🎓 Kansas State University Scholarships (2025–2026)
← Back to the Public University Scholarships hub • See Kansas state aid
- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
- Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
- Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~96% (CDS 2024–25)
- Middle 50% ACT: 22–28
- Middle 50% SAT: 1080–1310
- Average HS GPA: 3.7
Source: Kansas State Common Data Set 2024–25 and Office of Admissions.
Kansas State University at a Glance
Last verified: October 7, 2025
Kansas State University is one of the most transparent public universities in the Midwest when it comes to merit scholarships. Families can easily estimate potential awards using GPA and ACT/SAT scores, and the university’s automatic merit system makes planning ahead straightforward.
K-State also offers top-tier competitive awards like the Presidential and Vanier Family Scholarships, which provide full tuition or more for exceptional applicants. Combined with MSEP participation, many out-of-state students find K-State surprisingly affordable.
FAQ
Does Kansas State offer automatic merit scholarships? Yes — students are automatically considered for Future Student Awards based on GPA and test scores.
Can out-of-state students get discounted tuition? Yes — through the Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP) or competitive scholarships.
What’s the average net price? Around $18,494 after grants and scholarships (College Scorecard 2025).
What’s the top award? The Presidential Scholarship and Vanier Family Scholarship — both cover full tuition and additional benefits for top applicants.
💰 Cost of Attendance at Kansas State University (2025–26)
These are direct, billable costs for a full-time undergraduate living on campus at the Manhattan campus—what you actually pay the university each year before scholarships or aid.
| In-State | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $[in_state_tuition] | $[out_of_state_tuition] |
| Housing & Meals | $[in_state_room_board] | $[out_state_room_board] |
| Total | $[total_in_state] | $[total_out_of_state] |
Why only these items? We include just the amounts you’ll write a check to K-State for (tuition/fees and housing/meal plan). Other costs—books, transportation, and personal expenses—are still real but vary widely by student. K-State typically estimates those at $[books_estimate]–$[personal_estimate] per year; add them to the total above for your all-in budget.
✅ 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 2025–26 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.
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.
🎖 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, 2025. Also complete your K-State Scholarship Network (KSN) profile by Mar 15 to surface additional opportunities.
⭐ 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