STATE OF IOWA FINANCIAL AID PROGRAMS
For more detailed information on state financial aid programs contact:
Iowa College Student Aid Commission
200 - 10th Street, 4th Floor
Des Moines, IA 50309-2036
515-242-3344
Fax: 515-242-3388
https://www.iowacollegeaid.org/
The following are financial aid programs available to students who are residents of the state of Iowa.
All Iowa Opportunity Scholarship
Students attending eligible Iowa colleges and universities may receive awards of up to $6,269* for the 2007-2008 academic year. Priority will be given to students who participated in the Federal TRIO Programs, graduated from alternative high schools, and to homeless youth.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Iowa resident who begins initial enrollment at an eligible Iowa college or university within two academic years of graduating from high school
- Minimum of 2.5 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale or its equivalent
- Enroll for at least 3 semester hours (or the trimester or quarter equivalent) in a program leading to an undergraduate degree
How to Apply:
- Complete an online application (We are no longer accepting applications for 2007-08. Check back in January for the 2008-09 application.)
- Apply by the priority deadline (The 2007-08 deadline was October 1, 2007)
- Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
*Maximum individual awards cannot exceed than the resident tuition rate at Iowa Regent Universities. For the 2007-2008 academic year, the average tuition rate for full-time students at Iowa Regent Universities is $6,269.
Governor Terry E. Branstad Iowa State Fair Scholarship
This scholarship, named after former governor Terry E. Branstad, recognizes outstanding Iowa high school seniors who have actively participated in the Iowa State Fair. Up to four scholarships ranging from $500 to $1,000 are awarded each year.Eligibility Criteria:
- Actively participate in the Iowa State Fair (past or present)
- Be a graduating senior from an Iowa high school
- Plan to enroll at an Iowa college or university
How to apply:
- Complete an online application
- Apply by the May 1 deadline
Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship
The Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship provides renewable scholarships of up to $1,500 to Iowa high school seniors who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement. The competitive selection is determined by academic officials. Recipients may attend any accredited postsecondary institution in the United States.Eligibility Criteria:
- Iowa resident/high school senior
- Minimum 3.5 GPA and 28 ACT/1860 SAT test scores
- Class rank in the top 10 percent
Applicants must meet specific course requirements including:
- Two years of the same foreign language
- Three years of social studies, science (including one year each of biology, chemistry, and physics), and math (beyond general science and pre-Algebra)
- Four years of English
How to Apply:
- Submit an application
- Apply by the February 1 deadline
Robert D. Blue Scholarship
The Robert D. Blue Scholarship, named after former Iowa Governor Robert D. Blue, provides scholarships ranging from $500 to $1,000 to Iowa students who demonstrate literary and scholastic ability; exhibit qualities of truth, courage, and fellowship; and display moral force of character. Applicants can be current high school seniors or students already enrolled at an Iowa college or university.Eligibility Criteria:
- Iowa resident
- Attend or plan to attend an Iowa college or university
Applicants will be evaluated based on the following:
- High school GPA
- Financial need
- References (3 are required)
- 500-word essay
How to Apply:
- Apply online
- Apply by the May 10 deadline
State of Iowa Scholars
This program provides recognition to Iowa's academically outstanding high school seniors with a State of Iowa Scholars designation. There is no monetary award.Eligibility Criteria:
- Be scheduled to graduate from an Iowa public or non-public high school or be a home-schooled Iowa resident student
- Rank in the upper 15 percent of your class at the end of your junior year
- Take the American College Testing Program (ACT) test or the College Scholarship Service Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) by October of your senior year
How to Apply
- Apply online
- Apply by the November 15 deadline
Iowa Farm Bureau Federation Scholarship
Eligibility Criteria:- Son and/or daughter of Iowa Farm Bureau member
- Enrolled in an accredited college, university or community college
- High school graduate, or if still in high school must have an expected graduation date of Spring 2008
- College freshmen, sophomore, junior or senior in a 2 or 4 year accredited college or university
- Working toward a degree in one of the following occupational areas of agriculture and/or agribusiness: (1) Production, (2) Horticulture, (3) Sales and Service, (4) Products and Processing, (5) Forestry, (6) Conservation, (7) Mechanization, (8) Research, (9) Economics, (10) Education and (11) Ag Health (Occupational Health and/or Veterinary Science) curriculum
How to Apply:
- Complete an application
- Applications must be postmarked on or before March 1, 2008
Iowa Grant
The Iowa Grant is available to assist Iowa students attending Regent Universities, independent colleges and universities, and community colleges throughout Iowa. Priority is given to students with the greatest financial need. The maximum grant is $1,000 per year for up to four years of full-time, undergraduate study (adjusted for less than full-time enrollment).
