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Academic Scholarships

KCTCS Presidential Scholarships

Preference given to Kentucky residents who have an ACT composite of 23 or higher and a grade point average (GPA) of 3.25 or better.

Commonwealth Scholarships

Created during the 1988 regular session of the General Assembly to encourage Kentucky’s high scholastic achieving students to attend college in Kentucky. Awards are based on the availability of funds and preference will be given to the most qualified students who meet the academic standards.

The Commonwealth scholarships are available to Kentucky residents; and current year high school graduates in the top quartile of their high school graduating class; or prior year high school graduates in the top quartile of their high school graduating class.

Students awarded the Commonwealth Scholarship may earn a second year award provided they have successfully completed at least 24 credit hours at a KCTCS institution and maintained a 3.0 grade point average.

John T. Smith Scholarships

Named for Dr. John T. Smith the first African American to receive a doctoral degree from the University of Kentucky. Dr. Smith had a distinguished career in higher education and served as the first African American community college president in Kentucky. Dr. Smith served as president of Jefferson Community College for seven years (1968-1975).

The John T. Smith scholarships are available to Kentucky resident students who demonstrate potential for success in postsecondary education and also demonstrate a need for financial support in pursuing post secondary education. Factors for consideration include academic records, achievement in extracurricular activities and racial status. This scholarship may be renewed for a second year with a grade point average of 2.5 or higher.