Pharmacy Students: Unlock the Coal County Scholarship

Surprising fact: I can reduce my total borrowing by thousands if I qualify for a state award tied to coal-producing counties, and that reality can change how I plan federal aid and repayment.

I introduce the Coal County Scholarship for Pharmacy Students as a state-administered award governed by KRS 164.744(2), 164.748(4), 164.753(3), and 164.7890(9). The Authority defined in KRS 164.740(1) oversees disbursement and repayment rules.

I explain key terms: a coal-producing county (KRS 164.7890(2)), full-time practice (2,000 hours/year), and Home County residency per 13 KAR 2:045. I set expectations: eligibility checks, timelines, required forms, and how my school processes funds.

Why this matters now: I’ll compare this award to federal loans so I can see how the aid may cut my borrowing over the years and affect my repayment choices.

Key Takeaways

• I can lower my student debt with this targeted scholarship tied to Kentucky higher education and coal-producing county service.
• The Authority enforces award, cancellation, and repayment rules under state law.
• Home County residency and full-time practice definitions shape eligibility and obligations.
• Deadlines, entrance counseling, and May 1 timing are critical to receive funds on time.
• I’ll learn how this award fits with federal aid and my long-term repayment plan.

Who I Am Helping and What You’ll Get from This Scholarship

I’ll outline who this award targets and the tangible support eligible students receive while in a full-time PharmD class load.

Who I help: This scholarship is for pharmacy students who plan to serve communities in Kentucky’s coal-producing counties and who meet KRS 164.7890(3) and (5). Applicants must be currently enrolled or planning to be currently enrolled full-time at a participating school of pharmacy in the state.

What eligible students receive: Funds are paid to my institution and credited to my student account for fall and spring terms. That reduces tuition charges up front and can lower my need for federal borrowing during school.

Residency matters: Home County classification affects eligibility. I must confirm my residency documentation early so the award fits my timeline.

• I agree to provide qualified pharmacist service in a coal-producing county after licensure or repay the award.
• The scholarship can stack with other awards, but I’ll coordinate with my school to avoid overawards.

Benefit	Who	How Paid	Obligation
Tuition credit	Eligible pharmacy students	Disbursed to institution for fall & spring	Qualified service or repayment
Reduced borrowing	Currently enrolled PharmD class	Applied to account to offset fees	Residency verification required

Eligibility at a Glance for Coal County Pharmacy Students

Before I apply, I want a clear snapshot of residency, enrollment, and renewal rules that affect my eligibility. This helps me decide quickly whether to pursue the award or explore loan options.

Residency and Home County

I must document my Home County with permanent residence evidence. Acceptable items include my permanent address, parent mailing and tax records, and my high school location under 13 KAR 2:045.

I verify that my Home County falls within the state-defined coal county list per KRS 164.7890(2). That determination affects priority and final selection.

Enrollment and PharmD Requirements

To qualify, I am required to be currently enrolled full-time in a PharmD curriculum at a participating school pharmacy. Status is checked at both application and disbursement.

Renewals and Academic Progress

Renewal applicants must show satisfactory academic progress as defined by their institution at the time of the application and when funds are disbursed.

• I confirm residency evidence early.
• I check my full-time status each term.
• I follow application steps precisely so selection can consider my submission on time.

Bottom line: My eligibility rests on documented residency in a coal-producing county, full-time PharmD enrollment, and maintaining progress. I confirm these with my school and the Authority before I submit an application.

How I Apply: Timeline, Forms, and Where to Submit

I need a clear checklist so my application reaches the Authority on time and is complete for the coming academic year.

Deadline and timing: My application must be received by the Education Assistance Authority on or before May 1, or the next regular business day if May 1 falls on a weekend or holiday. Missing that date may keep me out of consideration for the year.

The official form: I use the Coal County Scholarship Application required by 11 KAR 4:080, Section 1(7). Applicants must follow the form instructions exactly so the Authority accepts the submission.

What I prepare and who I notify: I coordinate early with my institution to confirm participation and enrollment data. I gather Home County residency evidence and my full‑time PharmD plan so verification is quick.

• I sync the application timeline with FAFSA and my school’s financial assistance packaging.
• I save copies and request confirmation of receipt from the Authority or school.
• I respond fast to any requests so processing stays on schedule.

