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.

Student Ben Ison smiling while sitting in front of his computer in the moving meeting room

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:

  • Virginia Marsh Bell Scholarship (BASW, MSW)
  • John Henry & Bessie Puyear Ballantine Endowment Scholarship Fund (MSW, Doctoral)
  • Jewels in the Mountains Scholarship Endowment (MSW, Doctoral)
  • Allie Engle Miller Endowed Fund for Appalachian Social Work Research (MSW)
  • Elinda Bates Wing DREAM Scholarship Endowment (MSW)
  • The Beaven-Eidetik Research Fellowship in Developmental Disabilities (MSW)
  • Martha Davis Fellowship Fund (MSW)
  • Dorothy A. Miller Memorial Scholarship Fund in Social Work (MSW)
  • Beaven-Eidetik Doctoral Research Fellowship
  • Grace Adams & James P. “Ike” Adams, Jr. Scholarship Fund (BASW, MSW, Doctoral)
  • Crowe-Renaker Endowed Scholarship fund (BASW, MSW)
  • Wrenn Margaret Elam & Evelyn J. Black Scholarship in Children’s Mental Health (BASW, MSW, Doctoral)
  • Social Work Evelyn J. Black Memorial Fund (BASW, MSW, Doctoral)
  • Martin Booth and Patsy Dills Tracy Scholarship (BASW, MSW, Doctoral)
  • Social Work Advancement Fund (BASW, MSW)
  • College of Social Work Alumni Scholarship Fund (BASW, MSW)
  • Jaishree Bansal Memorial Scholarship (BASW; MSW)
  • Juvenile Accountability Scholarship (BASW, MSW)
  • Bernard A. & Marjorie E. Ward Scholarship in Gerontology (BASW, MSW)
  • Dumez Faculty Research Development Fund (BASW, MSW, Doctoral)
  • Bright Family Scholarship for Youth Development (MSW, Doctoral)

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.