Pell Grant funds and student loan refunds can be applied to books and supplies. Most students do not realize this, and most who do realize it discover the money arrives after classes have already started.
Your financial aid office is the place to start. If your aid for the term exceeds tuition and fees, the difference eventually comes back to you as a refund, and many schools will let you access part of it early through a book voucher or book advance.
Your campus bookstore almost certainly runs a rental program, which usually costs a fraction of purchase price.
The Kansas Promise Scholarship can cover books and required materials outright for eligible certificate and associate degree programs at Kansas community and technical colleges.
Program-specific book stipends exist within several scholarships, including the Rudd Foundation award, which covers remaining direct costs including books after other aid applies. Always read your award letter to see what is included.
Sources: Federal Student Aid, studentaid.gov; Kansas Board of Regents, kansasregents.gov/scholarships_and_grants; Wichita State University outside scholarships listing on the Rudd Scholarship, wichita.edu/administration/financial_aid/scholarships/outside.php.