How to win Indiana scholarships
Indiana is home to diverse communities, excellent universities, and rich heritage. If you are a student interested in furthering your education in Indiana, there are many scholarships available. So, how do you win these Indiana scholarships?
Connect with all that Indiana has to offer
Indiana offers a multitude of scholarships to support students who are pursuing degrees in high-demand fields such as STEM, healthcare, and education. These scholarships are designed to offer students the opportunity to gain valuable skills and expertise in areas where there is a strong demand for workers.
To win Indiana scholarships, it is imperative to take advantage of these high-demand degree fields. Additionally, many Indiana scholarships are also merit-based, meaning it is important to have high academic achievement and extracurricular involvement for consideration.
Scholarship application resources for Texas scholarships
In order to distinguish yourself and win Indiana scholarships, you may have to write an essay about yourself. Check out our Scholarships360 guides on how to write a 250 word essay, how to write a 500 word essay, and how to write a scholarship resume to help you through the application process.
Ultimately, the key to winning Indiana scholarships is to showcase your unique strengths and demonstrate your ability to make a positive impact within Indiana and the wider world.
Indiana college loan debt snapshot
According to the Department of Education, Indiana residents owe $29.8 billion total in federal student loan debt. Student borrowers owe $32,874 each on average (those numbers do not include private loans). 51.7% of these loan borrowers are under the age of 35. When looking for ways to fund your higher education journey, remember that scholarships allow you to take fewer loans. Be sure to apply for as many as you’re eligible. Keep on reading to learn more about top Indiana scholarships, as well as merit scholarships from colleges in Indiana!
Merit scholarships at Indiana colleges and universities
DePauw University
- Eligibility: Awards are made to incoming first-year students based on academic achievement, leadership, community service and musical talent. Also based on other factors in the admission application such as ACT and SAT scores and GPA
- Amount: Varies, up to the full cost of tuition
- Deadline: Apply for admission to DePauw University by February 1
Indiana University-Purdue University – Indianapolis
- Eligibility: Incoming first-year students to IUPUI. Must have a 3.5+ high school GPA
- Amount: $1,000 to $5,000 per year
- Deadline: February 15; November 15 for priority consideration
Indiana University – Bloomington
- Eligibility: Incoming first-year students to Indiana University – Bloomington. Merit scholarships available for in-state, out-of-state, and international students. Scholarships are made based on high academic achievement shown in admission application
- Amount: $1,000 to $11,000
- Deadline: November 1 for in-state and out-of-state students; February 1 for international students
Purdue University
- Eligibility: Incoming first-year students to Purdue University. Based on a review of the admission application
- Amount: $500 up to full tuition
- Deadline: November 1 annually
Ball State University
- Eligibility: Incoming first-year students to Ball State University. Awards are made based on talent, academics, service, or leadership
- Amount: $4,000 per year for in-state students; $14,000 per year for out-of-state students
- Deadline: Considered upon admission to Ball State University
University of Indianapolis
- Eligibility: Incoming first-year students to University of Indianapolis. Must show high academic achievement in admission application
- Amount: $10,000 up to the full cost of tuition
- Deadline: Considered upon application to University of Indianapolis
University of Notre Dame
- Eligibility: First-year Notre Dame students. Awards are made based on highly competitive academic records, demonstrated leadership, and service to your community
- Amount: $10,000 up to the full cost of tuition
- Deadline: Considered upon admission to University of Notre Dame
Consider in-state tuition and tuition reciprocity
In-state tuition is the rate that students pay to attend a public or state college in their state of residence. Public colleges receive state funding in order to lower the rates learners pay as well as they receive a majority of funding through taxes paid by in-state residents. This is why students who attend in-state institutions often pay much less than out-of-state students.
Here are a few well-known Indiana universities and their in-state vs out-of-state tuition costs:
Ball State University
- In-state tuition: $8,434
- Out-of-state tuition: $25,918
Indiana University – Bloomington
- In-state tuition: $11,560
- Out-of-state tuition: $39,510
Purdue University
- In-state tuition: $9,992
- Out-of-state tuition: $28,794
How do you get in-state tuition?
In-state tuition reduces the cost of Indiana tuition significantly. Therefore, you are probably wondering how you can qualify for in-state tuition in Indiana.
Students must fulfill certain criteria, which include domicile, duration of residence, intent to remain, and financial independence. “Domicile” means that you must establish a permanent and primary residence in Indiana. The specific duration of residency required can vary by state, but you will need to reside in Indiana for at least 12 consecutive months prior to the start of the academic term. Then, you should demonstrate your intent to remain in Indiana beyond your education. This can be done by obtaining an Indiana driver’s license and registering to vote in Indiana. Lastly, it is important to note that some institutions require that your parents or legal guardians establish residency in Indiana in order to qualify for in-state tuition.
Overall, it is important to verify with the institutions you are interested in to find out their specific requirements for establishing residency to receive in-state tuition in Indiana.
Does Indiana have tuition reciprocity?
Yes, the state of Indiana has tuition reciprocity as part of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) through the Midwestern Higher Education Compact (MHEC). SARA intends to make it easier for students to take online courses offered by postsecondary institutions based in another state.
Additionally, there is tuition reciprocity between Indiana and Ohio as well as Indiana and Kentucky. This means that Indiana is expanding education opportunities in both Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky while limiting the cost of such expansion to the taxpayers of these states. The intended outcomes of this tuition reciprocity is to increase the availability of programs to residents of all three states.
Additional Indiana resources
Learn More Indiana scholarship resources
Browse a list of scholarships for Indiana residents of various backgrounds, skills, and areas of study.
College of Arts and Sciences Department of Art and Design scholarships
Scholarships for students studying Art and Design at Indiana State University.
EARN Indiana
EARN stands for “Employment Aid Readiness Network.” It is Indiana’s work-study program. Students with financial need have access to paid internships that build work experience!
FAFSA guide
On October 1st of every year, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opens nationwide. As soon as they are able, Arkansas students should complete the FAFSA to be eligible for federal student aid as well as some scholarships.
Keep reading
Scholarships are one of the best ways to lessen tuition costs. Students should consider applying for scholarships that are specifically designed for their unique demographic. Women, high school seniors and Black students can take advantage of specific scholarship opportunities. Some scholarships require essays and applications, but others are no-essay scholarships, making the application process easier. Remember, Scholarships360 is here to provide valuable resources for students!
Frequently asked questions about Indiana scholarships
Does Indiana offer free college?
How do I increase my chances of winning an Indiana scholarship?
Can out-of-state students receive scholarships to attend Indiana colleges?
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