KU Freshman Scholarships
In-state freshman merit scholarships
| Name | GPA (based on 4.0 scale) | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Chancellor | 3.95+ | $20,000 ($5,000 per year) |
| Traditions | 3.85 to 3.94 | $16,000 ($4,000 per year) |
| Crimson & Blue | 3.70 to 3.84 | $12,000 ($3,000 per year) |
| Rock Chalk | 3.5 to 3.69 | $8,000 ($2,000 per year) |
| Jayhawk | 3.25 to 3.49 | $4,000 ($1,000 per year) |
National Merit Finalists
Kansas students who are designated as National Merit Finalists and have selected KU as their number one college choice with the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, will have $1,000 per year added to their award. Renewal criteria is the same as other merit-based aid
Out-of-state freshman merit scholarships
| Name | GPA (based on 4.0 scale) | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| KU Excellence | 3.95+ | $64,000 ($16,000 per year) |
| KU Distinction | 3.85 to 3.94 | $56,000 ($14,000 per year) |
| KU Achievement | 3.70 to 3.84 | $48,000 ($12,000 per year) |
| KU Performance | 3.5 to 3.69 | $40,000 ($10,000 per year) |
| KU Access | 3.25 to 3.49 | $32,000 ($8,000 per year) |
National Merit Finalists
Students who are designated as National Merit Finalists and have selected KU as their number one college choice with the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, will have $1,000 per year added to their award. Renewal criteria is the same as other merit-based aid
Eligibility
- You must submit your official or unofficial high school transcripts to KU to be considered for institutional scholarships. The best way to submit them is to include them with your application for admission. Awards will be withdrawn if you do not submit your transcripts.
- We award scholarships based on a student’s GPA. KU will use either the weighted or unweighted GPA — whichever benefits the student most — after that student’s sixth high school semester. KU does not award scholarships based on self-reported grades.
- These scholarships are awarded to domestic students who enroll in at least 12 credit hours for both the fall and spring semester immediately following their high school graduation.
- If you feel your application warrants additional review, please contact your admissions representative.
Renewal
- Student must maintain a 3.25 KU GPA and complete at least 27 hours per academic year at KU, which can include any summer coursework.
- Scholarships are given for a student’s first bachelor’s degree or eight semesters of enrollment, whichever comes first.
Need-based aid
Incoming freshmen who file the FAFSA by Feb. 1 and demonstrate financial need will be considered for our Jayhawk Access Grant. If awarded, this grant will be included in the student’s financial aid overview, available in early March.
Scholarships for transfer students
KU also offers institutional scholarships specific to transfer students. See our Transfer Scholarships page for more information about opportunities and eligibility.
Aid-related deadlines
Other KU scholarships
Students with specific backgrounds and experiences may qualify for the following scholarships. Awards may require criteria, deadlines, and steps beyond submission of a KU application.
- Hixson Opportunity Award: For Kansas students who have faced significant personal challenges as well as financial hardship.
- J.L. Cleland GLBTQIA+ Non-Discrimination Scholarship: For any student who has experienced discrimination, bullying, and/or violence based on support for GLBTQIA+ persons.
External scholarships
Students can find private aid in a variety of ways. You may be eligible for scholarships based on academics, high school activities, or community service. You may belong to an organization or have a special interest that qualifies you for a scholarship. Maybe your parents' employer offers assistance.
Earning one or two of these scholarships can make a big difference, so a little research can pay off. Start with the scholarship resources found on KU's Financial Aid & Scholarships website. Keep in mind that applying for external scholarships is up to you and not associated with your application to KU.