Selection Order When Funds Are Limited

When funds are limited, I need a clear order of selection so I can plan my submission and other aid. This section explains who gets priority and why timing matters for my award.

Priority for renewal applicants

Renewal applicants whose home counties are coal-producing counties receive first consideration. I see this as an incentive to reapply early each year to keep continuity in support.

Ranking by application receipt date

Next, initial applicants from coal-producing counties are considered. If there are more applicants than available funds in a category, the Authority ranks them by the date the application arrived.

• I plan my timeline with my school so verification won’t delay my submission.
• I gather residency evidence early and confirm my application’s receipt date.
• I track past awards because renewed support depends on timely reapplication relative to available funds.
• I also consider backup aid if I fall outside the first wave of recipients.

Tip: Review the official selection rules so I can document my place in line and reduce surprises.

Entrance Counseling: What I Must Know Before Funds Are Sent

Before any funds move, I complete entrance counseling at my institution so I clearly understand my repayment duties and next steps.

Who leads counseling: Each participating institution must provide counseling for every scholarship recipient before requesting funds from the Education Assistance Authority.

Topics covered include: what happens if I don’t complete qualified service, how repayment is structured, and default consequences—default can follow 180 days of non-payment once I enter repayment.

• I confirm my obligation to repay even if I leave school, am unhappy with my education, or don’t find qualifying employment.
• I promise to keep my contact info and enrollment status up to date with the Authority so notices reach me.
• I choose in-person, electronic, or written counseling and provide required acknowledgement before funds are released.

As a best practice, I treat this counseling like loan counseling: I keep copies, ask how repayment is calculated, and track completion so my institution can request funds without delay.

How Funds Reach My School and My Account

I want to trace every step from my signed note to the credit on my student account so I avoid surprises at registration.

Promissory note and agreeing to service or repayment

I sign a promissory note for each disbursement. That note records my agreement to render qualified service or repay the scholarship if I fail to meet obligations.

Institution verification, roster, and EFT disbursement

Within 30 days of the Authority receiving my signed note, it sends a roster with my name and Social Security number to the institution for verification.

The institution confirms I am currently enrolled full-time and have completed entrance counseling. After verification, the Authority disburses funds by EFT.

Term-based disbursement and credited student account

Disbursements occur at the start of fall and spring terms. The institution immediately posts a credit to my student account and notifies me.

Any remaining proceeds beyond tuition are delivered to me so I can budget for living costs.

School recordkeeping and documentation obligations

The school keeps detailed records: dates funds were credited, recipients’ names and number identifiers, amounts returned, and reasons for returns.

I coordinate with the financial aid office so this financial assistance counts correctly on my account and does not cause an overaward.

Step	Action	Responsible
Note signing	Agree to service or repayment	Me (recipient)
Roster sent	Roster (name & SSN) sent within 30 days	Authority → institution
Verification	Confirm full-time enrollment and counseling	Institution
Disbursement	Funds sent by EFT at term start	Authority → institution
Posting	Credit to student account; notify student	Institution

If I Withdraw or Change Status: Refunds, Overawards, and Returns

If my enrollment status changes, I must act quickly so I avoid surprise balances. Changes can force my school to return funds to the Authority and may affect my other financial assistance.

Full refund before the first day of classes

If I withdraw before the first day of classes, the award becomes an overaward and requires a full refund. The institution treats that return as mandatory even if its internal refund schedule differs.

Documenting last date of attendance and overaward rules

If I change status on or after the first day of class, the Authority is due repayment for any cash disbursements. I must make sure my last date of attendance is documented. If it is not, disbursements for that period may be subject to full refund and create a balance for me.

Institution refund policies and timing to return funds

My school must have a fair refund policy that follows federal return-of-funds methods or state/accreditor standards. Institutions remit required returns to the Authority as soon as possible, and no later than 30 days after term end.

• I monitor my credited student account after a status change to see how returns affect charges.
• I notify both my institution and the Authority immediately if I expect an enrollment change.
• The remittance will include my name, SSN, reason, date of change, and semester/year so records stay accurate.

My Post‑Graduation Obligation and Service in a Coal‑Producing County

My obligation after graduation ties directly to where I work and how many hours I log each year. I can meet the scholarship by providing pharmacy service in an eligible coal county instead of repaying funds in cash.

