KC Scholars
KC Scholars
Rockhurst University is proud to be part of the KC Scholars program, funded by the Kauffman Foundation and 70+ community partners. Through this program, Rockhurst provides financial and support services for low- and modest-income students and adults across six counties in the Kansas City area.
The KC Scholars program offers three scholarship options:
- Traditional Scholarship
Each year, KC Scholars will give 250 traditional scholarships to eligible 11th graders. The traditional scholarship offers up to $10,000 per year for up to five years.
Rockhurst KC Scholars Commitment: Additionally, by combining the KC Scholars Traditional Scholarship with other forms of financial aid (scholarships, Pell grant, SEOG, Access Missouri, Rockhurst grants, and federal direct student loans), Rockhurst University will cover the remaining balance of a KC Scholar Traditional Scholarship recipient's standard charges (tuition, fees, and on-campus room and board to attend RU). Meeting 100% of the student's direct financial need through financial aid, including federal direct student loans. This means that all KC Scholars will receive a financial aid package from Rockhurst University that covers all but $5,500 of direct costs (tuition, fees, and room & board if living on campus) every year.
To be considered for this additional Rockhurst financial assistance KC Scholar Traditional Scholarship Recipients must:- Complete their application to Rockhurst University and be admitted by December 1
- File the FAFSA with Rockhurst by February 1
- Visit campus by April 1
- Confirm that you plan to attend Rockhurst by May 1
- Adult Learner Scholarship
KC Scholars will give 200 adult learner scholarships annually to adults ages 24 and above at the time of fall college enrollment. The adult learner scholarship offers up to $10,000 per year for up to five years to cover standard charges (tuition and fees to attend RU).
- College Savings Match
Available to ninth-grade students selected through an application process, this option offers a four-to-one match on contributions into a 529 college savings account. The maximum match granted is $5,000, but an additional $2,000 is available in incentives for completing key college-ready milestones in high school.
Learn more about how to apply for KC Scholar opportunities.
To learn more, visit kcscholars.org, see the FAQs below, or contact our Admissions team.
KC Scholars FAQs
What do we offer KC Scholars Traditional Scholarship winners?
We offer traditional KC Scholars a financial aid package that covers all but $5,500 of standard direct costs (tuition, fees, room and board if living on campus) every year.
How can they pay that $5,500?
They can use their student loans, payment plan, out of pocket or other external scholarships. They cannot use additional Rockhurst aid.
Does the package ever change?
No.
What are “direct costs” exactly?
Full-time undergraduate tuition, mandatory fees, base residence hall, and 5-day meal plan.
What isn’t covered?
Campus parking pass, upgraded housing or meal plan, insurance plan, textbooks, supplies, lab fees for lab courses, deposit and orientation fees.
Do KC Scholars Traditional Scholarship winners have to live on campus?
No, but the cost to the student ($5,500) will be the same whether living on campus or not.
What about DACA students?
DACA KC Scholars will receive the same award. They just will not have access to the federal student loans offered to them through FAFSA. They can pay that $5,500 using external scholarships, payment plan, or out of pocket.
What about adult learners?
- If a full-time adult learner earns the KC Scholars award of $10,000, they are eligible for the same program: RU covers all but $5,500 of direct costs every year.
- If a part-time adult learner earns the $5,000 KC Scholars award, this can be used in conjunction with Pell grants and other loans to cover costs.
What about the College Savings Match students?
Those students are not eligible for this program unless they’re also a traditional KC Scholars winner.
What if a student loses their KC Scholars award?
The student would no longer be eligible for the same award at RU. The award is based on their KC Scholars award.
What are the continuing requirements for KC Scholars at Rockhurst University?
- All KC Scholar RU students will need to complete their FAFSA by February 1st every year. If a student does not, they could forfeit additional state funding and be responsible for that out of pocket.
- All KC Scholar RU students will need to work with their Success Coach, Ashley Halter and attend the scheduled events.
