Many students qualify for financial aid, but the only way to find out is to apply. Learn about the different types of aid that can help you pay for your education.
By filing a FAFSA, the student is applying for Federal grants, some state grants (Vocational Technical, Skilled Workforce Shortage (Kibbie), Future Ready Iowa Last Dollar Scholarship), and Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans.
Grants
Grants are often called “gift aid” because they are free money and they don’t have to be repaid. Grants are often awarded based on need.
Federal grants are available to students who demonstrate financial need using the FAFSA. Federal grants include:
State grants have specific eligibility and maintenance criteria. State grants include:
- Vocational Technical Tuition
- Future Ready Iowa Last-Dollar Scholarship
- Skilled Workforce Shortage Tuition (Kibbie)
- All Iowa Opportunity *
- Education and Training Voucher *
- GEAR UP *
* A separate application is required to apply. Visit Iowa College Aid to apply.
See State of Iowa Grants and Scholarships for more information about each state grant.
Scholarships
Scholarships are often called “gift aid” because they are free money and they don’t have to be repaid. Scholarships are often merit-based.
Scholarships can be from the college or from outside sources.
Applications for Hawkeye scholarships are due by February 1 for fall awards and October 1 for spring awards.
See Hawkeye and External Scholarships for more information.
Loans
Loans are often called “self-help aid” because a loan is money you borrow and must pay back with interest.
Federal loans allow students to borrow low interest loans directly from the federal government to help meet their educational costs. Federal loans include:
Private loans include aid that students secure from a private or community source. Contact the Financial Aid office when you receive a private loan.
Federal Work-Study Program
Provides part-time employment on campus for students who show financial need.
Students must find a Work-Study position and work in order to earn the awarded aid. See Applying for Work-Study.
Sponsorships
Sponsorships include aid that students secure from a private or community source.
Work with the Business Office on getting sponsorship money applied to your bill.