Iowa

Iowa Scholarships and Grants

Here it is – time to seriously consider college, and who doesn’t need a little financial help? Take a breather from all your senior year activities and take a look at some of these possibilities for scholarships and grants. You’d be a amazed how many like these are out there just waiting for someone like you to claim them. First – check these out! Then – go meet with your high school guidance counselor to see what else might be available. Best of luck with this next stage of your life – you’re going to be great!

Mary Virginia Mcrae Memorial

If you are the dependent of a veteran of US military services, or a dependent of a deceased veteran, and are destined to be a nurse, this scholarship might be of help. In the amount of $400, the funds can be used at eligible colleges and universities in Iowa. Application requirements include letters of recommendation, essay, transcript, proof of your eligibility, and a photo of yourself. Contact www.ialegion.org/ala.

Harriet Hoffman Memorial

If you read the paragraph above, but have your heart set on being a teacher instead of a nurse, then read on. The application requirements are exactly the same: essay, transcript, proof of eligibility, and a photo of yourself. The award of $400 is for use at eligible Iowa colleges and universities. For more information for majoring in education, contact www.ialegion.org/ala.

Horatio Alger Iowa

If you are a high school senior who has already faced and overcome great obstacles in your life, you need to take a closer look at this program.

Other requirements include Iowa residency and that you are a high school senior; that you be able to demonstrate financial need; that you have maintained a record of good academic achievement; and, that you are service orientated. To apply you will need to submit an essay, copy of your transcript showing a minimum 2.0 GPA, a letter of support, and an income statement. Scholarship award is for $3,000; you may begin your college career in a 2-year college in Iowa, but must plan to obtain your bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa. Please visit this website for additional information: www.hortioalger.org/scholarships.

All Iowa Opportunity

This unique scholarship is designed to give preference in winner selection to Iowa high school students who have participated in federal TRIO programs, students graduating from alternative schools, or homeless youth. It is intended for use at Iowa colleges and universities. Awards are for up to average tuition and fee rates of Regents University for the current academic year. To qualify you must have a minimum GPA of 2.5, and be able to prove need for financial assistance by completing the FAFSA, at www.fafsa.ed..gov. There is no fee for this application. Contact www.iowacollegeaid.gov for more information.

Governor Terry E, Branstad Iowa State Fair

If you are a Iowa high school senior and have ever been actively involved in our state fair – you’re half way there to qualify for this scholarship. Application requirements also include letters of recommendation, essay, and proof of state fair participation. Awards range from $500-$1,000, and are to be used at eligible Iowa universities and colleges. Applications may be obtained through the website www.iowacollegeaid.gov.

Iowa Farm Bureau Federation

If you are the child of an Iowa Farm Bureau member, and intend to follow the family tradition with a career in an agriculture related field, you should consider this scholarship. You must be a high school senior living in Iowa. Along with the application you will need to submit letters of recommendation, essay, and transcript. For more information, check the website www.iowacollegeaid.gov. This award may be used for undergraduate study at Iowa colleges or universities.

Iowa Grant

There is a wonderful thing about a grant! Unlike student loans, and even some scholarships, they never need to be repaid. This particular grant is designated for use at 2 or 4-year colleges and universities in state, and if you are a high school senior living here, you may apply. You must also be able to demonstrate your need for financial assistance. In order to do this, please complete the free FAFSA on line at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Grant amounts may be adjusted for part-time students. The process works like this — the state gives grant allocations to the colleges and universities, and they, in turn, award grants to the students with the greatest financial need. For more information, contact the Iowa College Student Aid Commission, or check the website www.iowacollegeaid.gov.

Iowa Robert C. Byrd Honor

If you have really worked to maintain excellent grades throughout your scholastic career, and are a high school senior living in Iowa, who plans to attend a 2 or 4-year college or university full-time, you may be the one to receive this award. Application requires a minimum 3.5 GPA, and at least a 1860 SAT, 28 ACT. Other scholastic requirements include completion of three years of social studies, advanced mathematics, science beyond general science, four years of English, and two years of a foreign language. You must rank in the top 10% of your graduating class. Application must be accompanied by letters of recommendation indicating leadership abilities and character references, an essay, transcript, proof of eligibility, and AP scores. This scholarship varies in amount, with a maximum amount of $1,500. For more information contact:

Todd Brown, Byrd Scholarship Competition
Iowa College Student Aid Commission
200 Tenth St., Fourth Floor
Des Moines, IA 50309-3609
Phone: 877-272-4456
Fax: 515-725-3401
or the website: www.iowacollegeaid.org.