Home to over 60 colleges and universities, Iowa is a state dedicated to excellence. Nicknamed the Hawkeye State, Iowa is known for its rich agriculture, diverse economy, booming business, and fascinating history–and for being College Raptor’s home state!
If you’re lucky enough to live in the state and plan on attending college/university there, read on to discover some great financial aid opportunities.
Herbert Hoover Uncommon Student Award
Amount: Varying
Deadline: March 15 (annually)
This project competition targets high school juniors who propose and complete a project of their own design. The award chooses 15 students to present their projects and receive a $1,500 award. Four of those 15 receive an additional $10,000 for a grand total of $11,500 of financial aid. Student interest drives these projects entirely, but they should make an impact!
Eligible students must: be a junior in an Iowa high school, submit two letters of recommendation, submit a proposal, and adhere to all competition guidelines.
Robert D. Blue Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: May 10
Founded to celebrate Iowa’s acceptance into the union and to encourage Iowan students to attend college, this scholarship offers financial aid to those seeking a higher education–with a preference for those going into public service fields.
Eligible students must: be an Iowa resident planning on attending an Iowa college/university, write an essay, and apply online.
Matthew Shepard Memorial Scholarship
Amount: Varies (renewable)
Deadline: April 19, 2020
The League Foundation commits itself to anti-bullying and the promotion of tolerance, especially in the LGBT community. The program works with highly motivated students and prepares them to excel in school, the professional world, and life.
Awards are based on academic achievement, financial need, and community service.
All Iowa Opportunity Scholarship
Amount: Up to $8,118
Deadline: File the FAFSA
This state-funded scholarship helps students who perform well in school and demonstrate financial need.
To be eligible, students must: be a resident of Iowa, be attending an Iowa university/college, maintain a 2.5 or higher GPA, be enrolled for at least 3 credit hours, complete the FAFSA, and have an EFC in accordance with the scholarship guidelines.
Donna Reed Performing Arts Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline: November 30, 2020
Iowa-born actress Donna Reed dedicated herself to the performing arts. This scholarship awards students studying drama or who have acted in school productions.
Eligible students must: be an Iowa high school student, have a 3.0 GPA or higher, submit a complete application including a letter of recommendation from a drama teacher, an audition or performance sample, and a headshot.
Robert Smiley Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: April 3, 2020
The Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union (IGHSAU) is a foundation for women athletes. With preference given to underdog athletes, this scholarship goes to ladies who have lettered in an IGHSAU-sponsored sport.
To apply, students must: be a senior girl enrolled full-time in an Iowa high school, have a minimum 2.5 GPA, plan to attend an Iowa college/university, submit a complete application, and turn in a letter of recommendation.
Byers Environmental Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: TBD for 2021 (Opens Fall 2020)
The Keep Iowa Beautiful program, as its name suggests, maintains Iowa’s beautiful landscapes and promoting environmental awareness. As such, this scholarship goes toward students planning to major in community enhancement, natural resources, or a related area of study.
Eligible students must: be a current resident of Iowa, plan to enroll in an Iowa university/college, plan to major in environmental science or related field, have a strong involvement in the community, and submit an essay.
Numerous colleges and universities offer their own school-based scholarships as well, so be sure to check them out!
| Lender | Rates (APR) | Eligibility | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
5.50%-16.12%* Variable
3.99%-15.61%* Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CITIZENS |
 |
5.54% - 15.70% Variable
3.99% - 15.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT SALLIE MAE |
 |
4.63% - 17.99% Variable
3.49% - 17.99% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CREDIBLE |
 |
6.00% - 13.75% Variable
3.99% - 13.75% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT LENDKEY |
 |
5.66% - 14.72% Variable
3.69% - 14.56% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ASCENT |
|
|
3.70% - 8.75% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ISL |
 |
5.62% - 16.85% Variable
3.69% - 16.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT EARNEST |
 |
5.00% - 14.22% Variable
3.69% - 14.22% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ELFI |
