Financial Aid, Awards, and Benefits

Financial Aid Application Procedures

To apply for financial aid for the 2021-22 academic year and the 2022 summer term, students must file the 2021-22 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.gov. Students who file the FAFSA are considered for federal, state, and institutional grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study. To be considered for financial aid at the University of Kentucky, students must include UK’s Federal School Code 001989 on the FAFSA.

The priority filing date for filing the FAFSA is February 1, 2021 for the 2021-22 academic year. Students may file the FAFSA after this date, but certain financial aid opportunities may be missed. The FAFSA must be received on or before the student’s last day of enrollment or June 30, 2022, whichever is earlier to receive federal student aid.

Because the summer term is optional, students must also complete a UK Summer Financial Aid Request Form, which is available to students when summer registration commences. Any student who enrolls in summer and qualifies for a Federal Pell Grant, however, will be awarded a Federal Pell Grant regardless of whether a Summer Financial Aid Request Form has been completed.

Financial Aid Eligibility Determination

1.  Student Aid Report

After filing the FAFSA, the student receives a Student Aid Report (SAR), which provides basic information about eligibility for federal student aid as well as a listing of information reported on the FAFSA. The SAR will be emailed when an email is provided on the FAFSA; otherwise, it will be sent by regular mail. At the same time, the University of Kentucky receives the results of the student’s FAFSA, which is used to determine the student’s eligibility for financial aid.

2.  Cost of Attendance

The Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships determines a student’s eligibility by subtracting the student’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC) from the student’s estimated Cost of Attendance (COA). The information reported on the FAFSA is used in a formula established by the U.S. Congress, which determines the student’s EFC. The COA that the student’s Financial Aid Package is based upon reflects standard and reasonable costs. 

The COA includes average tuition and fees based on student residency (i.e., Kentucky, non-resident), enrollment status, and program of study. The COA budget component for housing and meals varies according to the student’s living situation. The COA also includes an allowance for books and supplies. Estimated transportation and miscellaneous expense are also part of the COA. More information about COA is available at www.uky.edu/financialaid/tuition-and-fees.

Based on federal and state regulations and institutional policy, students are limited to receive financial aid up to the student’s total COA. Any financial aid awarded in excess of the student’s COA, is an overaward, and must be resolved. The University of Kentucky Financial Aid Overaward Policy is available at www.uky.edu/financialaid/overaward-policy.

3.  Financial Aid Eligibility Confirmation

Using information reported on the FAFSA, the U.S. Department of Education performs data exchange with federal agencies to confirm that students meet the following Title IV eligibility requirements:

• Social Security Number and U.S. Citizenship Status with the Social Security Administration
• Eligible non-citizenship status with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
• Veteran Status with the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs
• Default, disability discharge, bankruptcy, aggregate loan history statuses for federal student loans, overpayment status for federal student grants, and Pell Grant life-time usage with NSLDS

The Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships must also review the following additional eligibility requirements:

• Admission Status
• Program of Study
• Satisfactory Academic Progress
• Enrollment Status
• Academic Level
• Dependency Status
• Marital Status
• Identity
• Unusual Enrollment Patterns

Any discrepant eligibility item must be resolved before the student can be awarded financial aid.

4.  Federal Student Aid Verification

Verification is the process of documenting the accuracy of the information provided on the FAFSA, such as:

• Adjusted gross income (AGI)
• U.S. income tax paid
• Education credits
• Untaxed IRA distributions
• Untaxed pensions
• IRA deductions and payments
• Tax exempt interest
• Income earned from work
• Household size
• Number in college
• High school completion status
• Identify/statement of educational purpose

Typically, thirty percent of FAFSA filers are selected for verification each academic year. However, special guidance from the U.S. Department of Education allows schools to waive verification requirements for the 2021-22 year for most students who are selected as a means of providing relief to students challenged by the pandemic. Please review your Required Documents tab in the myUK portal to determine if verification is required for you.

Students who are required to submit verification documents will receive email notification from the UK Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships (OSFAS) with instructions on how to proceed with the verification process. All requested documentation is uploaded through a secure portal accessed through the myUK portal using the student’s linkblue account.

Verification must be completed before the student’s financial aid can be disbursed to the student’s account. If there are differences between FAFSA data and the verification documentation, corrections to the student’s FAFSA will be required, which sometimes alter the student’s eligibility for financial aid. Students are notified by email and directed to review their revised financial aid offers in the myUK portal when changes in eligibility occur.

Student responsibilities are to:

• Submit all required documents as promptly as possible.

• Ensure that all documents are signed or e-signed where applicable.

• Keep copies of all information submitted to the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships.

It is extremely important that students respond to requests for information promptly because finalized financial aid awards are processed in the order of file completion date. To ensure that financial funds disburse as scheduled at the start of the intended term, students must be registered for classes and have submitted all required documentation by July 1, 2021. While students may submit documents after July 1, they should be prepared to make payment arrangements with Student Account Services in the event the financial aid file is not complete by billing deadlines.

