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Kentucky State University (KSU) and the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) announced a new scholarship that guarantees a tuition-free bachelor’s degree for Pell-eligible KCTCS associate degree earners and transfer students still working on a two-year degree.

The Kentuckians Pathway Scholarship is a renewable, last dollar and non-refundable scholarship program for students transferring from KCTCS. The scholarship covers fall and spring college tuition after federal and state aid and external awards have been applied.

To qualify, students must be Pell-eligible, enroll full-time in a bachelor’s program, file a FAFSA and submit a scholarship application. Scholarship applications for the spring semester opened Sept. 1 and close Nov. 15.

“We are very excited to offer the Kentuckians Pathway Scholarship to support incoming KCTCS transfer students. KSU is committed to removing barriers and expanding opportunities in higher education and we see that this scholarship has the potential to positively change students’ lives,” said KSU President Dr. Koffi C. Akakpo. “We see our partnership with KCTCS and this scholarship as a necessary investment in our future leaders and world changers by ensuring Kentuckians have access to affordable postsecondary education.”

Today’s scholarship development grew out of a transfer agreement last October between the two institutions. The agreement called for investments in education opportunities, such as grants and scholarships, to reduce financial barriers for students transferring to KSU with an associate degree from the state’s 16 community colleges.

“We know education opens doors to opportunities that change lives forever. We also know that we have to do all that we can to make higher education affordable for Kentuckians,” said KCTCS President Ryan Quarles. “While not every student needs to attend a four-year institution to be successful, many of our students will continue their education after earning their associate degrees.

“This partnership with Kentucky State University is a great opportunity to further invest in our students who will go on to earn bachelor’s and advanced degrees and to support the future workforce of Kentucky,” added Quarles. “My mom taught at KSU for nearly 30 years, and I’m proud to strengthen our partnership.”

Most KCTCS associate degree earners receive Pell grants, a need-based federal aid program to help lower-income students pay for tuition and specific college expenses. According to KCTCS data, 63% or 5,630 of associate degree earners received a Pell grant during the 2022-23 academic year.

In addition to the scholarship, KSU faculty and staff are working collaboratively with KCTCS students, faculty and others to provide institutional and financial aid support services to students transferring from KCTCS to KSU. These services include financial aid counseling, academic advising, and mentorship programs.

To learn more about transferring from KCTCS to KSU, visit Kentucky State University | KCTCS.

To apply for this scholarship, visit Kentuckians Pathway Scholarship.