Full-time practice: 2,000 hours per calendar year

Full-time practice means I deliver at least 2,000 hours of pharmacist services in a calendar year in a qualifying county. I track my hours and keep records so I can prove I met the requirement.

Notifying the Authority within 30 days

I must notify the Authority within 30 days after key events: licensure, starting or stopping qualifying employment, or if I fail to obtain qualifying employment within 180 days after certification.

• I commit to 2,000 hours per year in a coal county to satisfy my service obligation.
• I document hours, employer verification, and place of work so audits are simple.
• I plan job searches near qualifying counties so I can start service soon after graduation and licensure.
• I update the Authority within 30 days for changes to name, address, or employment to avoid repayment triggers.

Practical note: Treat service like a repayment alternative in my long-term loan plan — meeting the yearly hours reduces the chance I must return funds and supports my career in the community where I live and work.

Student Loans Now: What’s New and How This Scholarship Fits

I want to understand how recent loan changes affect my borrowing and how this state award slots into my aid mix.

Reducing borrowing with state-administered funds: This award posts to my account at term start, which lowers charges before loans are finalized. That means I often borrow less each year and keep my long-term costs down.

Coordinating with federal aid and higher education assistance

FAFSA simplification now uses a Student Aid Index (SAI) instead of the old EFC. I coordinate timing so my school can package federal aid, institutional grants, and this award accurately.

Repayment context: Federal repayment has fully resumed. I review income-driven options like SAVE to lower monthly payments and slow interest growth for any loans I keep.

• I use scholarships first, then grants, then loans to reduce what I borrow.
• I confirm with kentucky higher education offices and my financial aid office that the award is in my aid offer early each year.
• I document status changes quickly so financial assistance adjustments do not disrupt enrollment.

Bottom line: Combining this state-managed award with smart FAFSA timing and income-driven repayment strategies helps me minimize debt and plan realistic monthly payments after graduation.

Related Opportunities I Can Consider Alongside the Coal County Scholarship

I explore several complementary awards that help me stack funding and cut my loan needs while I pursue pharmacy training.

Rogers Scholars at the University of Kentucky

Rogers Scholars offers $1,000 per year for four years if I apply to UK by December 1, 2025.

To qualify I must enroll full-time in the fall after high school graduation and keep a 3.00 GPA. The award can combine with the Provost Scholarship unless a larger award replaces both.

Notable scholarships and loan-forgiveness options

I track national and state opportunities that pharmacy students often use. These help me reduce borrowing and diversify support.

• AFPE Gateway Research ($5,000) for research-focused applicants.
• Air Force Health Professions Scholarship—up to $45,000/year plus stipend with service commitment.
• Express Scripts Scholars ($10,000) for dual-degree plans and APhA Student Scholarships up to $3,000.
• HRSA, Tylenol Future Care, Walmart Scholars, NCPA, and state loan-forgiveness like Minnesota Rural (up to $64,000).

Award	Amount / Value	Key requirement	Best fit
Rogers Scholars (UK)	$1,000/yr, renewable	Apply by Dec 1; full-time after high school graduation; 3.00 GPA	High school recipients heading to UK
Air Force HPS	Up to $45,000/yr + stipend	Service commitment after training	Students open to military service
AFPE / APhA / Express Scripts	$3,000–$10,000	Varies by award; strong applications and leadership	Research, leadership, dual-degree students

Action step: I keep a calendar of deadlines and confirm stackability with my institution so these scholarships work with my Coal County Award and avoid overawards.

Conclusion

In short, I summarize the actions that help me claim this county scholarship and keep my plan on track. I submit a complete application by May 1 (or the next business day) and save my confirmation number so I know where I stand when funds are limited.

I complete entrance counseling and sign the promissory note with my institution before funds arrive. Disbursements go to the school and post to my credited student account each fall and spring term.

I commit to 2,000 hours of service in a coal county or to repay the award, and I notify the Authority within 30 days of status changes. I coordinate other scholarships and financial assistance with my school pharmacy office so I borrow only what I must.

Finally, I cross-check current federal loan updates, apply early, and communicate clearly with my school to make the most of this scholarship before borrowing.

FAQ

Who is this scholarship for and what will I receive?