The deadline for submitting verification documents for federal and state aid programs (except for the Federal Pell Grant) is 30 days prior to the end of the academic year or the student’s last period of enrollment. This deadline allows the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships to process and authorize disbursements within the timeframe permitted under state and federal regulations. If students do not provide required documents within this timeframe, it will result in cancelation of financial aid offers. The deadline to submit verification documentation may be extended up to 60 days after the last day of enrollment during the academic year or last period of enrollment on a case-by-case basis. Even with the extension students may forfeit eligibility for certain types of financial aid due to other regulatory deadlines.

A Federal Pell Grant applicant selected for verification must have any verification updates completed by the deadline published in the Federal Register. The deadline specified in the Federal Register for 2021-2022 is 120 days after the student’s last date of enrollment or September 17, 2022, whichever is earlier.

Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy for Financial Aid

Federal regulations mandate that all students be required to make measurable progress toward a degree in order to receive financial assistance through Title IV (federal) and state financial aid grant, loan and work programs. The University of Kentucky has adopted the following standards of satisfactory academic progress in order to comply with this federal requirement. Satisfactory academic progress will be evaluated once each year at the end of the spring semester.

Criteria for Meeting the Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress:

Quantitative Measure (Calculating Pace or Completion Ratio)

The quantitative component corresponds to the pace at which the student must progress through his or her program of study. This evaluation is to ensure completion within the maximum timeframe permitted and provides for the measurement of the student’s progress at the end of each period of enrollment. All undergraduate students are required to complete 66.67 percent or more of all cumulative credits attempted as expressed by the number of cumulative hours successfully completed divided by the number of cumulative hours attempted.

* Credit Hours Attempted includes all hours for which a student is registered as of the end of the add/drop period. Transfer credits hours that will be applied toward a student’s degree at the University of Kentucky will be counted toward the maximum number of attempted hours in the completion ratio calculation.

** Credit Hours Earned would be grades of A, B, C, D, or pass; unearned credit would be grades of E, F, W, XE, XF, Z, or fail or incomplete.

*** Hours for courses with grades of ‘incomplete’ (I or Z) will be counted as hours attempted, but not be counted as hours earned.

Qualitative (Grade-Point Average)

The qualitative component measures the quality of the student’s SAP by conducting a review of the student’s cumulative grade-point average (GPA). Only grades that carry quality points are used to calculate a student’s GPA. Specifically, an undergraduate student must earn at least a 2.0 cumulative grade-point average to be eligible for student financial aid. A graduate student must earn at least the minimum cumulative grade-point average required by their program.

Note: For financial aid purposes GPA calculations are based only on hours attempted at the University of Kentucky, and, by Federal regulation, will include any grades removed from the UK GPA by academic bankruptcy.

Maximum Time Frame Measure

Each student has a maximum time frame during which they can receive financial aid. To remain eligible for financial aid at the University of Kentucky, students must complete their degree program requirements within 150 percent of the published length of their degree program. All attempted hours are counted including transfer credit hours in the maximum calculation timeframe, regardless whether financial aid funds were received, or the course work was successfully completed.

Note: Students pursuing their second bachelor’s degree may not exceed 240 attempted credit hours.

Special Grading Options and Situations

1. Students have the option of repeating once as many as three different completed courses with only the grade, credit hours, and quality points for the second completion. If the student repeats a course, those credits are counted when calculating the quantitative and maximum time frame measures.
2. Academic Bankruptcy will delete an early academic record from the University of Kentucky GPA but does not remove the attempted hours from the total cumulative hours, from the completion ratio calculation, nor from the grade-point average calculation for SAP.
3. Audited classes, credits earned through CLEP testing, or non-credit courses are not considered in determining satisfactory academic progress.
4. Hours earned on a ‘pass-fail’ basis or hours paid through a consortium agreement and accepted by the University of Kentucky will be used in determining satisfactory academic progress.
5. Although remedial or developmental courses do not count toward the student’s degree requirements, they are counted as earned credit hours and therefore must be calculated according to the quantitative and qualitative requirements set forth in the SAP policy.
6. Prerequisites or preparatory courses are those in which a student must complete to meet admission requirements into a degree program but do not count toward the student’s degree requirements. Prerequisites or preparatory courses are evaluated according to the quantitative and qualitative rules set forth in this policy.
7. Any credit hours earned during the summer sessions will be included in the annual evaluation made at the end of the following spring term.
8. Transfer credit hours that will be applied toward a student’s degree at the University of Kentucky will be counted toward the maximum number of attempted hours allowed to be eligible for financial aid (i.e., usually 180 credit hours for undergraduate students) and in the credit hour completion. Transfer hours are not counted in the calculation of a student’s UK GPA.

