EmpowerED Dreams: Income-Based Award
Bridging Futures, Breaking Barriers for Kansas Residents
At Fort Hays State University, we are dedicated to breaking down the financial barriers that often stand in the way of pursuing a college education. Empowering the next generation of Kansas leaders drives us to make quality education accessible to all.
Since 1902, FHSU has been unwavering in its commitment to making education affordable. Now, through our Income-Based Award (IBA), we reinforce our commitment to Kansas residents by eliminating financial barriers and enabling students to achieve their dream of obtaining a college education without the burden of excessive costs.
What it Covers
The IBA will cover any remaining tuition and fee balance after grants and scholarships have been applied * for new, incoming, first-time, full-time Kansas freshmen **. This is in addition to the $1,500 automatic, one-time housing scholarship.
Who is Eligible
To be eligible for the IBA, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a Kansas resident at the time of application.
- First-time on-campus freshman student enrolled full-time *** (12 credit hours each term (fall/spring) pursuing their first baccalaureate degree.
- Attending at least one course on campus.
- Live in one of our on-campus residence halls to qualify for the housing award.
- Federal Pell Grant eligible as determined by the FAFSA.
- Annual combined family income of $90,000 or less demonstrated by FAFSA Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) from the previous year’s taxes.
- Example: For Fall 2025, you will use your 2023 tax information.
- Complete the FAFSA by the published priority deadline every year.
Renewal and Duration
The IBA is renewable for up to eight (8) semesters or four (4) years from the time of entry to FHSU. To continue receiving this financial support, students must meet all eligibility requirements and the grade and progress policies of FHSU and/or the federal government.
For acceptance and renewal, students must meet all eligibility requirements, including all academic and other policies of FHSU and the federal government.
Next Steps
- Ensure you meet the eligibility requirements.
- Complete the FAFSA by the published priority deadline every year.
- Apply for admission to Fort Hays State University.
- Once admitted, complete your housing contract to live in one of our on-campus residence halls.
Fort Hays State University's is committed to empowering the next generation of Kansas Leaders. Apply today and take the first step towards an affordable and empowering education at FHSU!
* Limited to total grant and scholarship aid from all sources (federal, state, community, and institutional) equivalent to the cost of in-state tuition. If an undergraduate student qualifies for the Fort Hays IBA and their grant/scholarship aid package exclusive of the IBA does not meet this cost of tuition and fees, the Fort Hays IBA program can provide an award covering such tuition and fees, as well as a first-year housing scholarship for those eligible.
** Funding for this program is based on annual state funding and funds are limited. Awards are contingent on state funding and determined by order of qualifying application and award. Any changes to state funding will affect the Fort Hays State University IBA program, and FHSU reserves the right to modify the program and any individual awards accordingly.
*** To be a full-time undergraduate student, you must be enrolled in 12 credit hours per semester. We encourage you to take 15 credits per semester to stay on track for a four-year graduation plan.