Paying for College
Tuition and fees at Kentucky’s private colleges and universities are about 1/3 less than the national private college average. Specific cost information for each AIKCU member can be found at GoHigherKY.org. Even though tuition and fees are higher than those at public universities – because the educational costs associated with high quality academics and personal attention are not subsidized by taxpayer money – students rarely pay the full price to attend one of Kentucky’s independents. What you will pay depends on your family’s financial situation and many other factors. Over 95% of students at Kentucky’s independent colleges and universities receive some form of financial aid through scholarships, grants, work-study programs and other sources. Special programs like the Kentucky Tuition Grant (KTG) for independent college and university students and the Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarships (KEES) are available to Kentucky students who pursue their postsecondary education in the commonwealth.
Don’t worry so much about costs and financial aid when you begin exploring your postsecondary options. Our member campuses are committed to providing quality, affordable education and helping families navigate the admissions and financial aid process. Research shows time and again that education is the single most important factor in achieving lifetime financial success. Think of your education as an investment in your future. Decide which campuses interest you, and check them out. Once you know if a campus might be a good fit, ask how you can afford the education that will put you on the road to success.
Private college and university students are just like you. They come from all different backgrounds and all socioeconomic levels. Ask students at any AIKCU member institution and they’ll tell you that a private education is worth every penny, regardless of what their families have invested. Whatever students end up paying – whether it’s full tuition or nothing at all – private college and university students graduate more frequently and faster than their public university counterparts. That means that while your friends at public universities are still taking classes you can be settling into a new career or beginning medical school, or whatever it is that you decide you want to do next.
There are many sources of financial aid available that put an independent college or university education within your reach. And our member colleges and universities want you to succeed. In fact, AIKCU member institutions are the biggest supporters of their own students, providing millions of dollars in student aid each year. Contact the financial aid office at any AIKCU member institution to learn more about financial aid. They’ll be happy to help.
Other Financial Aid Resources:
GoHigherKY.org: Comprehensive postsecondary education resource with many tools to help you research college options and financial aid and your potential eligibility.
Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority: www.kheaa.com KHEAA administers state student financial aid programs, including KTG, CAP and KEES.Kentucky Tuition Grant (KTG): Need-based program available to Kentucky students attending private colleges or universities. This grant provides up to $2800 annually to help offset the higher tuition costs at private colleges and universities.College Access Program (CAP): Low income Kentucky students may qualify for up to $1700 per year through the College Access Program (CAP).
Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship (KEES): Merit-based program available to Kentucky high school graduates who successfully complete a prescribed pre-college curriculum. Scholarship awards up to $2500 per year, based on academic achievement and test scores.
The Student Loan People (KHESLC): www.kheslc.com The Kentucky Higher Education Student Loan Corporation site provides information about low cost student loans. Also provides information about special loan programs and borrower benefits for Kentucky students planning to go into nursing, teaching, and other selected professions.
FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) www.fafsa.ed.gov In order to qualify for need-based aid, students must complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) after January 1 st in the year they plan to attend. Visit www.fafsa.ed.gov to learn more about the FAFSA and to access the form online.
FinAid: The SmartStudent TM Guide to Financial Aid (www.finaid.org)Easy to use, comprehensive financial aid information home page with links to many useful sites. Provides information about loans, special interest scholarships, and fraud prevention.