Evaluation of Financial Aid Eligibility

Satisfactory Academic Progress is evaluated once each year at the end of the spring semester. At that point, a student’s entire academic history at the University will be subject to the above quantitative and qualitative standards, regardless whether the student received financial aid.

Students who enrolled and have a FAFSA on file for the prior academic year and other students who have a current year FAFSA on file are evaluated for Satisfactory Academic Progress. Students who do not meet the Standards of Academic Progress will be notified by email and furnished a link to the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy and provided procedures to appeal. The student may make a written appeal or re-establish his or her eligibility by attending UK at his or her own expense to make up for any deficits. It is the student’s responsibility to monitor his/her academic progress and to be aware of the requirements of his/her program, so that the degree can be completed within the time allowed by federal regulations.

Right of Appeal

If a student fails one or more of the three measures (qualitative, quantitative and maximum time frame) or is placed on Academic Probation or Academic Suspension, the student is not eligible for federal and state financial aid including grants, scholarships, work-study and loans. Students failing SAP standards who have had mitigating circumstances (e.g., death in the family, illness, involuntary military leave), however, may request reinstatement of their financial aid eligibility by appealing by the published deadlines. Detailed information about the appeal process and deadlines for submission is at www.uky.edu/financialaid/sap and will be included in the student’s written notification of failure to maintain satisfactory progress.

Re-establishing Satisfactory Academic Progress

Students who have failed to meet one or more of the Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements are not eligible for financial aid; however, eligibility may be regained if the student subsequently successfully completes course work that enables the student to meet the SAP standards. Students who do not meet SAP requirements are re-evaluated at the conclusion of each semester/term in which they enroll to determine whether they have re-established financial aid eligibility.

Enrollment Status

Enrollment Classification

Each type of financial aid (program) has specific enrollment status requirements. Enrollment for undergraduate students is defined as follows:

Students may enroll part-time or full-time to qualify for Federal Pell Grant, Federal SEOG, and Federal Work-Study. Pell Grants and SEOG amounts are prorated for less than full-time enrollment. To receive a Federal Direct Loan, students must be enrolled at least half time. State aid programs typically require at least half-time enrollment, with amounts prorated for less than full-time enrollment. Most institutional scholarships require full-time enrollment.

Academic Level Classification

Some financial aid programs have specific criteria based on academic grade level. According to academic policy, the following criteria are used to define the student’s academic level:

Dual Enrollment and Study Abroad

University of Kentucky students who plan to enroll at another college or university simultaneously may have their enrollment elsewhere considered for financial aid eligibility.

UK students may have their enrollment elsewhere considered to determine financial aid eligibility. To be considered for financial aid at UK as a dually enrolled student, a consortium agreement must be completed by the student and approved by the student’s academic advisor, the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships and the other institution.

Consortium agreements allow students enrolled at more than one school in each semester to receive the maximum amount of federal aid for which they are eligible considering enrollment at both schools. A student may receive federal financial aid from only one school during any given semester.

Types of Financial Aid Available

Financial aid is funding for college education that comes from sources outside of the student’s family. Gift aid and self-help aid are the two categories of financial aid. Gift aid comes in the form of grants and scholarships and usually does not have to be repaid. Self-help aid comes in the form of loans and work-study. Financial aid at the University of Kentucky is offered based on financial need, merit, or both. Students may receive a combination of grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study in their Financial Aid Package. Sources of funding come from the University of Kentucky, the federal government, the state and other entities. The types of financial aid programs listed below are available to students:

Scholarships - www.uky.edu/financialaid/scholarships

Need-based Assistance - www.uky.edu/financialaid/need-base-assistance

Loans - www.uky.edu/financialaid/loans

Notification and Disbursement of Financial Aid

1.  Checking Financial Aid Records

Students may access their financial aid records by logging on to myUK, which is the student’s campus web portal used to provide students with easy online access to their records.

2.  Understanding Financial Aid Offers & Requirements

Online financial aid notification via myUK is the official method by which students receive information regarding their financial aid application and offers. Email is the primary means of communication between students and the University of Kentucky Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships. It is the student’s responsibility to monitor email notifications from the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships as well as from other university offices. Failure to read and respond to email communications from the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships may result in delay or cancellation of financial aid offers. 

3.  Disbursement of Financial Aid (Crediting of funds to the Student Account)

The earliest that financial aid may credit to a student’s billing account is 10 days before the student’s classes for the semester begin. However, financial aid will not credit to the student’s account unless all eligibility requirements have been met and verification has been completed, if selected. In addition, if the student is taking out a student loan, the student must have completed entrance loan counseling and completed a master promissory note for the respective loan program. Estimated financial aid on the Student Bill is a temporary status to be used for financial planning purposes only. Estimated financial aid allows the Student Account Services Office to defer payment of student’s tuition, fees, housing and dining payments until the financial aid is finalized and credited to the account. Students are responsible for making payment for the difference between the billed charges and accepted financial aid by the designated due dates established by the University. Financial aid offers are not final until they have credited to the student’s account. 

