Eligible Degree and Certificate Programs for Financial Aid
To receive financial aid, you must be enrolled in an approved program of study.
An eligible degree or certificate program is a program of organized instruction that leads to an academic, professional, or vocational degree, certificate, or other recognized educational credential.
For a program to be eligible for federal financial aid, it must provide at least:
- 600 clock hours, or
- 16 semester credit hours, or
- 24 quarter credit hours
The program must also be offered over a minimum of 15 weeks of instruction.
In addition, all courses you enroll in must apply toward your declared program of study.
To review the requirements for your degree or certificate program, visit the KCTCS Program Finder.
Updating Your Program of Study
If you are unsure whether your current program aligns with your educational or career goals, schedule an appointment with your academic advisor.
Your advisor can help you:
- Explore career and academic options
- Select the appropriate program of study
- Choose courses that support your degree requirements
You can update your major or program through Student Self-Service. If you experience difficulties with the online process, contact the Records/Registrar's Office for assistance.
Important Information About Program Changes
If you change your program of study for financial aid purposes:
- The update will not take effect until the next semester.
- Your financial aid checklist will be updated after the program change is processed.
- Financial aid may still be awarded for the current term, but the new program will not be reflected until the following semester.
For additional information about specific degree or certificate programs, refer to the current catalog.
Programs Not Eligible for Federal Financial Aid
The following programs are not eligible for federal financial aid at KCTCS colleges:
- Commercial Driver's Licensing (CDL) Program
Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship
Some programs that are not eligible for federal financial aid may qualify for funding through the Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship (WRKS), which covers most educational expenses for approved programs.
To determine whether your program is eligible:
- Visit the Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship website.
- Select Apply Today.
- Navigate to Participating Institutions.
- Review the list of approved programs of study.
This resource can help you identify alternative funding options for workforce-focused programs that are not covered by federal financial aid.
(Financial Aid > Eligibility)