engage in real-world labs, outdoor research, and technology-driven learning that truly makes a difference on campus and beyond. Whether your student is tinkering with robotics, studying at the Biosecurity Research Institute, or learning drone journalism, K-State blends opportunity, access, and impact.
As the first land-grant college in Kansas, K-State remains a statewide leader in agricultural science, closely integrated with its Extension network. The College of Agriculture—especially its agricultural and biosystems engineering programs—is nationally recognized for advancing food systems, biosafety, and sustainability.
Why it matters: Combines cutting-edge labs, statewide field stations, and real-world impact through K-State Research & Extension.
- Carl R. Ice College of Engineering (Engineering programs) — Ranked among the top 100 undergraduate engineering schools in the U.S.
- Robotics — Recognized in the U.S., ranked around #159 for robotics nationally (EduRank)
- Graduate programs — National acclaim in agricultural & biological engineering, education, computer science, public administration, and communication sciences & disorders (U.S. News & World Report, 2025)
- Student Experience & Support — Ranked extremely high for “friendliest” (#1), “happiest” (#2), “best quality of life” (#2), and “best student support and counseling services” (#2) by The Princeton Review, 2025