4.  UK Student Account Services Installment Payment Plan

Under the UK Student Account Services Payment Plan, students may select to make four payments of their outstanding charges after any applicable financial aid has been applied. For more information, visit www.uky.edu/studentaccount/content/installment-payment-plan.

5.  Refunds Due to a Financial Aid Credit Balance

When financial aid for the semester/term exceeds a student’s direct charges (tuition, fees, etc.) on the student bill, the student is entitled to a refund for the difference for use toward other educational expenses. The Student Account Services Office issues refunds to students beginning the first day of classes. Only those students whose financial aid was credited 10 days prior to the semester/term with a credit balance will receive a refund on the first day of the semester/term. Following the first day of the semester/term, it takes approximately one week after financial aid is disbursed for the Student Account Services Office to issue a financial aid refund to a student. Visit www.uky.edu/studentaccount/refund.htm for more information on financial aid refunds.

6. Using Credit Balance Refunds for Books and Supplies

Students who are eligible for federal TIV credit balance refunds may utilize anticipated refunds to purchase required books and supplies prior to the seventh day of each term using their WildCard Student ID at the UK Bookstore. For more information on this option, visit www.uky.edu/advisors/node/2417.

Impact on Financial Aid Due to Withdrawal or Failure to Enroll

Students could jeopardize receipt of some types of aid if they are not properly enrolled at the time that financial aid funds disburse. Students may have originally been packaged as a full-time student, but at the time the funds are ready to disburse, students’ enrollment status may differ. Students’ change in enrollment may affect the eligibility for certain funds. If a student does not attend for a period of enrollment in which the student was offered financial aid, the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships must cancel all financial aid offered. Upon re-enrollment, the student may request assistance again, but, because offers are based on the availability of funds, funding may be limited.

Students who plan to withdraw from any courses during an academic term should first consult with the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships to understand the full impact prior to taking action. Withdrawing from courses may cause students to lose financial aid that has already been received, may create a balance due on the student account that must be repaid, and may prevent students from making Satisfactory Academic Progress. This may affect students’ financial aid eligibility in the future.

Total withdrawal from the University is defined as dropping/withdrawing from all classes for which a student is registered. When students withdraw from all courses on or before completing 60 percent of an academic term, the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships is required to review the student’s financial aid to determine whether financial aid funds must be adjusted in accordance with federal and state regulations. Students who fail all courses are considered withdrawn unless documentation of class completion is provided. See the section that follows titled Students Aid Recipients Receiving ALL E Grades for additional details.

Treatment of Title IV (Federal) Aid for Total Withdrawal

The federal policy for return of Title IV funds maintains that a student retains only that portion of federal aid that the student has earned based on time in attendance before withdrawal. The percentage of time that the student attended an academic term determines the amount of federal aid that must be returned to the federal government. This federally mandated policy is independent of UK institutional refund policy due to withdrawal.

The University of Kentucky, as required by federal statute, must recalculate federal financial aid eligibility for students who drop out, who withdraw, or who are dismissed, prior to completing 60 percent of the semester or the financial aid payment period. When the student ceases to be enrolled prior to completing 60 percent of the semester or financial aid payment period, the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships applies the Federal Return of Title IV funds formula to determine whether any federal financial aid must be returned.

This percentage is equal to the number of calendar days remaining in the semester divided by the total number of calendar days in the semester. Scheduled breaks of more than five consecutive days are excluded from this calculation. The Federal Return of Title IV formula is calculated as follows:

This formula determines the percentage of the semester completed, which is the same percentage of earned financial aid. Funds are returned to the appropriate federal program based on the percentage of unearned aid using the following formula:

Federal student aid refunds are returned to the following Title IV sources in the following order:

1. Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loan
2. Subsidized Federal Direct Loan
3. Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan
4. Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan
5. Federal Pell Grant
6. Federal SEOG Grant
7. Federal TEACH Grant
8. Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant

Funds are not required to be returned to the Federal Work-Study Program.

Worksheets used to determine the amount of refund or Return of Title IV aid are available upon request from the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships.

Post Withdrawal Disbursement (PWD) of Title IV Aid:

The financial aid office determines if a student is eligible to receive Title IV funds that were offered but not yet disbursed to the student at the time of his/her withdrawal from school. Any PWD will first apply to a student’s outstanding university charges (if any). Grant PWD do not require an authorization from the student. Before any loan funds are applied to a student’s outstanding university charges, the student (or parent) will be notified of the award type, amount of the PWD, any residual balance created by the PWD and given the opportunity to cancel all or part of the loan amount offered. The student/parent must respond within 30 days of the date of the notice. No loan PWD will released without confirmation. The residual balance of the accepted amount of any remaining PWD will be sent directly to the student (or to the parent if designated as such on the parent PLUS).

