Apply for aid

Applying for aid involves several steps, but there’s no need to be intimidated. Follow the steps found in this section, and whenever a question stops you in your tracks, turn to your financial aid counselor.

Get in touch

The first step? Apply to KU

Prospective Jayhawks should apply KU’s priority scholarship application deadline of Dec. 1 to be considered for scholarships offered by the university.
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A tree in bloom in front of the Spencer Research Library, on the University of Kansas campus.
Student works in a production at the Crafton-Preyer Theatre, on the University of Kansas campus.

Steps to obtaining aid

File the FAFSA

To be eligible for many types of financial aid, all students — first-time and returning, freshman and transfer — must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). 

Accept aid

When the good news of awarded funds arrives, your next step is to say yes (or no). Families applying for loans have a few additional steps.

Receive aid

You’ll work with Student Accounts & Receivables and use the Enroll & Pay website to manage disbursed and excess funds. Other aid may involve extra steps.

Maintain aid

Current students must meet minimum academic and enrollment requirements to keep their aid year to year. Dropping classes or withdrawing from KU affects your aid.

Transfer aid

If you are transferring to KU from another institution, you’ll want to update your FAFSA and communicate with your previous school and outside entities providing you with aid.

Specific student situations

  • Students will be packaged with federal financial aid for the summer term after they enroll in summer classes. As it does for fall and spring aid, summer aid requires a filed FAFSA, a minimum enrollment, and fulfillment of satisfactory academic progress (SAP). Amounts depend on many factors, including enrollment status and the total aid used in the preceding academic year. A financial aid counselor can answer questions about requests and eligibility.
  • Nondegree-seeking students typically do not receive federal financial aid. Review our non-degree exceptions and submit a non-degree financial aid request form if you feel you qualify.
  • Students seeking a second bachelor's degree may be eligible for financial aid. However, some aid programs are available only to students seeking their first bachelor's degree. Additionally, review our Satisfactory Academic Progress policy regarding limits on hours for second degrees.
  • Students may not receive financial aid from more than one institution at a time. Those interested in receiving aid from KU for classes they plan to take at another institution should schedule an appointment with their financial aid counselor.

 

The University of Kansas is committed to using the Principles & Standards of the College Cost Transparency Initiative in our student financial aid offers.

Financial aid overviews will be available for new students in March and current students in April. Once your financial offer has been generated, an e-mail will be sent to your email notifying you that it is available to be viewed.