One of the smartest ways to reduce your out-of-pocket cost at Kentucky Christian University is by applying for outside scholarships—and the good news is, there are thousands available.
What Are Outside Scholarships?
Scholarships are gifts—they do not have to be repaid. They’re offered by schools, employers, churches, nonprofit organizations, businesses, community groups, and professional associations. Some scholarships cover full tuition, while others may be a one-time award of a few hundred dollars. Either way, every scholarship helps lower the cost of your education.Types of Scholarships You Can Apply For
- Merit-based scholarships – awarded for academic achievement, leadership, talent, or special interests
- Need-based scholarships – based on financial need
- Group-specific scholarships – for women, graduate students, ministry students, military families, and more
- Employer- or church-based scholarships – offered through your employer or your parents’ employers, churches, or local organizations
Where to Find Legitimate Scholarships (Free Resources)
Be cautious of scams—you should never have to pay to search for scholarships. These are trusted, free tools we recommend:
- CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor):
https://www.careeronestop.org/toolkit/training/find-scholarships.aspx - Sallie Mae Scholarship Search:
https://www.sallie.com/scholarships - Nelnet Scholarship Search Tool:
https://www.nelnetbank.com/learning-center/scholarship-search-tool/ - Scholarships.com:
https://www.scholarships.com/ - College Board BigFuture:
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/scholarship-search - Fastweb:
https://www.fastweb.com/
You should also check with:
- Your high school counselor or TRIO advisor
- Your local library
- Churches, civic groups, and community foundations
- Employers (yours or your parents’)
- Organizations connected to your intended major or career field
When Should You Apply?
Scholarship deadlines vary. Some are due months—or even a year—before college starts, but many are still available right now. If you’ve missed earlier deadlines, don’t worry—keep searching and applying.
How to Apply Successfully
- Read each application carefully
- Complete every section fully
- Submit before the deadline
- Keep copies of essays—you can often reuse them
How Scholarship Funds Are Paid
Scholarships may be sent:
- Directly to Kentucky Christian University and applied to your bill, with any remaining funds refunded to you, or
- Directly to you by check
Each scholarship provider will explain how their funds are disbursed—if not, it’s okay to ask.
If you have questions about how outside scholarships work at KCU, our admissions team is here to help every step of the way. Applying for scholarships takes effort, but it can make a meaningful difference in your college journey.
