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 employed as a Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Educator and enrolled in an MS program?
Apply for the FCS Scholarship for Professional Development (Adobe Acrobat).
Are you a member of any of the following organizations?

If so, click on the association’s name to link to their scholarship application.
Are you a part or full-time graduate student who is preparing for a second career, re-entering the job market or obtaining additional training in a field related to the following degree programs?
  • Kinesiology
  • Communication Sciences and Disorders
  • Psychology
  • Physical Therapy
  • Other degree programs with Pre-Medicine, Pre-Nursing or Pre-Occupational Therapy emphases

Other eligible degree programs include those preparing students for careers in special education, learning disabilities, mental and emotional disorders, other brain disorders and chemical dependencies.
Apply for the Becky Burrows Scholarship Program for graduate students (Adobe Acrobat) - Awards up to $1000. The application deadline is February 18, 2008.
Are you full or part time graduate student studying at the master's or doctorate level to prepare for a career in which you will help children with brain-related disorders or brain-related disabilities? Eligible degree programs include:
  • Kinesiology
  • Communication Sciences and Disorders
  • Psychology
  • Physical Therapy
  • Other degree programs with Pre-Medicine, Pre-Nursing or Pre-Occupational Therapy emphases

Other eligible degree programs include those preparing students for careers in special education, mental and emotional disorders, other brain disorders and chemical dependencies.
Apply for the Marie Newton Sepia Memorial Scholarship (Adobe Acrobat) - Awards up to $1000. The application deadline is February 18, 2008.
Are you a full-time International graduate student studying in a field significant to the advancement of human health, education and welfare? Eligible degree programs include:
  • Agriculture
  • Business
  • Computer or management information
  • Education
  • Guidance
  • Healing arts and sciences
  • Human Ecology
  • Journalism
  • Political science
  • Psychology
  • Public health
  • Science and social services

Apply for the Ruby Newhall Memorial Scholarship (Adobe Acrobat) - Awards up to $1500. The application deadline is February 18, 2008.

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 .
  • College of Human Ecology Assistant Dean Karen Pence oversees College scholarships. She can be contacted at or (785) 532-5500.
  • 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!