KU Pell Advantage
The KU Pell Advantage was developed to enhance access and contribute to the diversity of the incoming, resident freshmen class. It covers resident tuition and fees through a combination of federal, state and institutional aid.
Beginning with the Fall 2022 freshmen class, KU will no longer be offering the KU Pell Advantage to incoming freshmen.
All incoming, resident freshmen who meet the awarding criteria.
Pell Advantage Awarding Criteria
The KU Pell Advantage covers tuition and student and wellness fees (excludes course fees) for 15 credit hours a semester for four years through a combination of federal, state, and institutional aid sources (approximately $11,318/year based on 30 credit hours for the 2021-2022 academic year in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences). Pell Advantage funding is not available for the summer term.
To be eligible, students must meet the following criteria:
- Be a Kansas resident graduating from high school in May/June, 2021
- Be admitted to KU by December 1
- Complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by December 1, 2020
- Submit any additional requested and/or required documentation by July 1, 2020 Be eligible to receive a Federal Pell Grant when resident freshmen enters KU
- Have a 3.25 high school GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Have at least a 22 ACT/1100 SAT (verbal and math).
- Be responsible for paying tuition and fees. Students who have tuition and fees waived, do not qualify (ROTC, Foster care, etc.)
Pell Advantage Renewal Criteria
- To renew the KU Pell Advantage, previous Pell Advantage recipients must meet the follow criteria.
- Submit a complete FAFSA by KU's priority filing date
- Continue to be eligible to receive Federal Pell Grant
- Meet KU’s satisfactory academic progress standards
- Complete a minimum of 24 KU hours each academic year and maintain a 2.5 KU cumulative GPA
Additional Aid
If a student receives additional federal, state, or institutional funds after initial awarding, the KU Pell Advantage awards may be adjusted. In some cases, it may be canceled, which may result in repayment obligations to the University. Outside scholarships do not impact KU Pell Advantage.
Reinstating
If the KU Pell Advantage is canceled due to non-response, and the student later responds, the award will be reinstated.
If student’s KU Pell Advantage is canceled because the student is no longer Pell eligible and the student once again becomes Pell Grant eligible, it will be reinstated for the following semester or academic year.
Consortium Agreements
If a degree-seeking KU student has a consortium agreement, the student will only receive funding for KU Pell Advantage based on the number of KU hours student is enrolled in.
Study Abroad
If a student is participating in a KU Study Abroad program or a SIP Program, the KU Pell Advantage will be applied to the cost of studying abroad.
Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships
1502 Building
1502 Iowa Street
Lawrence, KS 66045
financialaid@ku.edu
785-864-4700
09/01/2023: Removed outdated stipulation for eligibility criteria.
03/06/2023: Updated contact section.
12/13/2022: Reviewed; Added statement indicating that this program will no longer be offered to incoming freshmen beginning with the Fall 2022 class.
12/09/2020: Reviewed policy, updated approximate aid, and added Edwards Campus and KU Medical Center.
10/15/2019: Updated ates and amounts.
12/21/2018; Updated Exclusions or Special Circumstances section, updated amounts, dates
