Types of Aid

Grants & Need-Based Aid

Federal and state grants are available for students demonstrating financial need. To be eligible for any of the grants listed below you must file a FAFSA at www.studentaid.gov. Renewal of these grants from year to year is based on continued financial need.

Federal Pell Grants
Eligibility is based on financial need as determined by your FAFSA. Award amounts are based on financial need and course load. Students with prior bachelor’s or graduate degrees are not eligible for this grant.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)
These grants are available to a limited number of undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional financial need and are who are also eligible for the Pell Grant. Priority consideration will be given to students who complete their FAFSA by July 1 each year. Students with prior bachelor’s or graduate degrees are not eligible for this grant.

Iowa Tuition Grant
The state of Iowa offers the Iowa Tuition Grant to students who are residents of Iowa, attend a private college in Iowa, and meet the estimated family contribution (EFC) requirements as demonstrated by their FAFSA. To be eligible for the Iowa Tuition Grant you must complete the FAFSA by July 1st. The award amount is determined each year by the Iowa College Student Aid Commission. In the event that available state funds are insufficient to pay the full amount of each approved grant, the Iowa College Student Aid Commission will administratively reduce the maximum award to an amount less than the statutory maximum.

Last Dollar Scholarship 
This is a non-need-based, state-funded grant program for Iowans who are attending a certificate or associate degree program associated with high-demand careers. The grant is intended to help cover remaining gaps after other federal and state grants/scholarships have been applied.  Award amounts differ based on other forms of financial aid you may already be receiving.  Because the list of eligible programs is based on job demand, it may change from year to year. Students whose programs are removed from the state of Iowa’s list will still be eligible for the Last-Dollar scholarship until they complete their credentials or leave school, as long as they otherwise continue to meet all other eligibility criteria. Learn more about the Last-Dollar Scholarship.

Who is eligible?

• New high school graduates who enroll in a qualified program of study full-time for the fall immediately following high school graduation, apply for all other available state and federal grants and scholarships, and meet ongoing requirements.
• Adult learners (age 20 and older) who enroll in a qualified program of study full-time or part-time, apply for all other available state and federal grants and scholarships, and meet ongoing requirements.