Students Aid Recipients Receiving ALL E Grades: 

Any financial aid recipient receiving all E grades for a semester is subject to Return to Title IV regulations. This is referred to as an “unofficial withdrawal.” Aid must be refunded assuming withdrawal at the midpoint (50 percent point) of the semester. This must be done no later than 45 days after the school determines the student “unofficially” withdrew. Within these 45 days, instructors are asked to attest to the student’s class participation for any date beyond the midpoint. Documentation must be submitted by the deadline date specified by the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships. Late documentation will be considered within the fiscal year. Documentation of attendance beyond the 60 percent point of the term requires no reduction to financial aid.

Retroactive Withdrawals: 

Any Title IV financial aid recipient who retroactively withdraws from all classes for a semester is subject to Return to Title IV regulations. The withdrawal date used to calculate return to Title IV will be the earlier of either the date the student initiated the retroactive withdrawal process or provided notification of his or her intent to withdraw. There is an exception for cases where the student never attended any classes. All Title IV aid must be returned for a student who did not attend any classes. A student for whom a Return to Title IV calculation has been completed previously will not be recalculated unless an error was made in the initial calculation. Per state regulations, Kentucky state grant and scholarship funding administered by the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA), which includes KEES and CAP grants, will be returned in full when tuition and fee charges are reduced to zero ($0.00).

Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships contact information:

Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships
University of Kentucky
127 Funkhouser Building
Lexington, KY 40506-0054
859-257-3172
www.uky.edu/financialaid/

FEDERAL WORK-STUDY

The Federal Work-Study Program (FWS) provides students with part-time employment to help meet college costs and, if possible, provide work experience related to their field of study. FWS is federally funded and need-based. Eligibility is determined from information provided on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

A variety of FWS positions are available. Virtually every college and department uses FWS in some capacity. Positions are available in libraries, laboratories, student services and academic departments, the Singletary Center and the Johnson Center. Off-campus jobs with non-profit agencies provide opportunities to work directly with the community.

Earnings

Earnings through FWS vary with the amount of the FWS award, the pay rate, and the hours worked. Salaries start at $8.25 per hour and range upward according to grade level and whether work is on or off campus. Most students work ten to twenty hours per week. Employers usually prefer students to work three or more consecutive hours depending on their class schedules. FWS pay is received via direct deposit every two weeks according to the number of hours worked and submitted to the FWS Office. FWS earnings do not directly credit a student’s billing statement for University charges.

SCHOLARSHIPS

The Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships administers scholarships based on financial need and academic merit. Students with substantial financial need, as determined by the FAFSA, should read the preceding information and contact their financial aid counselor for questions regarding federal and state need-based aid programs.

Scholarship programs based primarily on academic merit are administered through the Academic Scholarship Program, including academic and competitive awards for first-time incoming freshmen, current UK students, and transfer students. All scholarships are awarded based on availability of funds; therefore, early application is strongly encouraged.

For academic scholarship consideration, first-time incoming freshmen must be admitted to UK and have qualifying academic credentials on file with the Office of Undergraduate Admission prior to December 1. For more information and to view scholarships offered, please visit our website: www.uky.edu/financialaid/scholarships.

The University of Kentucky also provides a competitive scholarship program for higher valued scholarships, for first-time incoming freshmen. The awards include the Otis A. Singletary Scholarship and Presidential Scholarship. To apply, students must complete the competitive academic scholarship section of the undergraduate admission application by December 1. Students must apply to UK and have qualifying credentials on file with the Office of Undergraduate Admission by the December 1 deadline. Early application is strongly encouraged.

The Office of Academic Scholarships also offers special first-time incoming freshmen academic scholarships to National Merit Finalists, College Board National Recognition Program Scholars, Kentucky Governor’s Scholars, Kentucky Governor’s School for the Arts, and Kentucky Governor’s School for Entrepreneurs. For more information, please visit our website or see our contact information below.

Currently enrolled UK students, not already receiving a four-year academic scholarship, who have demonstrated high academic achievement, may apply for an Academic Excellence Scholarship. Applications are available online during the spring semester and awards are made for the upcoming school year. Students must be full-time and achieve a minimum 3.50 cumulative GPA to apply. Awards are competitive and the deadline to apply is June 1.

Transfer students currently enrolled full-time at an accredited institution who will be transferring to the UK main campus for the fall semester may be considered for academic scholarships. To be eligible, applicants must have completed a minimum of 24 semester hours and have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA. Students must be admitted to UK and have a final spring transcript on file with the Office of Undergraduate Admission by June 15. For more information and to view scholarships offered, please visit our website: www.uky.edu/financialaid/scholarships.

