Scholarships

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, a wide range of scholarships are available to support current students in social work and criminal justice programs. These opportunities are designed to reduce financial barriers and support your academic and professional success.

How to Apply

All University of Kentucky scholarships are managed through Scholarship Universe.

To apply:

  1. Log in using your UK linkblue email and password
  2. Complete your student profile
  3. Navigate to the “Scholarships” tab
  4. Review and apply for available opportunities

Once you submit your application, you will automatically be considered for all eligible scholarships.

For additional support, visit StudentSuccess.uky.edu.

Scholarship Application (2026–2027)

The scholarship application for the 2026–2027 academic year is now open.

To complete your application:

  • Access Scholarship Universe
  • Enter your LinkBlue Credentials
  • Answer all required profile questions
  • Apply through the scholarship tab

Available Scholarships

Students are automatically considered for all scholarships upon completing the application. Opportunities include:

  • Ann Hall Taylor Scholarship 
  • Allie Engle Miller Endowed Fund for Appalachian Social Work Research
  • Beaven-Eidetik Doctoral Research Fellowship 
  • Beaven-Eidetik Research Fellowship in Developmental Disabilities  
  • Bernard A. & Marjorie E. Ward Scholarship in Gerontology 
  • Bright Family Scholarship for Youth Development  
  • College of Social Work Alumni Scholarship Fund 
  • Claude I and Helen May Sivis Scholarship 
  • Crowe-Renaker Endowed Scholarship Fund 
  • Diana M. Fehr Memorial Scholarship 
  • Dr. Kennard W. and Pat B. Wellons Endowed Scholarship Fund
  • Dorothy A. Miller Memorial Scholarship Fund in Social Work 
  • Elaine A. Wilson Scholarship Fund 
  • Elinda Bates Wing DREAM Scholarship Endowment 
  • Evelyn J. Black Memorial Fund
  • Grace Adams & James P. “Ike” Adams, Jr. Scholarship Fund 
  • Jaishree Bansal Memorial Scholarship 
  • Jewels in the Mountains Scholarship Endowment 
  • John Henry and Bessie Puyear Ballantine Endowment Scholarship Fund 
  • Martha Davis Fellowship Fund 
  • Martin Booth and Patsy Dills Tracy Scholarship 
  • Peggin and Tullie Johnson Scholarship 
  • Social Work Advancement Fund 
  • Virginia Marsh Bell Scholarship 
  • Wrenn Margaret Elam & Evelyn J. Black Scholarship in Children’s Mental Health 

Last Dollar Initiative (LDI)

The Last Dollar Initiative (LDI) expands access to the University of Kentucky by reducing financial and academic barriers for undergraduate students in social work and criminal justice programs.

LDI connects students across Kentucky with UK programs (online and on-campus), clarifies the true cost of attendance, and provides support for academic success.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, students must:

  • Complete the FAFSA, Scholarship Application, and UK Admission Application by the priority deadline
  • Demonstrate unmet financial need (priority given to Pell-eligible and first-generation students)
  • Be a resident of Kentucky
  • Have a minimum 2.5 high school GPA
  • Agree to participate in a work-study position within the College of Social Work
  • Enroll full-time in a Social Work or Criminal Justice program

Need Help?

If you have questions about scholarships or the application process, additional resources are available at StudentSuccess.uky.edu.