How to apply:
Submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible after January 1.
How it works:
Eligible colleges and universities receive Iowa Grant allocations. Campus financial aid officials award grants to students with the greatest financial need. Recipients are notified by the college if awarded this grant.
Iowa National Guard Educational Assistance Grants
This grant provides annual awards to Iowa National Guard members who attend eligible Iowa colleges and universities. Maximum individual awards cannot exceed than the resident tuition rate at Iowa Regent Universities. For the 2007-2008 academic year, the average tuition rate for full-time students at Iowa Regent Universities is $6,269. The Iowa Adjutant General determines eligibility.Eligibility Criteria:
- Iowa resident
- Member of an Iowa Army or Air National Guard unit for each term the member receives benefits
- Satisfactorily complete required Guard training
- Maintain satisfactory performance of Guard duty
- Pursue a certificate or undergraduate degree at an eligible Iowa college or university and maintain satisfactory academic progress
How to apply:
To request an application, please contact:
Iowa National Guard Headquarters
Military Personnel Office
7700 NW Beaver Drive
Johnston, IA 50131-1902.
A new application must be completed each year. The deadline is August 31.
Iowa Tuition Grant
Iowa Tuition Grants are distributed to Iowa residents enrolled at one of Iowa’s eligible private colleges and universities. Priority is given to applicants with the greatest financial need. The maximum grant is $4,000 per year for up to four years of full-time, undergraduate study. Part-time students may be eligible for adjusted amounts.Eligibility Criteria:
- Iowa resident
- Undergraduate enrollment
- Enrolled at an eligible Iowa private college or university
How to apply: Submit a FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1.
Deadline:
A completed FAFSA must reach the processing center by July 1 (early submission is recommended and will allow grant eligibility notification to coincide with financial aid award notification by colleges and universities).
Iowa Vocational-Technical Tuition Grant
Iowa residents enrolled in vocational-technical or career option programs at Iowa community colleges may be eligible to receive these grants. The maximum Vocational-Technical Tuition Grant is $1,200 per year for up to two years of education. Part-time students may be eligible for adjusted amounts.Eligibility Criteria:
- Iowa resident
- Enrolled in at least 3 credit hours in a qualified program of study (of at least 12-weeks duration)
- Enrolled at an Iowa community college
How to apply:
Submit a FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1.
Deadline:
Your completed FAFSA must reach the processing center by July 1.
Funding for Foster Care Youth
Students who are in foster care, were in foster care, or were adopted from foster care after their 16th birthday, may be eligible to receive assistance to help cover the costs of a college education or job training through the following programs:- All Iowa Opportunity Foster Care Grant
- Education and Training Voucher (ETV) Program
For qualifying applicants, the award amount will be based on financial need and the program for which one qualifies. Up to $5,000 per year in federal funding is available through the Education and Training Voucher (ETV) Program. State funding, up to the full cost of attendance less other financial aid received, is available through the All Iowa Opportunity Foster Care Grant program.
To Qualify a Recipient Must:
- Be an Iowa resident.
- Have a high school diploma or a general equivalency diploma (GED).
- Be between 18 and 23 years of age.
- Be in foster care, been in foster care, or have been adopted from foster care after his/her 16th birthday.
To Apply:
Applications will be accepted year round and money will be awarded until funds are depleted.
- Complete the application materials.
[All Iowa Opportunity Foster Care Grant Application]
[ETV Application] - Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
State Financial Aid Information
Find state financial aid information for the specific state that you live in. Find contact information for your local federal aid office, and get details about specific federal aid programs in your area.
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri