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By: Stacey Walters | October 9, 2025
The University of Pikeville (UPIKE) is reaffirming its commitment to making college accessible for Kentucky students with a refreshed name for its signature tuition-assistance program: the UPIKE Pledge.
The UPIKE Pledge provides the same necessary support previously offered through the Pikeville Promise Scholarship. The program covers the cost of tuition and books after state and federal grants and other tuition-only scholarships are applied, allowing qualifying Kentucky students to focus on their education rather than financial barriers.
“For the last 15 years, UPIKE has been committed to helping the students of Kentucky achieve their educational dreams in an affordable way,” said President Burton J. Webb, Ph.D. “The UPIKE Pledge continues to provide tuition-free education for students who qualify. We make the pledge, you keep the promise.”
Students are automatically considered for the UPIKE Pledge once they are admitted and determined to be eligible—no additional application is required. To qualify, students must apply and be admitted to UPIKE, submit their transcripts (and test scores if required), and file the FAFSA as early as possible, as funding is awarded on a funds-available basis. Eligibility is reserved for Kentucky residents who are awarded the full Pell Grant, the full College Access Program Grant (CAP), and the Kentucky Tuition Grant (KTG). Transfer students from Kentucky are also fully eligible for the program.
The UPIKE Pledge is renewable for up to four years. Students maintain eligibility by completing at least 24 credit hours each academic year, filing the FAFSA annually, and continuing to meet Pell, CAP and KTG requirements.
Beyond tuition and books, UPIKE provides additional support to keep college affordable and transparent. Students enjoy free parking, free laundry and free textbooks, with only a small $150 annual student activities fee—ensuring there are no hidden costs.
UPIKE Senior Keian Worrix believes the decision to attend UPIKE was driven by both the strength of its support system and the opportunities made possible through the UPIKE Pledge.
“I chose UPIKE because it’s home. The support system here is incredible, and I knew staying close to home would help me thrive. The UPIKE Pledge also played a major role in my decision,” said Worrix. “I’m only the second person in my family to attend college, so it means a lot to be able to do something that hasn’t been common in my family. The scholarship has allowed me to focus on my education and basketball without the financial stress of paying for college.”
For more information about the UPIKE Pledge, visit upike.edu/scholarships.