Kansas Promise Act

You Dream of Becoming a Nurse.

Kansas Can Help Pay for It.

Apply If you are thinking about a career in nursing; whether as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), or a Registered Nurse (RN); the Kansas Promise Act Scholarship could help make that dream much more affordable. This scholarship was created specifically for students like you who want to enter high-demand fields right here in Kansas.

Quick Fact: In 2025, 390 students received healthcare-related Kansas Promise Act Scholarships. Many of those were nursing students on their way to becoming RNs or LPNs; students just like you!

What Is the Kansas Promise Act Scholarship?

In 2021, the Kansas Legislature passed House Bill 2064, launching a $10 million scholarship program managed by the Kansas Board of Regents. The goal is simple: help students in high-demand career fields; including nursing; afford school at Kansas community colleges and technical colleges.

Who Can Apply?

The scholarship is for students enrolled in two-year degree or certificate programs, including:

Associate degree Nursing (leads to RN licensure)
Practical Nursing programs (leads to LPN licensure)
Nursing Assistant programs (CNA certification)

Eligible schools include Kansas community colleges, technical colleges, Washburn Institute of Technology, and certain private postsecondary institutions in Kansas.

How Much Money Could You Receive?

The Kansas Promise Act is a "last dollar" scholarship; meaning it fills the gap after all your other financial aid (like grants and other scholarships) has been applied. Here's how it works in plain terms:

It covers tuition, required fees, books, and materials
It subtracts any grants or scholarships you already receive that don't require repayment
Whatever is left over; that's what the Promise Scholarship pays
The scholarship can cover up to $20,000 total OR 68 credit hours; whichever comes first. This limit applies throughout your entire lifetime for eligible programs.

Awards are given out on a first-come, first-served basis, so it pays to apply early!

A Simple Example

Let's say your semester costs are:

Tuition + fees + books = $3,000
Federal Pell Grant = $1,500
Promise Scholarship could cover the remaining $1,500

The Service Obligation (Scholarship Requirements)

Accepting this scholarship means signing a legally binding agreement with the State of Kansas. Here's what you're committing to:

Finish on time: Complete your nursing program within 36 months of receiving your first scholarship payment
Stay in Kansas: After graduating, live AND work in Kansas for two consecutive years
Important: If you don't meet these requirements, you may have to pay back the scholarship money

Good news: Kansas has a strong demand for nurses! Finding a nursing job in Kansas after graduation is very achievable; which means fulfilling the two-year work requirement should be straightforward for most graduates.

Tips for Aspiring Nursing Students

Apply early: Contact your school's financial aid office early; awards are first-come, first-served
File your FAFSA: Complete your FAFSA first so your other aid is calculated before the Promise Scholarship fills the gap
Plan your program: Talk to your school's nursing department about program timelines to make sure you can complete within 36 months
Look ahead: Research hospitals, clinics, and healthcare facilities hiring in Kansas; start building connections early!

Why Nursing Is a Great Career Choice in Kansas

Nursing is one of the fastest-growing and most in-demand careers in the country; and Kansas is no exception. Whether you want to work in a big city hospital, a rural community clinic, or a long-term care facility, a nursing career offers job security, meaningful work, and opportunities to grow.

The Kansas Promise Act Scholarship exists because Kansas needs nurses like you. By choosing this path, you're not just building your own future; you're helping strengthen healthcare across the entire state.

Applicable Schools: