Grants
Grants are funds given to students and do not have to be repaid (unless, for example, you completely withdraw from or stop attending all courses). Not all students will qualify for each of these grant programs. Please read the descriptions carefully. Except for KEES, all grants require a FAFSA to be completed.
When you complete a FAFSA, a Student Aid Index (SAI) is calculated. The SAI determines eligibility for a Pell grant. Please refer to your FAFSA Submission Summary from the FAFSA for more information.
Additionally, Pell grant amounts are based on enrollment. You may see the full amount when you receive your initial financial aid award. Be aware that the amount will change if you are less than full-time (12 or more credit hours in a semester).
This grant is awarded to undergraduate students with exceptional financial needs. Funds are very limited for this program.
If selected to receive this award, they are applied automatically in conjunction with Pell Grants.
This grant provides funds to Kentucky residents enrolled in at least six credit hours in a two-year program.
CAP is awarded to eligible applicants on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted.
CAP will be awarded for a maximum of four full-time semesters.
Additionally, CAP grant amounts are based on enrollment. You may see the full amount when you receive your initial financial aid award. Be aware that the amount will change if you are less than full-time.
This scholarship is designed to encourage and reward high school students for academic performance during their high school careers.
Grade Point Average (GPA) determines the amounts for each year of study, and bonus dollars are awarded for specified ACT score ranges.
Funding must be used within five years of high school graduation.
Students must be enrolled for at least six semester hours and seeking an eligible educational credential.
Awards are available for a maximum of eight semesters of undergraduate study.
To keep your full KEES award each year of college, you must earn at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA your first year of college, and then have an overall 3.0 cumulative GPA each year after that.
If your cumulative GPA drops below 3.0 any time after your second year of college, your KEES award eligibility may be suspended.
KCTCS On Track to Graduate Reporting
At the end of their second year (four semesters), students with a GPA of 2.50-2.99 must meet the following requirements to be considered on track to graduate and to receive FULL KEES award.
| Semesters Completed | Credit Hours Earned |
|---|---|
| Completed 4 semesters | Must have earned at least 48 credit hours |
| Completed 5 semesters | Must have earned at least 60 credit hours |
| Completed 6 semester | Must have earned at least 72 credit hours |
| Completed more than 6 semesters | Not on Track |
Renewal GPA and on track to graduate status is reported to KHEAA at the end of each academic year in May. Please note only credits earned in the Fall and Spring will count towards your GPA and on track status. Credits earned during a summer semester will be counted towards your next academic year when GPA and on track to graduate is reported to KHEAA.
- Students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher will receive their full KEES award.
- Students with GPA of 2.50-2.99 who meet the above on track to graduate requirements will receive their full KEES award.
- Students with a GPA of 2.50-2.99 who do NOT meet the above on track to graduate requirements and attended full-time for at least one semester during the previous academic year will receive a KEES award reduced to 50% of their full award.
- Students with a GPA of 2.50-2.99 who do NOT meet the above on track to graduate requirements and attended part-time for both semesters during the previous academic year will lose their KEES award for the next academic year.
- Students with GPA below 2.50 will lose the KEES award for the next academic year.
If you had previously lost your KEES award due to a low GPA and attended KCTCS during your KEES suspension and increased your cumulative GPA, please contact the financial aid office as they may have to manually report your renewal GPA.
Dual Credit courses do not count towards KEES college renewal GPA and on track to graduate status since these courses were already included in the high school GPA to determine the KEES base award.
