University of Kansas Scholarships & Aid: What You Need to Know

🎓 University of Kansas Scholarships

At first glance, the University of Kansas might look expensive—especially for out-of-state families. But KU offers solid automatic merit scholarships based on GPA and test scores, along with competitive opportunities for first-gen students, National Merit finalists, and Kansas residents.

On this page, we’ll break down KU’s real cost, show how much families actually pay, and walk through everything from honors scholarships to band and departmental aid. (Looking for state-specific help? Check out our guide to Kansas state aid programs.)

💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Kansas (2025–2026)

KU’s in-state tuition is competitive—but the out-of-state price can be steep unless you qualify for merit aid. Fortunately, many nonresidents receive scholarships that bring the cost down to near in-state levels.

Type of Student Tuition & Fees Room & Board Total Cost
In-State $11,240 $10,350 $21,590
Out-of-State $28,850 $10,350 $39,200
✳️ Out-of-State Waiver: Students with strong GPAs and test scores may qualify for merit scholarships that bring the total cost down by $10,000–$16,000 per year—often close to in-state tuition.
💡 Average net price: For families earning $48k–$75k, the average net cost at KU is about $17,000 per year. This includes both in-state and out-of-state students, so your actual cost may be higher or lower depending on merit aid and residency.

âś… Automatic Scholarships at KU

KU offers automatic merit scholarships for both in-state and out-of-state students. These are based on your GPA and test scores—and you don’t need to apply separately. If you qualify, it’s included with your admission offer.

Scholarship Award Amount Typical Requirements Resident Type
Crimson & Blue Scholarship $16,000/year GPA 3.95+ and ACT 32+ or SAT 1420+ Out-of-State
Traditions Scholarship $12,000/year GPA 3.85+ and ACT 29+ or SAT 1350+ Out-of-State
Jayhawk Scholarship $8,000/year GPA 3.7+ and ACT 26+ or SAT 1240+ Out-of-State
Rock Chalk Scholarship $4,000/year GPA 3.5+ and ACT 24+ or SAT 1160+ Out-of-State
Chancellor Scholarship (KS Residents) $1,000–$4,000/year GPA 3.25+ and ACT 22+ or SAT 1100+ In-State
🎯 Strategic Tip: KU superscores the ACT, so students may qualify for more aid by retaking the test. All automatic awards are renewable for up to 4 years.

FAQs: Automatic Aid at KU

Do I need to apply separately for these?
No. As long as you apply for admission by the priority deadline, KU will automatically consider you based on your GPA and test scores.
Can I stack more than one of these?
No—you’ll receive the highest automatic scholarship you qualify for, but they don’t stack with each other. Some competitive or departmental scholarships may stack on top.
Does KU superscore the ACT or SAT?
Yes. KU superscores both the ACT and SAT for scholarship and admission purposes. That means it uses your highest section scores across test dates to maximize eligibility.

🏆 Competitive Scholarships at KU

In addition to automatic merit awards, KU offers a handful of competitive scholarships that require an additional application, essay, or nomination. These can be stacked on top of automatic scholarships in some cases.

Scholarship Amount Eligibility Renewable Separate App Who Wins?
National Merit Finalist Award Full tuition + $1,000/year Must be a National Merit Finalist and list KU as first choice with NMSC Yes (4 years) Yes (via National Merit process) Students who scored high on the PSAT and complete National Merit steps
KU Excellence Scholarship Up to $5,000/year Recommended GPA of 3.9+ with strong leadership, activities, or awards Yes Yes (essay + KU scholarship app) Top students with near-perfect GPAs and standout involvement

FAQs: Competitive Aid at KU

Can these stack with automatic scholarships?
Sometimes. KU allows certain competitive awards (like National Merit or Pell Advantage) to stack on top of automatic aid, but not all do. Always check the fine print or contact financial aid directly.
What is the deadline for competitive scholarships?
Most competitive KU scholarships require application by December 1, though some programs like Pell Advantage use a March 1 FAFSA deadline. Apply early to be safe.
Do I need to fill out the FAFSA for competitive scholarships?
Yes, in many cases. Even merit-based scholarships like KU Excellence or National Merit often require a FAFSA on file to confirm eligibility for any additional aid or to unlock stacking options.
When should we apply to be considered for competitive scholarships?
Apply as early as possible. Most KU scholarship deadlines fall around December 1. National Merit eligibility is determined in junior year through the PSAT.
Can out-of-state students receive competitive scholarships?
Yes. Both Kansas residents and out-of-state students can be considered for competitive scholarships, especially if they meet GPA and test score benchmarks or are National Merit Finalists.

