Kentucky Optometry Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority

Overview

The Optometry Scholarship is administered by KHEAA with support from the Kentucky Lottery, which funds many of the Commonwealth’s student financial aid programs. The scholarship enables eligible Kentucky residents to attend a participating school of optometry and become certified practitioners who provide medical services in Kentucky. Administration and funding are part of broader state-supported efforts to increase access to higher education and professional training. Additional program-specific details such as award amounts and service obligations are determined by KHEAA policies.

Description: A state-administered scholarship program that helps qualified Kentucky residents pursue a Doctor of Optometry degree at approved institutions.

• State-funded program administered by KHEAA with lottery support.
• Supports professional optometry education for Kentucky residents.
• Operates within KHEAA’s broader financial aid framework.

Eligibility Requirements

The program has specific residency, citizenship, enrollment, and financial-standing requirements that applicants must meet. Applicants should be U.S. citizens and Kentucky residents and must be enrolled or accepted to a participating Doctor of Optometry program. Applicants must also have no past-due financial obligations to KHEAA or any Title IV program. Early application is permitted, but acceptance at a participating institution prior to the December 1 deadline is recommended.

Eligibility:

• U.S. citizen.
• Kentucky resident.
• Enrolled or accepted for enrollment in a participating Doctor of Optometry program (application may be submitted before acceptance; acceptance prior to the December 1 deadline is recommended).
• No past-due financial obligations to KHEAA or any Title IV program.

• Citizenship and residency are required.
• Enrollment or acceptance to an eligible program is necessary.
• Applicants must be in good financial standing with federal and state student aid programs.

Application

Application cycles are administered annually and deadlines are set by KHEAA. Decisions for awards beginning in the 2026–2027 year have already been finalized. The application and instructions for the 2027–2028 year are available now, and applicants should observe the published December deadline. Applicants should review the current application materials and submit all required documentation by the deadline to be considered.

Application Timeline: The 2027–2028 application is available now; deadlines occur in December, and prior-cycle awards (2026–2027) have been finalized.

• Annual application cycle with a December deadline.
• 2026–2027 awards finalized; 2027–2028 cycle open.
• Follow KHEAA instructions and submit required documentation timely.

Participating Institutions

The scholarship is limited to a set of approved optometry schools that participate in the program. Eligible institutions include in-state and out-of-state colleges of optometry that have agreements with KHEAA. Applicants should confirm program participation status before applying and coordinate acceptance with the scholarship application timeline. Participation may affect eligibility and award disbursement.

Participating Institutions:

• Kentucky College of Optometry
• Indiana University College of Optometry
• Southern College of Optometry
• University of Alabama Birmingham College of Optometry

• Only approved institutions are eligible for scholarship support.
• Confirm institution participation before applying.
• Institution acceptance is recommended prior to the December deadline.