Need-based Federal State and KCTCS Awards

Need-Based Federal, State, and KCTCS Awards

Overview

Grants, education benefits, and tuition waivers or reductions are considered gift aid, meaning you do not need to repay them.

Most need-based awards are non-competitive and are determined by:

• Financial need
• Basic eligibility criteria

Important:

• Tuition waivers (from any source) count as financial aid and may reduce your eligibility for other aid.
• In addition to grants, you should also explore scholarships offered by agencies, companies, civic organizations, and individuals that support higher education.

How to Apply

To be considered for need-based funding:

1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student aid (FAFSA)
2. Be admitted to a Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) college

No additional application is required unless specifically noted.

Award decisions are based on:

• Financial need
• Program-specific eligibility criteria
• Availability of funds

Awards are typically prioritized based on their importance to student funding.

Federal Need-Based Awards

Federal Pell Grant

One of the most widely awarded forms of financial aid.

• Available to undergraduate students
• Students must not have earned a bachelor’s or professional degree
• Based on financial need
   

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

Provides additional funding for students with exceptional financial need.

• Priority is given to students who also receive a Federal Pell Grant
• Limited funding availability
   

Federal College Work-Study (FCWS)

A program that allows students to earn money through part-time employment.

Key features:

• Available to eligible students with financial need
• Requires acceptance into the program
• Jobs are arranged through the college
• Pays at least federal minimum wage

Benefits:

• Helps cover tuition and other educational expenses
• Provides work experience while in school

State Need-Based Awards

College Access Program (CAP) Grant

The CAP Grant supports eligible Kentucky residents pursuing higher education.

Eligibility Requirements

• Must be a Kentucky resident
• Enrolled at least half-time (6 credit hours)
• Program must be at least 2 years in length (minimum 48 credit hours)

For full details, visit the College Access Program (CAP) Grant webpage.

How CAP Grants Are Awarded

• Complete the FAFSA to apply
• Awards are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis
• Apply as early as possible after October 1st to meet priority deadlines

(Financial Aid > Grants and Scholarships)