Free Money!
Grants and Scholarships
Unlike student loans, grants and scholarships do not need to be repaid! Complete a FAFSA form each academic year to apply for federal and state grants, as well as state scholarships.
Take a couple of minutes to fill out the Hawkeye Scholarship Application. By completing one application, you will apply for dozens of scholarships!
Also check out ScholarshipUniverse for even more scholarship opportunities and to get matched to scholarships for which you qualify!
Employee Tuition Assistance Programs
Does your employer offer a tuition assistance program? Ask your boss or Human Resources office to see if this is one of your employee benefits. Find out what they will pay for, the requirements and expectations, and how payment is made. If available, this is a benefit you won't want to miss out on!
Military Education Benefits
If you, your spouse, or a parent has served in the military, you may be eligible for military education benefits. Contact the veterans services coordinator for more information.
Pay As You Go
Family
Do you have family members who will help you pay for college? If so, have a conversation with them to discuss how much they are planning to pay. What are their expectations if you accept their gift?
Savings
Have you saved any money to help pay for your education? Just paying accruing interest on loans and/or using your savings to buy books will make a significant impact on how much you will have to borrow and in turn pay back.
Work
Working throughout the semester or picking up extra hours during breaks will not only help you pay the bills, but if you budget wisely, can help you finish school with less debt. Work Study positions are available on campus, or check out the Hawkeye Job Board for more employment opportunities.
Borrow Money
Federal Direct Student Loans
Federal Direct Loans offer students a low interest, fixed-rate option to pay for college. You must submit a FAFSA each academic year to apply for Federal Subsidized and Unsubsidized Direct student loans.
Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loans
Parents may qualify for Parent PLUS Loans to help pay for their student's college education. Parents must complete a separate application to apply for the Parent PLUS loan.
Private Student Loans
Private Student Loans are also an option, but should only be used as a last resort. These loans are taken out through banks or other lenders and often have higher interest rates and lending fees. Private student loans can only be used when all other financial aid options have been exhausted.