State/National Scholarships

FAFSA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid - Before filling out scholarship applications, it is advisable that all students who plan on attending college next year complete the FAFSA. FAFSA is the form that determines your financial aid from the government and most colleges. The form collets personal and financial information from students and parents, and applies a formula to determine how much federal aid you can receive.

FAFSA opens on October 1. It's a good idea to submit the application as soon as possible because some financial aid is given out on a first-come, first-served basis.

Note: Filling out the FAFSA does not commit you to going to college, or commit you to taking any money, or accepting any loan. It will just provide you what is available if you need it.

Step-by-Step Guide - walks students and families through each question of the FAFSA, including screenshots and explanations and a FAQ page for students with special circumstances. https://www.standoutcollegeprep.com/fafsa-questions/
FAFSA YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/user/FederalStudentAid

Don't forget to look at the freshmen merit scholarships at the college or university you are interested in. Each college will have different criteria for how much money they will give you to go to their school.

The scholarship sites listed below are from state and national organizations. Free State High School does not work with these organizations.

No scholarship should ever charge a fee or require credit card or bank account numbers.

Scholarship search engines and resources

Going Merry - goingmerry.com - use one application to apply for many different scholarships at once.

SallieMae - https://www.salliemae.com/college-planning/ - A great resource about how to pay for college.

Scholarships.com - https://www.scholarships.com/ - A scholarship search engine

State of Kansas Student Aid - https://www.kansasregents.org/scholarships_and_grants - many different scholarships are listed here for students in the state of Kansas.

Kansas Admission Guide - contains links to colleges and universities in Kansas, along with links to the financial aid websites for each school.

Scholarship websites

Ad Astra Kansas Foundation Space Exploration Scholarship - Must plan on attending a Kansas college, university, or vocational-tech school and major in science, engineering, or any program that can contribute to the advancement of space exploration. To be considered for this scholarship, complete this online Google Application Form. Due March 1.

THE AMERICAN LEGION HIGH SCHOOL ORATORICAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM - The Kansas State Oratorical Contest will be held at 9:00 AM on March 7, 2026, at American Legion Post #444 in Wichita. Students must first compete in one of eleven District Contests, where the top three contestants receive scholarships and District winners advance to State. At the State Contest, participants compete for scholarships of $1,000, $500, $250, and $150. The State Champion also earns an all-expense-paid trip to Nationals. National finalists receive scholarships of $25,000, $22,500, and $20,000. More details and submission forms.

Better Business Bureau of the Midwest - The Better Business Bureau of the Midwest Plains is awarding ten $2,000 scholarships to Kansas seniors who exemplify integrity. We especially want to reach first-generation and low-income students who would benefit most from this opportunity. Winners will be announced in late March. Questions? Contact communications@bbbinc.org. Apply: Click here. Deadline: February 28, 2026.

Coca-Cola Scholars Program - https://www.coca-colascholarsfoundation.org/apply/. Due September 30, 5 pm.

Coolidge Scholarship - https://coolidgescholars.org/. Due December 16. A full-ride, four-year, merit scholarship for high school JUNIORS.

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority - Topeka Alumnae Chapter - Scholarship for female high school seniors of African heritage who plan to enroll in a 4-year program at an accredited college or university or an accredited two-year degree or certification program on a full-time basis. Due April 12. Application Description

Hagan Scholarship - Information and Application - www.hsfmo.org

Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards - Information and Application - Due November 2

Horatio Alger Scholarships - The Horatio Alger Association is seeking students who display integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity and plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree. Students must have financial need and a determination to turn adversity into opportunity and pursue their American Dream. Junior deadline March 1st ($25,000 National Scholarship & $10,000 State Scholarships). Senior deadline February 15th ($10,000-$52,000 scholarships to specific colleges & universities across the United States).

Kansas Buffalo (Bison) Scholarship - $1000 Scholarship for seniors who are planning to pursue a career in an agriculturally related field. Complete application, provide one letter of reference, and 500 word essay outlining their relationship/interest in bison and why they should receive the scholarship. Due October 15.

Kansas Crime Stoppers Association Scholarship - Application - Must be a graduating senior. Application and materials are due on March 20, 2026.

Kansas Department of the American Legion/National Headquarters - Deadline: February 15, 2026. Application information.

Kansas Kiwanis Foundation Scholarship - The 2025-2026 High school scholarship application. Due to postal service delays, Scholarship Applications should be mailed by Saturday, January 24, 2026, to assure delivery by the deadline of February 1, 2026.

Kansas Masonic Scholarship - Information and application - Due December 1. For more information, click here: https://kansasmasonic.foundation/program/essay-contest/

Kansas State Department of Education Association of Educational Office Professionals (KSDE AEOP) Margaret Van Horn Scholarship. Applicant must intend to continue his/her education in an education or business-related program. The scholarship award of $400 is offered for the purchase of books, payment of fees or tuition, purchase of supplies, or other academic expenses. Emphasis for selection of the recipient will be based on the scholarship application, initiative exhibited, character shown, and/or other factors supporting his/her candidacy. The completed application, with original signature and official transcripts, must be postmarked by January 9, 2026. See the application for more details.

Men's College Scholarship - The scholarship is designed to identify and reward outstanding high school seniors who have demonstrated an ability to excel in the fields of academics, extra-curricular school activities and community involvement. It is available to any graduating senior male who is enrolling in a four-year undergraduate college program that commences in the fall of 2026. The application deadline is April 1, 2026, at 11:59 pm ET (8:59 pm PT). The application can be found here.

Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps - Description and application

PFLAG - Topeka PFLAG is offering $1000 scholarships to high school graduating seniors who will be attending post-secondary education (college or trade school), is a resident of Kansas, and self identifies as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, or as a straight ally. The application must be received by May 31st and the scholarships will be awarded by June 7th, 2026. Application is HERE or may email feistl@msn.com.

Red Hat Red Tie Scholarship - Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc - The Red Hat Red Tie Scholarship is administered to African American high school seniors who plan to attend an accredited degree-granting learning institution. Minimum 3.0 GPA. Red Hat Red Tie Scholarship, FLYER. APPLICATION

Rudd Foundation Scholarship - https://ruddfoundation.org/how-to-apply - Must attend either Emporia State, Fort Hays State, Kansas State, or Wichita State University. Must have GPA of 3.0 or above. Must demonstrate financial need. Application due December 1.

Securities and Insurance Licensing Association Foundation (SILA) - Twelve $1,250.00 scholarships to students focused on careers in the insurance and securities industry for use at any accredited post-secondary college or university within the continental United States. Due March 31. Description and application