STATE OF IOWA FINANCIAL AID PROGRAMS

For more detailed information on state financial aid programs contact:

Iowa College Student Aid Commission 475 SW Fifth St.,
Suite D
Des Moines, IA 50309

515-725-3400

Fax: 515-242-3388

http://www.iowacollegeaid.org/

https://www.iowacollegeaid.gov/content/state-grants-scholarships

The following are financial aid programs available to students who are residents of the state of Iowa.

All Iowa Opportunity Scholarship

The All Iowa Opportunity Scholarship (AIOS) is a state-funded scholarship program for students who do well in high school and demonstrate financial need.

Recipients of the AIOS who attend a private or Regent university can receive the scholarship for one-year. Scholarship are renewable for a second year if the student attends an Iowa community college (recipients of the scholarship must re-apply and meet eligibility requirements during their second year of enrollment). Students are required to meet the academic progress standards of the college or university to continue to receive the scholarship. Students attending eligible Iowa colleges and universities may receive up to the average tuition and fee rate established for students attending a Regent university for the award year or the amount of tuition and fees paid by students, whichever is less.

Priority for awards will be given to students who participated in the federal TRIO Programs, to applicants who graduated from alternative high schools or alternative high school programs, and to homeless youth. The student will be identified by the Commission with the assistance of high school guidance counselors, TRIO Program administrators, the Iowa Department of Human Services, and the Iowa Department of Education.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Iowa resident who begins initial enrollment at an eligible Iowa college or university within two academic years of graduating from high school and continuously receives a scholarship award;
• Enroll for at least 3 semester hours (or the trimester or quarter equivalent) in a program leading to an undergraduate degree;
• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the March 1 filing deadline (or the priority deadline to receive priority consideration);
• Have an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of $8,766
• Complete any additional applications or documents required by the Iowa College Student Aid Commission

Education and Training Voucher (ETV) Program

The Education and Training Voucher (ETV) program provides awards of up to $5,000 per year to students who age out of foster care and students who are adopted after age 16.

Grant awards are sent directly to the college or university and can be used to pay for tuition/fees, room/board, book/supplies, and personal/living expenses.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Student is under the age of 18 and currently in licensed foster care under the care and custody of the Iowa Department of Human Services or Iowa Juvenile Court Services and will remain in placement to within 30 days of his or her 18th birthday.
• Student is under the age of 18 and currently under Juvenile Court order to live with a relative or suitable person and will remain in placement to within 30 days of the student’s 18th birthday.
• Student is currently between the ages of 18 and 21 and was in one of the living situations described above until the age of 18. Student will be under the age of 21 on the day he or she begins college.
• Student was previously in Iowa foster care and was legally adopted after the age of 16. Student will be under the age of 21 on the day he or she begins college.

Governor Terry E. Branstad Iowa State Fair Scholarship

The Terry E. Branstad Iowa State Fair Scholarship, named after Governor Terry E. Branstad, recognizes outstanding Iowa high school seniors who have actively participated in the Iowa State Fair. Up to ten scholarships ranging not to exceed $5,000 are awarded each year. Scholarships are awarded for the recipient’s first year of college only.

Eligibility Criteria:

High school seniors who will graduate with the class of 2019 are eligible for the Governor Terry E. Brandstad Iowa State Fair Scholarship if they meet the following 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

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

• This program provides recognition to Iowa’s academically outstanding high school

Iowa National Guard Educational Assistance Grants

The Iowa National Guard Educational Assistance Grant (NGEAP) provides annual awards to Iowa National Guard members who attend eligible Iowa colleges and universities. Maximum individual awards cannot exceed the resident tuition rate at Iowa Regent Universities. 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 received 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 (students with BA degrees are not eligible to participate even if pursuing a second BA degree) and maintain satisfactory academic progress.

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.
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 October 1. The final FAFSA deadline is July 1
Deadline:

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 $900 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 October 1. Completed FAFSAs must be received by the processing center on or before July 1.