How to win Iowa scholarships
From the beautiful sunsets to the bountiful cornfields, Iowa is the perfect place to continue your educational journey! In order to win Iowa scholarships, you should begin by searching for scholarships that align with your passions and career goals. Once you find these scholarships, you should then respond to scholarship essay questions by detailing how the state of Iowa ignited your passion.
For example, if you grew up on a farm in Iowa, it may come as no surprise that you want to pursue agriculture in college or university. Therefore, make it known in your scholarship application that your firsthand experiences growing up in Iowa allowed you to realize your agricultural passion. Make sure to emphasize that you would not be who you are today without Iowa! Doing so may just help you win Iowa scholarships and live out your career goals and dreams in the Hawkeye state!
Writing resources for acing Iowa scholarships
In order to write a strong Iowa scholarship essay, you will need to review how to start a scholarship essay and how to end a scholarship essay. Additionally, looking over some Scholarships360 guides on common scholarship essay prompts and how to write an essay about yourself can ensure that you are prepared for any essay an Iowa scholarship may require you to write. Lastly, review the ultimate guide to finding and winning scholarships to make sure you are prepared to win Iowa scholarships!
Iowa student debt snapshot
According to the Department of Education, Iowa residents owe $13.2 billion in federal student loan debt, with student borrowers owing $30,848 on average (those numbers do not include private loans). Of these loan borrowers, 55.4% are under the age of 35. As you are starting your higher education journey, remember that scholarships allow students to take fewer loans. Make sure that you apply to as many as you qualify for! Keep on reading to learn more about eligibility for merit scholarships from top Iowa colleges!
Merit scholarships at Iowa colleges and universities
University of Iowa
- Eligibility: In-state and out-of-state first-years incoming to University of Iowa based on high school GPA and ACT/SAT scores
- Amount: $500 up to $12,000
- Deadline: March 1
Iowa State University
- Eligibility: Incoming first-years to Iowa State University who have a 3.6+ GPA or 28+ ACT score / 1300+ SAT score
- Amount: $8,000 up to $12,000
- Deadline: Admission to Iowa State University
Drake University
- Eligibility: First-year students to Drake University who demonstrate high academic achievement
- Amount: $24,000 up to $27,000
- Deadline: March 1
Grinnell College
- Eligibility: Merit scholarships awarded to incoming first-years whose applications demonstrated academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, demonstrated leadership, and/or special talents
- Amount: Varies
- Deadline: Admission to Grinnell College
Cornell College
- Eligibility: Incoming first-years to Cornell College made based on admission application
- Amount: $23,000 up to $35,000
- Deadline: Admission to Cornell College
Luther College
- Eligibility: Based on the student’s cumulative grade point average, a personal essay, and an educator’s reference
- Amount: $18,000 up to full cost of tuition
- Deadline: Admission to Luther College
Consider in-state tuition and tuition reciprocity
In-state tuition allows residents of a state to receive cheaper tuition for a college or university in their state. Additionally, many universities and colleges reserve scholarships and financial aid for in-state students, which helps reduce the cost of attending college for those who live there.
Here are a few well-known Iowa universities and their in-state vs out-of-state tuition costs:
- In-state tuition: $10,964
- Out-of-state tuition: $32,927
- In-state tuition: $8,982
- Out-of-state tuition: $16,168
How do you get in-state tuition?
Being an Iowa resident can significantly reduce the price tag of Iowa colleges and universities. In order to become an Iowa resident for tuition purposes, you will need to physically live in Iowa for at least 12 consecutive months prior to the beginning of the semester. During these 12 months you will need to meet the following criteria:
- Be employed in Iowa for at least 30 hours per week
- File Iowa resident income taxes
- Obtain an Iowa driver’s license
- Register to vote in the state of Iowa
- Register your vehicle in Iowa
Does Iowa offer tuition reciprocity?
No, Iowa does not have any tuition reciprocity agreements with any states.
Iowa scholarship spotlight
Conservation Districts of Iowa scholarships
- Eligibility: Graduates from an Iowa high school or homeschool who will major in conservation and agriculture fields
- Amount: $500 up to $3,000
- Deadline: Mid-February
Guardian Scholars Foundation
- Eligibility: Students who have spent time in foster care in Iowa between the ages of 14 – 18. Other students who live in special circumstances without the support of parents or close family may also be considered. Must have graduated high school with a 2.3+ GPA
- Amount: Varies
- Deadline: March 1
Hoover Presidential Foundation Uncommon Student Award
- Eligibility: Iowa residents who are high school juniors. Must complete project proposal and application
- Amount: $1,500 up to $11,500
- Deadline: March 15
Home Builders Association Iowa Educational Corporation scholarship program
- Eligibility: Students aged 18 – 25 attending college and pursuing a career in the home building industry and related trades including immediate family members of the HBA of Iowa (builder or associate members)
- Amount: $1,000
- Deadline: March 31
Iowa Golf Association Foundation scholarships
- Eligibility: Iowa high school seniors with background or experience in golf. Scholarships are awarded based on academic performance, extracurricular activities, and leadership qualities (not on golf accomplishments or ability)
- Amount: Varies
- Deadline: April 1
Professional Educators of Iowa Foundation scholarships
- Eligibility: Iowa high school seniors who are pursuing a degree and career in education. Specific requirements vary based on scholarship
- Amount: Varies
- Deadline: April 1
Iowa Scholarship for the Arts
- Eligibility: Iowa high school seniors who excel and demonstrate a commitment to pursuing an education at an Iowa institution and a career in the arts
- Amount: $2,500
- Deadline: Early April
Brian Pearson Memorial Scholarship
- Eligibility: Awarded to two outstanding Iowan athletes (one female, one male). Decision made based on athlete’s character and participation in Iowa sports
- Amount: $1,000
- Deadline: Early April
All Iowa Opportunity Scholarship
- Eligibility: Iowa residents attending an Iowa college or university and graduated from an Iowa high school. Must complete FAFSA by March 1 and must have an eligible expected family contribution
- Amount: Average $4,983
- Deadline: May 1
Iowa Tuition Grant
- Eligibility: Iowa residents attending an eligible private college or university in the state
- Amount: Varies
- Deadline: July 1
Keep Iowa Beautiful scholarships
- Eligibility: Iowa high school seniors who show respect for their home, neighborhood, community, and state
- Amount: $1,000
- Deadline: End of January
Additional Iowa resources
ICAN Scholarship Database
ICAN provides resources to Iowa students to succeed in their education and career. Browse their scholarship database for a variety of local Iowa scholarships!
Iowa Financial Aid Application
The Iowa Financial Aid Application provides Iowans with an opportunity to apply for scholarships, grants, and loan repayment programs.
Iowa College Aid
Iowa College Aid is a “one-stop shopping” website for Iowa students. This state-run agency strives to make college accessible for all Iowans. Bookmark this one!
The Bright Foundation
The Bright Foundation focuses on helping Iowa students go to college and graduate debt free. They offer merit-based scholarships to high school seniors, who must apply through their high school counseling office or directly through the Iowa public community college or university they have been accepted to.
FAFSA Guide
The FAFSA deadline in Iowa is July 1 of each year (it opens October 1). For help with the FAFSA, check out our FAFSA guide for step-by-step assistance.
Frequently asked questions about Iowa scholarships
Does Iowa offer free college?
Do I need to be an Iowa resident to receive Iowa scholarships?
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