Kansas Promise Scholarship · FindMyMoney.App

Program Overview and Current Landscape

Kansas launched the Promise Scholarship in 2021 to counter workforce shortages in critical sectors—healthcare, information technology, advanced manufacturing, early childhood education, and public safety. The program functions as a last-dollar grant, meaning it fills whatever tuition, fee, and book costs remain after Pell Grants, other state aid, and institutional scholarships apply. For students enrolled in eligible programs at Kansas community colleges, technical colleges, and Washburn Institute of Technology, the scholarship can erase virtually all direct education costs. In 2024-25, the legislature expanded funding and added new program pathways such as aviation maintenance and supply chain logistics, making the scholarship more relevant than ever.

Unlike merit scholarships tied to GPA, the Promise Scholarship centers on residency, program selection, and a service commitment. Recipients must live and work in Kansas for two years after completion or repay the award as a loan. This “stay-and-work” requirement aligns with the state’s goal of retaining talent in rural hospitals, manufacturing hubs, and childcare centers. Understanding the fine print—eligibility categories, application steps, allowable deferments, and strategies for fulfilling the service obligation—is critical if you want to maximize the benefit and avoid repayment surprises.

Eligibility Pathways Explained

The scholarship offers three main entry routes: recent high school graduates, adult learners, and part-time enrollees transitioning into high-demand fields.

Recent Graduates and GED Completers

If you graduated from a Kansas high school (public, private, or homeschool) within the last 12 months, or earned a GED within the last 12 months, you qualify as long as you are a Kansas resident. You must enroll in an eligible program within six months of graduation. Eligible programs include registered nursing, welding, cybersecurity, cloud computing, elementary education, diesel technology, paramedic training, and more. Each college maintains an approved list; verify that your intended major appears to avoid surprises.

Adult Learners Aged 25+

Kansas recognizes that many adults need upskilling. If you are 25 or older and have lived in Kansas for the past three consecutive years, you qualify even if you graduated decades ago. This pathway is ideal for parents returning to school, displaced workers, and veterans. Adults can attend full-time or part-time, but the scholarship prorates for part-time enrollment. Keep in mind that the lifetime funding cap is $20,000, so plan your course load accordingly.

Part-Time and Certificate Seekers

The scholarship is flexible for students pursuing short-term certificates. Many high-demand credentials require fewer than 30 credit hours but lead to immediate employment—think commercial truck driving or phlebotomy. The Promise Scholarship can cover tuition and fees for these programs, but you still owe the work commitment. If you plan to stack multiple certificates, coordinate with your college to ensure cumulative costs remain within the cap.

Application Roadmap

Explore Eligible Programs: Visit the Kansas Board of Regents website or your college’s financial aid page to review current eligible programs. They update the list annually based on labor market data.
Submit the FAFSA: File the FAFSA as soon as it opens. The scholarship uses FAFSA data to assess financial need and subtract other aid.
Complete College Admissions: Apply to the community or technical college offering your program. Submit transcripts, placement scores, and any prerequisite documents.
Fill Out the Kansas Promise Scholarship Application: Most colleges host an online form where you attest to residency, program enrollment, and commitment to live/work in Kansas. Some require essays about career goals.
Sign the Service Agreement: You will sign a legally binding agreement acknowledging the two-year post-completion service requirement. Read carefully; it outlines repayment conditions if you leave the state early.
Provide Residency Proof: Expect to submit a driver’s license, lease, utility bill, or tax return verifying Kansas residency. Adult learners should provide evidence covering the past three years.
Meet Deadlines: Each college sets its own priority deadlines—often June 1 for fall and November 1 for spring. Apply early; funds are first-come, first-served even though the state expanded the budget.

Funding Mechanics

The Promise Scholarship is last-dollar aid. Suppose your tuition and mandatory fees total $4,000, required textbooks cost $600, and you receive a $3,500 Pell Grant plus a $500 institutional scholarship. The Promise Scholarship would cover the remaining $600. If you have full Pell coverage, the Promise Scholarship might only cover books and fees. You cannot receive a refund beyond educational costs. Budget accordingly so you are not surprised when cash disbursements are smaller than expected.

For part-time students, the award prorates based on credit hours. Colleges calculate the per-credit cost and subtract other aid. Keep an eye on the $20,000 lifetime cap. If you approach the cap before finishing your program, meet with financial aid to strategize—perhaps by sequencing remaining courses during semesters with lower tuition or seeking employer tuition assistance.

