Kansas State University

Scholarships and Funding Possibilities for Graduate Students

Graduate Students frequently qualify for teaching assistantshipGraduate students pursuing advanced degrees have many possibilities for funding — however, sometimes you have to put a little time into research to find the best match for you! Be sure not to rely on university awards alone. There are many opportunities in the private sector. The steps below are not all-inclusive, but are meant to provide you with a starting point for your search.

When you apply to K-State’s Graduate School, you are also given an application for a graduate assistantship. Be sure your department head and/or major professor knows you are interested in scholarships, grants, fellowships and assistantships. Assistantships become available throughout the year, so your advisor can be a great advocate for you.

Step One:
Apply for K-State Scholarships

K-State has one master application form for all university scholarships, including College and departmental awards. Complete this form by February 1. However, if you are accepted after February 1, go ahead and submit the application. The original recipient might not have accepted the scholarship, or there may be scholarships that no one was eligible for!

Apply Now

Step Two:
Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

In addition to student loans, this form is used to apply for grants and campus jobs. (K-State will consider your eligibility for grants, even if you don’t wish to apply for loans.) Many private sector scholarships give consideration to financial status, so having this data on file makes that information available.

Apply Now

Step Three:
See if any of these scenarios fit you

Note: Every organization has its own deadlines and application requirements. Check each site carefully for information.

Are you a distance student?
The Division of Continuing Education offers a few scholarships for distance students. Visit The K-State Division of Continuing Education web site for details.
Are you a University employee?
K-State employees may be eligible for tuition assistance programs.
Are you a member of any of the following organizations?

If so, click on the association’s name to link to their scholarship application.

Step Four:
Other K-State-related offices and websites that might be helpful

  • The K-State Graduate School
  • The College of Arts & Sciences – some links here are within human ecology disciplines. Scholarship Advisor Jim Hohenbary can be contacted at (785) 532-6904 or .
  • K-State Research and Extension – Resources for Extension professionals.

Step Five:
Research and apply for scholarships independent of K-State

Many professional organizations, centers and foundations have scholarships related to career goals, ethnicity, gender, academic performance, talent, and so forth. Below are just a few of the organizations you may want to research for possibilities:

Step Six:
Research external resources for additional possibilities

  • students.gov — Links to government agencies with available funding as well as general information about higher education.
  • Student Aid on the Web — Federal Student Aid website. Resources about loans, payments, and other pertinent info.
  • Community of Science — Search in your area of specialty.
  • CollegeBoard.com — Search in your area of specialty.

Additional organizations you can research or contact that have useful information for various disciplines within our college:

Good luck, and happy searching!