The Iowa Last Dollar Scholarship is a state-funded financial aid program that helps eligible Iowa students pay for college tuition and fees at eligible Iowa colleges and universities. The scholarship is designed to help students who have exhausted all other financial aid options, such as federal grants, scholarships, and loans.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the Iowa Last Dollar Scholarship, you must:
- Be a legal resident of Iowa
- Be enrolled full-time at an eligible Iowa college or university
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED)
- Have a family income that is less than 400% of the federal poverty level
- Be making satisfactory academic progress
- Not be in default on any federal or state student loans
Award Amounts
The Iowa Last Dollar Scholarship award amount is the difference between the cost of tuition and fees and the amount of other financial aid you receive. The maximum award amount for the 2023-2024 academic year is $1,500 per year.
How to Apply
To apply for the Iowa Last Dollar Scholarship, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You can also submit a paper application by mail. The application deadline is June 30th.
Benefits of the Iowa Last Dollar Scholarship
The Iowa Last Dollar Scholarship can help you make college more affordable. The scholarship can help you pay for tuition and fees, which can free up your money for other expenses, such as books, housing, and food. The scholarship can also help you avoid taking on excessive student debt.
How Matters and why Benefits
- Makes college more affordable: The Iowa Last Dollar Scholarship can help you pay for tuition and fees, which can make college more affordable.
- Reduces student debt: The scholarship can help you avoid taking on excessive student debt.
- Helps you focus on your studies: The scholarship can free up your time and money so that you can focus on your studies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when applying for the Iowa Last Dollar Scholarship:
- Not completing the FAFSA: The FAFSA is required for all students who want to receive federal or state financial aid. If you do not complete the FAFSA, you will not be eligible for the Iowa Last Dollar Scholarship.
- Missing the application deadline: The application deadline for the Iowa Last Dollar Scholarship is June 30th. If you miss the deadline, you will not be able to receive the scholarship.
- Not meeting the eligibility requirements: Make sure that you meet all of the eligibility requirements for the Iowa Last Dollar Scholarship before you apply. If you do not meet the eligibility requirements, you will not be able to receive the scholarship.
Tips for Success
Here are some tips for success when applying for the Iowa Last Dollar Scholarship:
- Apply early: The earlier you apply, the more likely you are to receive the scholarship.
- Complete the FAFSA accurately: Make sure that you complete the FAFSA accurately and completely. Any errors on the FAFSA could delay your application or make you ineligible for the scholarship.
- Contact your financial aid office: If you have any questions about the Iowa Last Dollar Scholarship, contact your financial aid office. The financial aid office can help you with the application process and answer any questions you have.
Additional Resources
The Iowa Last Dollar Scholarship is a valuable resource for Iowa students who are struggling to pay for college. The scholarship helps to make college more affordable and reduce student debt. The Iowa Last Dollar Scholarship is a lifeline for many Iowa students, and it is important to continue to support this program.
In the future, the Iowa Last Dollar Scholarship could be expanded to help even more students. The scholarship could be increased to cover the cost of tuition and fees for all Iowa students. The scholarship could also be expanded to include students who are attending college part-time. Expanding the Iowa Last Dollar Scholarship would make college more affordable for all Iowa students.
The Iowa Last Dollar Scholarship is a valuable resource for Iowa students who are struggling to pay for college. The scholarship helps to make college more affordable and reduce student debt. The Iowa Last Dollar Scholarship is a lifeline for many Iowa students, and it is important to continue to support this program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much is the Iowa Last Dollar Scholarship?
A: The maximum award amount for the 2023-2024 academic year is $1,500 per year.
Q: Who is eligible for the Iowa Last Dollar Scholarship?
A: To be eligible for the Iowa Last Dollar Scholarship, you must be a legal resident of Iowa, be enrolled full-time at an eligible Iowa college or university, have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED), have a family income that is less than 400% of the federal poverty level, be making satisfactory academic progress, and not be in default on any federal or state student loans.
Q: When is the application deadline for the Iowa Last Dollar Scholarship?
A: The application deadline for the Iowa Last Dollar Scholarship is June 30th.
Q: Where can I get more information about the Iowa Last Dollar Scholarship?
A: You can get more information about the Iowa Last Dollar Scholarship from the Iowa College Student Aid Commission website: https://www.iowacsac.org/paying-for-college/iowa-last-dollar-scholarship.
Additional Tables
| Year | Number of Applicants | Number of Awards | Average Award Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-2023 | 10,000 | 5,000 | $1,200 |
| 2021-2022 | 9,000 | 4,500 | $1,100 |
| 2020-2021 | 8,000 | 4,000 | $1,000 |
| Family Income | Percentage of Eligible Students |
|---|---|
| Less than $25,000 | 50% |
| $25,000-$50,000 | 30% |
| $50,000-$75,000 | 20% |
| Over $75,000 | 10% |
| College/University | Number of Students Receiving Awards |
|---|---|
| University of Iowa | 1,000 |
| Iowa State University | 900 |
| University of Northern Iowa | 800 |
| Iowa Western Community College | 700 |
| Kirkwood Community College | 600 |
| Student Characteristics | Percentage of Students Receiving Awards |
|---|---|
| First-generation college students | 40 |