Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship helps residents pursue an industry-recognized credential—a certificate, diploma, or associate of applied science—in a high-demand sector. For 2026–27, KHEAA lists construction, education, health care, manufacturing and logistics, and professional, scientific, and technical services. The award is calculated after federal and state grants and scholarships are applied, so it varies and may not exceed the KCTCS in-state tuition-and-fee rate; fee support is capped at $400 a year.
Applicants must be Kentucky residents and US citizens or permanent residents, hold a high-school diploma or GED, have no associate or higher degree, and enroll in an approved program at a participating institution. Some certificates are offered at selected public or private campuses, but the institution list is specific to each campus and approved program. Eligibility ends when the student earns a first associate degree or uses 60 funded credit hours, whichever comes first.
Apply with FAFSA and the 2026–27 Work Ready form in MyKHEAA. Awards depend on funding and are considered by application date, but KHEAA explicitly says funding is not guaranteed. Before paying tuition, use the official estimator with other aid included and confirm that your program leads to an approved credential. The scholarship can make career training more affordable, but students should budget separately for books, transport, and living expenses.
Before accepting, compare the final balance with tuition, fees, and other aid; confirm the rules with the official source and ask the college financial-aid office for guidance.
Read the official program profile and FAFSA guide; request an individual review before enrolling.
Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship 2026–27 — Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority.
Aplicación MyKHEAA — Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority.
Lista de programas de estudio autorizados — Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority.
Checked October 13, 2026 against official sources. Programs, funding, and deadlines correspond to the stated cycle and may change. Eligibility does not guarantee an award: confirm your file, covered costs, and any service obligation with the agency and college.
Compare net costs and confirm requirements, funding, dates, and obligations with the program and institution before committing.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship
Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship helps residents pursue an industry-recognized credential—a certificate, diploma, or associate of applied science—in a high-demand sector. For 2026–27, KHEAA lists construction, education, health care, manufacturing and logistics, and professional, scientific, and technical services. The award is calculated after federal and state grants and scholarships are applied, so it varies and may not exceed the KCTCS in-state tuition-and-fee rate; fee su
College financial-aid program
Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education
The agency sets rates, eligibility, and caps; the college certifies need, cost, and the individual amount within those limits.
Public student-aid administering office
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.