Grants and Scholarships

Take Advantage of Free Money

Grants and scholarships are called "gift aid" because they are free money that doesn’t need to be paid back, as long as you stay enrolled and successfully complete your classes.

Grants are usually given based on financial need, while scholarships are based on good grades or talents.

Money for grants and scholarships comes from places like Hawkeye, the federal government, and the state of Iowa. Since each program is different, it's important to know their rules and deadlines.

Types of Grants and Scholarships

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The Federal Pell Grant is need-based and available to students who demonstrate a high need for financial aid, complete the FAFSA, and meet federal eligibility requirements.

The amount you receive depends on your Student Aid Index (SAI), the number of credit hours you’re taking, and your attendance at the financial aid lock date. The amount listed on your financial aid award is an estimate and may change.

You usually do not have to repay the Pell Grant, unless you stop attending or do not pass all of your classes.

Maintaining Your Eligibility

To keep your Federal Pell Grant, you must meet Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements. Before renewing your grant for the next semester, we check to ensure you’ve completed the required hours to maintain your full award. Withdrawing or failing classes can affect your eligibility for future semesters.

Lifetime Eligibility

Federal law limits Pell Grant funding to about six years, or 600%. Each year, you can receive up to 100% of your Pell Grant amount. Pell Grant funds are also available for summer, so if you attend full-time in fall, spring, and summer, you could receive up to 150% of your Pell Grant. If you Learn How Pell Grant Lifetime Eligibility Is Calculated.

Full Federal Pell Grant Details

The Federal SEOG (Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant) program provides financial assistance to undergraduates who are eligible for the Pell Grant and have the highest financial need, as determined by their Student Aid Index (SAI).

Hawkeye receives SEOG funds from the federal government and selects students who have applied for financial aid and meet federal requirements.

At Hawkeye, SEOG awards are based on available funding. The amount is adjusted based on the number of credits you’re taking.

These funds are limited and are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, so not all students who qualify will receive a grant.

Full Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) Details

Iowa offers several grants and scholarships for its residents. Since each program is different, it's important to know their specific eligibility rules, application forms, and deadlines.

The amount of grant money you receive from the Iowa Department of Education may change based on available state funding.

All Iowa Opportunity Scholarship

Students who participate in Federal TRiO Programs or graduated from alternative high schools get priority for the All Iowa Opportunity Scholarship.

This scholarship can cover up to the full cost of tuition.

All Iowa Opportunity Scholarship Requirements

Education and Training Voucher (ETV)

The Education and Training Voucher (ETV) offers financial assistance to eligible Iowa foster youth and alumni to support their pursuit of postsecondary education or training. The program helps cover tuition, fees, and other educational expenses, making it easier for students to achieve their academic goals.

Education and Training Voucher Details and Eligibility

Iowa National Guard Service Scholarship

The Iowa National Guard Service Scholarship provides annual awards to Iowa National Guard members. Recipients may be awarded up to the current maximum resident tuition rate at Iowa Regent Universities.

Iowa National Guard Service Scholarship Requirements

Iowa Vocational—Technical Tuition Grant

Iowa residents enrolled in career or technical education programs at Iowa community colleges may be eligible to receive this grant.

The maximum award is $1,200 per year for full time enrollment. Award amounts are prorated based on a student's enrollment if enrolled part-time.

Iowa Vocational-Technical Tuition Grant Requirements

Kibbie Grant (Iowa Skilled Workforce Shortage Tuition Grant)

The Kibbie Grant provides need-based financial assistance to Iowa residents enrolled in career education (career-technical) and career option programs at Iowa community colleges.

Kibbie Grant Requirements

To receive the Last-Dollar Scholarship, students must apply for it, meet eligibilty requirements, and be awarded the scholarship.

The amount of grant money you receive from the Iowa Department of Education may change based on available state funding.

LAST-DOLLAR SCHOLARSHIP ELIGIBILITY

Hawkeye offers scholarships each semester based on students’ achievements, registered credits, and financial need, as determined by the FAFSA application.

Since scholarships are competitive, not everyone who applies will receive one.

When you complete the Hawkeye Scholarship application(s), you’re applying for multiple scholarships provided by the Hawkeye Foundation.

To be considered for scholarships you must submit a scholarship application each semester.

Explore Hawkeye Scholarships

You can use Hawkeye's online scholarship application, ScholarshipUniverse, to search for and apply to various external scholarships. Be sure to review the eligibility requirements and deadlines for each scholarship carefully.

Applying for multiple scholarships can increase your chances of receiving financial assistance, so take advantage of all available opportunities to help support your education.

Apply for Hawkeye and External Scholarships

Contact Us

Financial Aid

Main Campus
Hawkeye Center 118
319-296-4020
800-670-4769 ext.4020
319-209-9239 (text only)
319-296-4495 (fax)
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Regular Hours — Spring 2025

Monday – Friday 8 AM – 4:30 PM