Many academic departments and colleges have funds of their own that are granted to deserving students. For more information, check with the individual college or department of interest. Additionally, we encourage students to search for internal and external scholarship opportunities on ScholarshipUniverse at https://uky.scholarshipuniverse.com/school/dashboard.

For more information concerning scholarships, contact:

Office of Academic Scholarships
University of Kentucky
217 Funkhouser Building
Lexington, KY 40506-0054
859-257-4198
email: academicscholar@lsv.uky.edu
www.uky.edu/financialaid/scholarships

William C. Parker Scholarship Program

The University of Kentucky has a mission and commitment to aggressively recruit and retain students from all segments of society, including African American, American Indian, Asian or Pacific Islander, Hispanic, and Alaskan Native students. Factors which are considered in the holistic evaluation of William C. Parker scholarship applications include test scores, grades, an essay, leadership experience, extracurricular activities, awards and recognition, community service and contribution to diversity.

The William C. Parker Scholarship Program is available for incoming freshmen, transfer, and continuing students. Students may receive only one award through the William C. Parker Scholarship Program.

For more information concerning the William C. Parker Scholarship Program, contact:

Asia Payne
Director
William C. Parker Scholarship Program
217 Funkhouser Building
Lexington, KY 40506-0054
859-323-6334

Legacy Tuition Program

The University of Kentucky offers partial tuition awards to eligible non-resident undergraduate children of UK graduates. An eligible student is defined as a child whose mother, father, or step-parent has earned a bachelor, graduate, doctorate, or professional degree from the University of Kentucky, whose parent or step-parent is a life member of the UK Alumni Association, and who would normally be subject to non-resident tuition rates. New first-time freshmen will be eligible for the Legacy Tuition Program for a total of eight semesters. Transfer students are eligible through the equivalent of their eighth semester of undergraduate study. Semesters of prior college enrollment at other institutions are considered in the total eight semesters. Automatic renewal each semester is contingent upon the student’s full-time enrollment on the UK main campus while maintaining a good academic standing and the qualifying parent’s life membership in the UK Alumni Association. Eligibility for continued enrollment in the program will be verified each semester. Students are required to complete the Legacy Tuition Program application in order to receive the benefits.

Application Deadlines

Fall - March 1

Spring - December 1

For more information, contact:

Office of Academic Scholarships
University of Kentucky
217 Funkhouser Building
Lexington, KY 40506-0054
859-257-4198
email: academicscholar@lsv.uky.edu
www.uky.edu/financialaid/scholarships

HUMAN RESOURCES STUDENT EMPLOYMENT

Human Resources Student Employment is a free referral service for UK students who are seeking part-time employment during the school year and part-time or full-time employment during academic breaks. Both on-campus and off-campus jobs in various fields with assorted required skills, pay rates, and flexible schedules are usually available.

To be considered for jobs available through HR Student Employment, UK students first create an application on the ukjobs.uky.edu website. Next, UK students can search the website for available jobs and submit their application for the positions they are interested in. After submitting an application, students who meet the minimum qualifications for that specific job posting will receive an email with instructions for scheduling a referral interview with the HR Student Employment office.

Students can access additional information at the HR Student Employment website at: www.uky.edu/hr/employment/student-employment. Feel free to call us at 859-257-9554.

SPECIAL AWARDS

The Herman L. Donovan Scholarship for Adults 65+

The Donovan Scholarship, named in honor of the late Herman L. Donovan, University President from 1941-1956, is a tuition waiver program for adults, 65 years and older, taking academic courses at the University of Kentucky. The tuition waiver is available for courses held on campus and limited availability for UK online classes. Donovan Scholars may audit courses for the joy of learning (exams, papers or other assignments are typically not required), take courses for credit without working toward a degree, or take classes for credit as a degree-seeking candidate. There is no previous educational requirement for Donovan Scholars auditing an undergraduate class (not seeking a degree). When working toward a degree, UK Admissions criteria must be met.

For more information, contact Trey Adkins at 859-257-2657; or email: trey.adkins@uky.edu..

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at UK, Lexington and Morehead

The OLLI at UK offers intellectual, social, and cultural programs for adults aged 50 years and older which characterize the university setting. Educational, enrichment, and experiential learning opportunities are offered at our locations in Lexington and Morehead. Programs are held in community locations and are offered in a variety of formats including: weekly courses, presentation series, trips, events, interest groups and more. Courses are taught in: history and government, culture and travel, languages, literature and writing, health and wellness, science and environment, and the visual and performing arts. The annual membership fee is $50; course fees vary.

For more information, contact the OLLI at UK at 859-257-2656; toll free at 866-602-5862; or email: Teresa.Hager@uky.edu.

