KU Freshman Scholarships

We’re proud to offer students a wide range of renewable institutional scholarships based on GPA alone. Kansans can qualify for more than $20,000 across four years, while out-of-state students can earn up to $64,000 across their entire KU career.

In-state freshman merit scholarships

NameGPA (based on 4.0 scale)Amount
Chancellor3.95+$20,000 ($5,000 per year)
Traditions3.85 to 3.94$16,000 ($4,000 per year)
Crimson & Blue3.70 to 3.84$12,000 ($3,000 per year)
Rock Chalk3.5 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

NameGPA (based on 4.0 scale)Amount
KU Excellence3.95+$64,000 ($16,000 per year)
KU Distinction3.85 to 3.94$56,000 ($14,000 per year)
KU Achievement3.70 to 3.84$48,000 ($12,000 per year)
KU Performance3.5 to 3.69$40,000 ($10,000 per year)
KU Access3.25 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

  • Must apply for admission by Dec. 1, 2023
  • We award scholarships based on a student’s GPA. KU will use either the weighted or unweighted GPA (on a 4.0 scale) — whichever benefits the student most — after that student’s sixth high school semester. If your school uses a different scale, it will be converted to a 4.0 format.
  • 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 3.0 KU GPA and be enrolled full-time.
  • 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 mid-April 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

Dec. 1
Priority freshmen scholarship deadline

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.

 

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.

 
One application puts you in consideration for both University of Kansas admission and scholarships. With our online application, you can save your progress and submit when you're ready.