VERSAILLES, Ky. — Kentucky State University and the Kentucky Community and Technical College System 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.

It’s called the Kentuckians Pathway Scholarship and is a renewable, last dollar and nonrefundable scholarship program for students transferring from KCTCS. It covers fall and spring college tuition after federal and state aid and external awards have been applied.

Students must be Pell-eligible, enroll full time in a bachelor’s program, file a free application for Federal Student Aid and submit a scholarship application to qualify. 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 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.” 

The development of the scholarship grew out of a transfer agreement between the two institutions last October. The agreement calls for investments in education opportunities that reduce financial barriers for students transferring to KSU with an associate degree from one of KCTCS’ 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.

According to KCTCS data, 63% of associate degree earners received a Pell grant during the 2022-23 academic year.

The partner institutions are also working to provide institutional and financial support services to students transferring from KCTCS to KSU. These include financial aid counseling, academic advising and mentorship programs.