I help Kentucky students enrolled in an accredited PharmD program who have ties to a coal-producing county. Eligible recipients receive state-administered scholarship funds credited to their student account to cover tuition and fees. The award reduces the need for loans and supports timely progress toward graduation.

What residency or “home county” requirements apply?

I require applicants to claim residency in a coal-producing county in Kentucky per the Higher Education Assistance Authority rules. You must document county residency at the time of application and maintain that status while receiving funds.

What enrollment status must I have to qualify?

You must be currently enrolled in a PharmD program at an eligible institution. Part-time and full-time requirements may vary by award year; I verify enrollment with the school before funds are sent.

How do renewal applicants qualify and keep funding?

To renew, I expect satisfactory academic progress, continued enrollment in the PharmD program, and ongoing residency in an eligible county. Renewal priority often favors prior recipients from coal-producing counties when funds are limited.

When is the application deadline and where do I submit materials?

Applications are due by May 1 or the next business day. I direct applicants to the official state application portal and to submit required acknowledgments and documentation there or as instructed by the institution.

What goes on the official application and what acknowledgments are required?

The application collects personal, residency, enrollment, and school information. You must acknowledge terms about service obligation, repayment if you fail to meet requirements, and consent to institution verification and federal aid coordination.

How are recipients selected if there aren’t enough funds for everyone?

I prioritize renewal applicants from coal-producing counties first. If funds remain limited, I rank new applicants by application receipt date and eligibility documentation completeness.

What is entrance counseling and why do I need it?

Entrance counseling explains your duties if you accept the award, including service requirements and repayment obligations. I require you to complete counseling before funds are disbursed so you understand consequences of not completing qualified service.

What happens if I don’t complete the required post-graduation service?

If you fail to complete the specified full-time service in a coal-producing county, you must repay the scholarship. I outline repayment terms, possible interest, and default consequences during counseling and in award documents.

How can I complete entrance counseling?

You can complete counseling in person, electronically, or in writing as directed by the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority. I provide options and deadlines so funds won’t be delayed.

What paperwork do I sign before funds are sent to my school?

You sign a promissory note or service agreement committing to the service obligation or repayment terms. The school verifies your enrollment and eligibility before the Authority disburses funds.

How does my institution receive and credit the scholarship money?

The Authority sends funds to the institution via EFT after verifying enrollment and rosters. The school posts the award to your credited student account, typically before the term begins, following institutional disbursement policy.

Are disbursements made by term or as a lump sum?

Disbursement is usually term-based and follows the institution’s academic calendar. I coordinate with the school to match term billing and ensure funds apply to current tuition and fees.

What records must my school keep?

Institutions must retain documentation of enrollment, attendance rosters, disbursement records, and any refunds or returns. I rely on those records for compliance and audits.

What happens if I withdraw before classes start or during the term?

If you withdraw before the first day of classes, I require a full refund of the disbursed amount. If you withdraw during the term, the school documents your last date of attendance and applies overaward and refund rules to determine amounts to return.

How are overawards and returns handled?

Overawards occur when combined aid exceeds cost of attendance. The institution calculates any excess and returns funds to the Authority per state refund policies. You may owe repayment if funds were disbursed in error.

What are the institution’s responsibilities for returning funds?

Schools must follow state refund timelines and return funds promptly. I monitor these returns and work with institutions to correct any discrepancies.

What is the required post-graduation service commitment?

I require full-time pharmacy practice in a coal-producing county. Full-time is defined as at least 2,000 hours per calendar year, demonstrating ongoing commitment to serve the designated area.

When must I notify the Authority about licensure or employment?

You must notify the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority within 30 days of licensure, employment start, or any changes that affect your service obligation or contact information.

How does this scholarship affect my current student loans?

The award reduces your need to borrow by covering tuition and fees at the institution. I coordinate with federal aid offices so your total financial aid package does not exceed cost of attendance.

Can I use this scholarship alongside federal grants and loans?

Yes. I work with your school to coordinate state awards with federal grants and loans. The institution ensures combined aid meets regulatory limits and adjusts awards as needed.

What other opportunities should I consider with this award?

I recommend exploring the Rogers Scholars program at the University of Kentucky and other pharmacy loan-forgiveness or scholarship options from professional organizations and state agencies to further reduce debt.