OLLI at UK
Ligon House
658 South Limestone
Lexington, KY 40506-0442
859-257-2656, toll free 866-602-5862
www.uky.edu/OLLI

Oswald Research and Creativity Program

The Oswald Research and Creativity Program began in 1964 with the express purpose of encouraging research and creative activities by undergraduate students at UK. The objectives of the program are: (1) to stimulate creative work by undergraduate students, and (2) to recognize individuals who demonstrate outstanding achievement. This recognition emphasizes the importance the University places upon academic excellence.

The program has categories in Biological Sciences, Design (including but not limited to, architecture, landscape architecture, and interior design), Fine Arts, Humanities/Creative, Humanities/Critical Research, Physical and Engineering Sciences, and Social Sciences. In the science categories and the Humanities/Critical Research category, students generally submit research papers done for class or as an independent research project. For the Humanities/Creative category, students submit short stories, original plays, or poetry. The Fine Arts category is appropriate for musical compositions, paintings, sculpture, videos/films, or photographic essays. Up to 21 works of art, creative compositions, and serious research papers are recognized by the program each year. This competition is unique to the University and provides an excellent opportunity for undergraduates to test their skills and to see their academic work in a serious, professional light.

Awards are given in each category: $350 for first, $200 for second place, and an Honorable Mention certificate. Any undergraduate (full- or part-time, enrolled for either semester in the current academic year) who does not already have a baccalaureate degree is eligible to enter.

For information, contact the Office of Undergraduate Research, 211 Funkhouser Building, 859-257-0049; or visit us at: www.uky.edu/academicenrichment/undergraduate-research.

Undergraduate Summer Research and Creativity Fellowships

One of the strengths of research institutions like the University of Kentucky is the opportunity they provide for undergraduates to be involved in research and creative projects. Engagement in educational activities outside the classroom is a key element in the learning process. Faculty members in many fields welcome the opportunity to share their expertise and assist students with research projects. Each year, the Office of Undergraduate Research supports numerous independent research and creativity projects. Awardees range from $2,500 to $5,000 and support these activities during the summer months. Awards are given out at the end of the spring semester. Undergraduate students in all academic areas are eligible to compete for these fellowships.

For information and applications, contact the Office of Undergraduate Research, 211 Funkhouser Building, 859-257-0049; or visit us at: www.uky.edu/academicenrichment/undergraduate-research.

Other Awards Programs

Many academic departments at UK give special awards and prizes to students each year. Generally, special awards are cash prizes and are given on the basis of academic achievement or outstanding scholarship. To learn more about student support activities, please visit us at: www.uky.edu/academicenrichment/undergraduate-research.

VETERANS BENEFITS

Benefits for Veterans and Eligible Dependents

Federal and state benefit programs for veterans and eligible dependents are coordinated through the Veteran Resource Center, located in Room 2 Erikson Hall. Veterans or eligible dependents should contact the Veteran Resource Center during priority registration or on the Orientation date to request information on how to apply for VA benefits.

Students who have already been approved for federal or state benefit programs should bring their Certificate of Eligibility from the VA. Students who depend on these benefits to meet their living expenses should bring enough money to cover expenses for at least eight weeks while the first benefit check is processed.

For further information on VA educational benefit programs, contact the Buffalo VA Regional Office at 888-442-4551.

Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs Tuition Waiver Program

Under the provisions of KRS 164.505, 164.507, and 164.515 certain children and spouses of Kentucky veterans are eligible for tuition assistance from the Commonwealth of Kentucky. All persons eligible under this program must contact the VA Certifying Official in Room 2 Erikson Hall, 859-257-1148, for instructions on how get the KDVA tuition waiver applied to their account.

For additional information on the provisions of KRS 164.505, 164.507, and 164.515, contact the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs at 502-595-4447 or kdva.tuitionwaiver@ky.gov.

ROTC Financial Assistance

Air Force ROTC Scholarships

The types of financial assistance available through Air Force ROTC are briefly described below. For further details on eligibility and requirements, contact the Department of Aerospace Studies, 203 Barker Hall, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40506-0028, 859-257-7115; or visit https://afrotc.as.uky.edu/ for more information. Additional information is also listed in this Bulletin under the Department of Aerospace Studies .

High School Scholarship Program (HSSP). Scholarships are available to those qualified and selected students who enroll in the Air Force ROTC program. These scholarships cover tuition and laboratory fees, provide an allowance for books, and provide a graduated nontaxable subsistence allowance ranging from $300 to $500 per month. Qualified high school students can apply for four-year Air Force ROTC scholarships. Applicants for four-year scholarships are evaluated on the basis of the following criteria: a composite score on the ACT, or a composite score on the SAT; the applicant’s high school academic record; class ranking; extracurricular and athletic activities; personal interview; and ability to qualify on an Air Force medical examination. High school students who meet the basic eligibility requirements for a four-year scholarship must submit an application anytime between June 1 and December 1 of the year prior to enrollment in the program (usually the spring of their junior year into the fall of their senior year).

