Scholarships — and the donors who support them — make KU experience available to more students

A University of Kansas education is among the best available experiences for students who are intellectually curious, ambitious, and motivated to pursue excellence in all they do — because KU students have the support they need to thrive and the resources to succeed both during and beyond their time on campus. That includes making sure cost doesn't become a barrier to the achievement of their dreams.

For students and their families, scholarships are essential to ease the burden of paying for an education. Scholarships are the most effective way to directly benefit students who have the talent and drive to be successful at KU but cannot afford the rising costs of higher education.

For the university, scholarships help attract, reward and support deserving students, and are a crucial component of their success. Helping a student alleviate financial concerns means that student can go "all-in" on the KU experience — focusing more deeply on academic performance, pursuing volunteer and internship opportunities, and enjoying the types of campus activities that lead to lasting friendships and lifelong Jayhawk pride.

Scholarship support made all the difference for Tamara Rodriguez, who said her time at KU is something she'll cherish forever. "I have gone on two study abroad trips, participated in Greek life, lived on campus, and funded my two degrees with scholarship money. I never thought I would be able to do that." 

KU continues to see record-high enrollment; the 2024-25 academic year brought in the third-largest freshman class in the university's history, with an unprecedented 3.71 average high school GPA. KU is on a mission to see as many of those students graduate as possible — but it won't happen without your help. Your support can make the difference in a student's ability to complete a degree and jump-start a fantastic future — and KU graduates can continue to show the world what Kansas-grown excellence looks like.

One Day One KU is back: On April 28-29, 2026 from noon to noon, join Jayhawks everywhere in helping the university we love to do extraordinary things — save the date!