Kompass

Kompass 2022 Group Photo

Kompass is a free three-day extended summer orientation and freshman-year retention program designed to accelerate academic success for incoming first-generation, Pell-eligible, and all other freshmen who are in-state or eligible for approved in-state tuition waivers, in Agriculture, Arts & Sciences, APDesign, Business, Education, Engineering, and Health & Human Sciences.

Students eligible through the Missouri Match or Wildcat Nonresident Award should first complete their tuition waiver application. Once the waiver has been processed and approved, they will be able to complete the Kompass application form.

2026 Program Dates: August 16-19, 2026

Get Fall 2026 off on the right foot with Kompass. We'll see you in August!

Apply Now

Application Deadline: Monday, May 18, 2026

College Contacts:

College of Agriculture: Deana Core (dcore@k-state.edu | 785-532-5736) & Lisa Wuggazer (lisawugg@ksu.edu | 785-532-6151)

College of Business: Dr. Olivia Law-DelRosso (olivia@ksu.edu)

College of Engineering: Dr. Amy Betz (arbetz@k-state.edu | 785-532-5105)

College of APDesign: Mitzi Farmer (mwfarmer@ksu.edu | 785-532-1997)

College of Health & Human Sciences: Shawna Jordan (jordan@ksu.edu)

College of Arts & Sciences: Kimathi Choma, (kchoma@ksu.edu)

College of Education: Pedro Espinoza, (pedro1@ksu.edu)

Kompass benefits include:

A 3-day university experience program, which integrates academics to prepare for the rigors of college life.
Early move-in into their assigned Residence Hall, early move-in fee paid by program.
On-campus industry visit with our corporate sponsor, Koch Ind.
Professional, cultural, scholarship, and academic opportunities.
Support from College Directors and Peer Mentors.

"Project IMPACT is one of the best things that ever happened to me during my time at K-State. Through this program, I met new friends, gained valuable mentors, and was introduced to campus in the most effective way possible. Even today, those same friends and mentors continue to provide me with support and access to opportunities."

-Christopher, Engineering student and Kompass 2018 participant

Eligibility Requirements:

Apply to attend the summer before your freshman year at Kansas State University.
Plan to major in Agriculture; Business; Engineering; Health and Human Sciences; Arts and Sciences; Architecture, Planning and Design; or Education.
Open to all incoming freshmen, including first-generation and/or Pell-eligible students, who are in-state or eligible for approved in-state tuition waivers such as Missouri Match or the Wildcat Nonresident Award.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

General Kompass Program Information

Q: What are the benefits of the Kompass program?
A: Kompass students can start their college careers early. Students spend 3 days getting to know other students, faculty, the Kansas State University campus and their majors. Students also get to experience industry connections and meet professionals and faculty who can serve as mentors for them throughout their college careers. It's a great way to spend the days prior to the Fall Semester. The program also comes with a one-time scholarship for their first-year.

Q: I am interested in participating in Kompass, but I can attend only part of the summer program. Can I still participate?
A: It is required that students attend and participate in all scheduled Kompass activities.

Q: I would like to attend Kompass, but I don’t plan on being a freshman at K-State during the Fall. Can I still attend?
A: Kompass is a summer bridge program for incoming K-State freshmen. Students who are planning to enroll in a different college/university during the Fall semester are not eligible for MAPS.

Q: I would like to attend Kompass, but I don’t plan on being an Arts and Sciences, APDesign, Agriculture, Business, Education, Health and Human Sciences, or Engineering Major at K-State. Can I still attend?
A: Kompass is a summer bridge program for incoming K-State freshmen studying within the listed colleges. Students who are planning to enroll in a different college/major program are not eligible for Kompass.

Q: What costs are covered by Kompass?
A: Kompass covers the early move-in fee for those students living with on-campus housing. Meals for off-campus are covered during the program dates; on-campus students will utilize their dining plans.

Q: What costs are not covered by Kompass?
A: Kompass does not cover expenses related to traveling to and from Manhattan, K-State’s Orientation fee, and personal items.

Kompass Application

Kompass Logistics

Q: Where will I live during the Kompass program?
A: K-State requires incoming Manhattan campus first-year students to live on campus during their first two semesters. Kompass students who are living on-campus will live in their assigned residence hall. Students who are granted an exemption to this policy must confirm access to their off-housing prior to the start of the program. Please visit this website for more information about the First-Year Residency Policy & Exemptions.

Q: When can I move into the residence hall?
A: Kompass students will have time to move into their assigned residence halls following the Program Orientation. Those living off-campus should arrange to move in prior or on the same day of the program.

Q: Can I bring my car to Kompass?
A: K-State first-year students are allowed to bring a vehicle to campus, but it must be registered with parking services. If your student is going to bring their vehicle, please be sure to complete the necessary steps for getting their parking pass before arriving to campus. During the program, Kompass participants are not allowed to drive in personal vehicles with exceptions for off-campus residents. Kompass will provide safe transportation to and from any designated events should that be required.

Q: What do Kompass participants do during the program?
A: Kompass students will participate in a wide arrange of activities over the course of the program. A sample schedule can be found here. (Kompass Program Schedule)