Tuition & Books Covered

For Eligible Kentucky Undergraduate & Transfer Students

At the University of Pikeville, the UPIKE Pledge is our promise to Kentucky students that college is within reach. By covering the full cost of tuition and books for eligible students, we open the door to learning, hands-on experiences, and developing job-ready skills that lead to career success. Students are automatically considered based on eligibility. No extra applications. No hidden steps.

The UPIKE Pledge proves our commitment to making college affordable—and moving mountains for students across Kentucky.

A commitment to affordability and student success that prioritizes academics and financial need for Kentucky students.
  • Full tuition and books covered for eligible Kentucky undergraduate and transfer students
  • Renewable up to four years with continued eligibility and FAFSA completion
  • Job-ready skills through hands-on learning and career-focused preparation
  • Support for families with an investment in education and peace of mind

Frequently Asked Questions

The UPIKE Pledge makes college more affordable by covering the rest of your tuition, after federal, state and UPIKE aid are applied. For eligible Kentucky undergraduate and transfer students, that means you can focus on your education, not your tuition bill.

Yes! Eligible students receive free books in addition to free tuition, making college costs even more affordable.

To be eligible, a student must:

  • Admitted to the University of Pikeville and have submitted transcripts. 
  • File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as early as possible.
  • Be a Kentucky resident. 
  • Be awarded full Pell, CAP, and KTG grants. 
  • Be enrolled full-time.

Yes! Transfer students from Kentucky are fully eligible for the UPIKE Pledge. If you file the FAFSA, meet the grant requirements, and enroll as a full-time student at UPIKE, you can take advantage of free tuition and books, just like first-time freshmen.

Most scholarships reduce your tuition but still leave a balance. The UPIKE Pledge guarantees the rest of your tuition is covered after your grants and scholarships are applied.

The UPIKE Pledge is designed to cover tuition only. Food, housing and student activity fees are separate costs. However, many students use a combination of scholarships, work-study and payment plans to help manage these expenses. UPIKE’s financial aid team will work with you to create a complete plan that makes your college experience affordable.

To renew the Pledge annually, recipients must:

  • Complete at least 24 credit hours each year. 
  • File the FAFSA annually. 
  • Continue to be fully eligible for Pell, CAP and KTG grants.

None—except for a small $150/year Student Activities Fee. That’s it. At UPIKE, we believe in keeping your education affordable and transparent. That means:

  • Free textbooks – no more worrying about expensive book costs.
  • Free parking – every student parks on campus at no charge.
  • Free laundry – washers and dryers are available at no cost.

While many colleges stack on hidden fees, UPIKE covers the essentials so you can focus on learning, not paying extra.

As long as a student’s Student Aid Index (SAI) on the FAFSA remains similar to prior years and they continue to meet eligibility requirements, the UPIKE Pledge should be awarded. Aid is provided on a funds-available basis, but students who maintain eligibility can expect continued support.

State funding is limited, so students should file the FAFSA early to ensure that they receive the UPIKE Pledge Scholarship.

If your Student Aid Index (SAI) on the FAFSA changes significantly, your eligibility may change. However, if your SAI remains similar to prior years and you continue to meet the requirements, the UPIKE Pledge should continue to cover your tuition.

Reach out to UPIKE’s Office of Financial Aid at (606) 218-5254 or finaid@upike.edu.