Fulfilling the Service Commitment

You must live and work in Kansas for two consecutive years after completing your program. Qualifying employment includes jobs in the field you studied or a closely related area. For example, a nursing graduate can work at any Kansas healthcare facility; an information technology graduate can work for a Kansas-based company or a remote employer as long as they reside in Kansas. The service clock starts once you complete your program and begin working. If you continue your education immediately (for example, transferring to a university), you can request a deferment until you finish the higher degree, provided you remain in Kansas.

Documenting Compliance

Keep employment records, pay stubs, residency documents, and supervisor contact information. The Board of Regents conducts annual audits requiring proof that you are working in-state. Update your address whenever you move. If you switch jobs, ensure there is no employment gap exceeding six months, or contact the board to request an extension.

Failure to Comply

If you move out of Kansas or stop working in an approved field before completing the two-year requirement, the scholarship converts to a loan. You must repay the funds with interest at the federal PLUS loan rate, accruing from the date of breach. The state offers repayment plans, but the financial hit can be significant. Before relocating, explore remote work options that allow you to remain a Kansas resident or negotiate extended leave.

Maximizing the Opportunity

Leverage Employer Partnerships: Many Kansas employers partner with colleges to provide internships and immediate job offers. Participate in career fairs and sign up for cooperative education placements to lock in employment before graduation.
Stack with Kansas Micro-Internships: The state’s Micro-Internship program offers short-term paid projects. These experiences bolster your resume and help satisfy the work commitment faster by leading to full-time roles.
Combine with Childcare Assistance: Parents can apply for Kansas Child Care Assistance to cover daycare while attending classes. Reducing childcare costs lowers the likelihood you’ll need to drop below full-time status.
Use College Success Coaches: Most campuses assign Promise Scholars a success coach who monitors academic progress and helps with tutoring, time management, and career planning. Attend these sessions—they often flag issues before they jeopardize eligibility.
Plan for Certification Exams: Some programs require licensure (e.g., nursing NCLEX, EMT exams). Allocate funds or seek workforce board vouchers to cover exam fees so you can start working quickly and fulfill the service requirement.

Navigating Life Events

Life happens—military deployment, family illness, or job loss can disrupt your path. The scholarship allows deferments for certain situations:

Military Service: Deployment pauses your service clock. Provide orders to the Board of Regents and resume the commitment when you return.
Continuing Education: If you transfer to a Kansas university for a bachelor’s degree, you can defer the service requirement as long as you stay enrolled and remain a Kansas resident.
Medical Hardship: Serious illness or caregiving responsibilities can qualify for a temporary suspension. Submit medical documentation and a proposed plan to return to work.

Budgeting and Support Services

Create a detailed budget covering tuition, fees, books, transportation, and living costs. Even with tuition covered, you must manage rent, food, and utilities. Explore resources such as:

Kansas WorkReady! Grants: Provide stipends for tools and supplies.
SNAP and WIC Programs: Many students qualify while enrolled at least half-time in career pathways.
Transportation Grants: Rural transit agencies sometimes offer reduced fares for Promise Scholars commuting long distances.

Tips for Adult Learners

Adult learners often juggle work and family. Use hybrid or evening classes when available, and communicate with employers about your schedule. Consider forming study pods with classmates to share notes and accountability. Take advantage of credit for prior learning (CPL); many colleges evaluate work experience or military training, reducing the number of credits you need and preserving your lifetime cap.

Renewal Checklist

Each Semester: File the FAFSA, complete campus reapplication forms, and confirm your program remains eligible.
Monitor GPA: Most colleges require a 2.0 GPA for continued eligibility. Use tutoring centers early.
Update Contact Information: Notify the Board of Regents of address, phone, or email changes.
Track Lifetime Cap: Request a statement each year showing how much of your $20,000 cap remains.

After Graduation: Launching Your Career in Kansas

Start your job search during your final semester. Utilize career services for resume reviews and mock interviews. Attend industry-specific hiring fairs—healthcare systems, manufacturers, and school districts actively recruit Promise Scholars because they know you are committed to staying in Kansas. Negotiate benefits that support your retention, such as relocation stipends for moving within Kansas, tuition assistance for advanced credentials, or loan repayment for any remaining federal loans.

Once employed, set reminders every six months to upload proof of employment to the Board of Regents portal. Keep copies of W-2 forms and employment contracts in a secure folder. If you plan to move within Kansas, update your address within 30 days to demonstrate continuous residency.

Final Takeaways

The Kansas Promise Scholarship is a transformative tool for residents seeking affordable pathways into high-demand careers. Treat the application like a job contract: understand your obligations, document everything, and communicate proactively with both your college and the Board of Regents. By aligning your academic plan with the state’s workforce priorities and honoring the service commitment, you can graduate with minimal debt and immediate job prospects—all while helping your community thrive.