🎓 KU Honors College: What Parents Should Know

KU’s Honors Program is designed for students who want more challenge and support—smaller class sizes, early class registration, and a tight-knit academic community. Honors students can also get help with things like research, study abroad, or even internships that aren’t paid.

Some students are invited automatically based on GPA or test scores. Others apply separately. Either way, your child doesn’t need to be perfect—just curious, motivated, and looking for something more.

Honors Scholarships

Scholarship Amount Eligibility Renewable Separate App Who Gets It?
Honors Opportunity Award $1,000–$2,000 For things like research, study abroad, or unpaid internships No (one-time) Yes (once admitted to Honors) Students in Honors who apply for enrichment funding
📝 Note: The Honors Program doesn’t come with automatic scholarships just for joining. But students in the program do get access to special opportunities—including some that other students never see.
🌟 What makes Honors worth it?

KU Honors students get access to perks that can make a big campus feel more personal:
  • Priority class registration every semester
  • Smaller, discussion-based Honors courses
  • Dedicated Honors housing in Templin Hall
  • Extra advising and help with grad school planning
  • Funding for research, study abroad, or unpaid internships
  • Support with competitive scholarships like Fulbright or Truman

If your child wants more challenge, mentorship, or community, the Honors Program can be a great fit — even at a big public university.

FAQs: KU Honors

Is the Honors Program by invitation only?
Not always. Students with a 3.9+ GPA or ACT around 30+ are often invited automatically. But others can apply directly with a short essay—no invite needed.
Does my child need a specific major to join?
No—any major can join. Honors just means your student wants a bit more from their classes and college experience.
Are there housing perks?
Yes. KU Honors students can live in dedicated housing that offers a quieter, more academically focused environment. It’s optional but a popular choice.
Will my child be isolated from other students?
No. Honors students take most of their classes with the general student body and live across campus if they choose. Honors just gives them extra opportunities, not a separate experience.
Does Honors cost more?
No. There’s no extra tuition or fees to join KU Honors. In fact, some Honors students receive additional scholarships or funding that other students may not have access to.
What’s the Honors workload like?
Honors courses focus more on discussion, writing, and critical thinking — not necessarily more work. Most students say it’s manageable and more engaging than regular large lecture classes.

đź’Ž Hidden Gem Scholarships at KU

These awards aren’t always listed on big scholarship charts—but they can help lower the final cost, especially for students who qualify based on background, major, or activities like band or student support programs.

Scholarship Amount Eligibility Separate App Who Gets It?
Pell Advantage Covers full tuition & campus fees Kansas resident + Pell Grant eligible + apply by Feb 1 No (auto if eligible) Low-income Kansas families with FAFSA submitted
MVP (Multicultural Scholars Program) Varies (often $1,000–$6,000/year) Underrepresented students + interest in diversity leadership Yes First-gen or BIPOC students who want extra academic support
Band/Concert Ensemble Varies by role (often $500–$2,000/year) Audition required; all majors welcome Yes (via KU Bands) Marching or concert band students, even non-majors
Multicultural Student Support Services (Hawk Link) Support + small awards (amount varies) Students in Hawk Link learning community Yes (via MSSS) First-gen, BIPOC, or students needing extra transition support

FAQs: KU Hidden Scholarships

Do I have to major in music to get a band scholarship?
No. KU offers scholarships to band and ensemble members even if they’re not music majors. An audition is usually required.
Can these be stacked with other awards?
Yes. Many of these can be combined with automatic merit or Pell Advantage—but it depends on your total aid package. Always check with KU’s financial aid office.
How do we apply for MVP or MSSS support?
Students can indicate interest on their KU application or connect with the MVP program or MSSS office directly. Some programs require a short essay or interview.

âś… What to Do Next

  • Use KU’s scholarship estimator to check your child’s eligibility for automatic merit aid.
  • Apply by December 1 for priority scholarship consideration.
  • Submit the FAFSA as early as possible—some KU scholarships require it, even if they’re not based on income.
  • Encourage your child to explore KU Honors or multicultural support programs if they qualify.
  • If they’re in band or orchestra, look into audition dates and scholarship opportunities through KU Bands.

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🧾 Comparing Offers?

Use our side-by-side worksheet to compare scholarships, tuition discounts, and net costs from different colleges. Helps you spot hidden fees, stackable aid, and the real bottom line.

👉 Download the College Offer Comparison Sheet (PDF)
đź’Ľ Parent Tools:

We’ve built simple tools to help you stay organized and support your kid behind the scenes:

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You don’t need to have it all figured out today. Just showing up, asking the right questions, and understanding how the money works puts you way ahead of the game. We’re here to help make sure your kid’s hard work actually pays off.

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