All selections for four-year scholarships are made at Air Force ROTC headquarters. Students meet regularly scheduled boards from September to February (which is dependent upon when they officially apply). High school students should apply online at: www.afrotc.com. For additional information, contact the Air Force ROTC detachment, 203 Barker Hall, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506-0028, or at 859-257-7115.

In College Scholarship Program (ICSP). Scholarships are awarded to students enrolled as cadets currently in the Air Force ROTC program on a competitive basis. Depending on the particular scholarship program, selection may be made on campus by the Air Force ROTC detachment commander or at Air Force ROTC headquarters. Scholarships may be awarded for up to three and a half years of study. Students interested in these scholarships should call 859-257-7115 for the latest information. Freshman students are not eligible for an ICSP until they have completed one full-time semester of college education. Typically, freshman ICSP scholarships will be given during spring semester of their freshman year, and students in the program could be awarded a scholarship from spring semester freshman status through spring semester sophomore status.

Furthermore, the HQ AFROTC ICSP is an in-college scholarship program available to students pursuing a degree in critical areas needed by the Air Force. These scholarships can be up to three and a half years. These scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis for those who qualify. ICSP scholarships have historically been awarded to cadets pursuing academic majors in electrical and computer engineering, nursing, and certain foreign language studies. Selections for this particular in college scholarship program are made at Air Force ROTC headquarters. Critical areas are updated every year and are subject to change without notice. For current information, call 859-257-7115.

Information is current as of January 2021 and is subject to change.

Army ROTC Scholarships

Army ROTC is the single largest source of scholarship money in the United States. Each year, the Army awards millions of dollars in scholarships to thousands of deserving students nationwide. Two-year, three-year and four-year scholarships are available through the Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program. These scholarships pay tuition, mandatory university fees, $1,200 per year for textbook costs, and up to $420 per month tax-free subsistence allowance while school is in session. Scholarship recipients will be commissioned as officers at the rank of Second Lieutenant in the United States Army upon graduation. Scholarship recipients will typically incur a four-year active duty or eight-year Army Reserve/National Guard service commitment.

Two- to three-year Guaranteed Reserve Forces Duty Scholarships are also available.

Length of scholarship, application deadline, and where to apply:

1. Scholarship applications are accepted year-round. The address to request or submit an application is: Professor of Military Science, ATTN: Recruiting Operations Officer, U.S. Army ROTC, 101B Barker Hall, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506-0028; or call 859-257-6865.
2. Four-year scholarships: Application deadline is February 4 of a student’s high school senior year. High school seniors are eligible to apply as early as June 15. Apply online at: www.goarmy.com/rotc. All applicants are evaluated by a board that considers the following criteria: ACT/SAT scores, high school academic record, extracurricular and/or athletic activities, and Professor of Military Science interview.

Advance Course (last two academic years of baccalaureate degree)

All contracted cadets (committed by signing an Army ROTC contract) receive a subsistence allowance of up to $420 per month while school is in session, whether or not they are scholarship recipients. Active duty service obligations are minimum 3 or up to 4 years. National Guard or Army Reserve military service obligations after earning a bachelors or graduate degree is a minimum of 6 years or up to 8 years.

To be eligible for the Advance Course, students must have completed the first two academic years of the ROTC program (Basic Course) or other training (Basic Training, 4 years of JROTC, or Basic Camp). See Recruiting Operations Officer for details.

Basic Course (first two academic years of the four-year ROTC program)

All students are eligible and welcome to participate in military science 100- and 200-level classes without obligation. Completion of these courses may be utilized towards earning a minor in military leadership. The Basic Course focuses on an introduction to leadership, tasks common to all soldiers, and adventure training.

Basic Camp and Advanced Camp

These camps are fully funded and resourced, immersive leadership training experiences lasting approximately 4 to 5 weeks.

Basic Camp is held at Fort Knox, Kentucky, and is attended by students who wish to participate in the Advanced Course. Completion of training qualifies students to enter the Advanced Course and compete for a two- or two-and-a-half-year scholarships.

Advanced Camp is held at Fort Knox, Kentucky, and is a requirement of the Advanced Course for commissioning. Normally, students attend this Camp between the junior and senior years.

Simultaneous Membership Program

This program is open to students in the Advanced Course. It enables them to remain a member of, or join a local Army National Guard unit or U.S. Army Reserve unit as officer trainees while attending college. Pay through either of these units is based on that of a Sergeant. See the admissions officer or call your local National Guard/Army Reserve recruiter for details. Simultaneous Membership Program students receive tuition assistance, Montgomery *GI Bill®, *GI Bill® Kicker, plus monthly drill pay while serving in the National Guard/Army Reserve.

*GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

The University of Kentucky is approved by the Kentucky State Approving Agency for Veterans Education (SAA) to offer VA Educational Benefits (GI Bill®) to eligible individuals enrolled in approved programs.