Scholarship Opportunities from the Office of Student Financial Aid
At the University of Iowa, scholarships for undergraduate students are available from many sources and are usually merit-based, recognizing outstanding academic achievement and other accomplishments. Some may also require financial need determined by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year. Students will automatically be considered for our need-based scholarships if they qualify and file the FAFSA. International undergraduate students will be considered for limited merit scholarships through the Office of Admissions. Please view the Scholarship and Grant Policies for information on the awarding of the scholarships at the University of Iowa.
Graduate and Professional students, including international students, can explore various merit or need-based funding options available through the Graduate College or their specific program and department.
Scholarships available to eligible undergraduate students through the Office of Student Financial Aid
Entering undergraduate first-year students who submit a FAFSA by the deadline for maximum financial aid consideration, demonstrate financial need based on FAFSA results, and show outstanding academic merit (standardized test scores and GPA) are automatically considered for the Iowa Need-Based Academic Award.
Value:
$100-$3,000 per semester for up to four years
Minimum Requirements:
Award amount is carefully considered based on financial need (determined by FAFSA results) and merit (standardized test scores and GPA).
Application:
None. Scholarship is awarded automatically to eligible students by the Office of Student Financial Aid in March/April.
Renewal:
Students may receive this scholarship for up to eight semesters of undergraduate enrollment or until a bachelor's degree is received (whichever comes first) by meeting all requirements listed below. If a student does not meet all of the following requirements, they will not be eligible to receive the scholarship for any future semester.
- demonstrate financial need, determined by filing the FAFSA prior to the deadline for maximum financial aid consideration and submitting other required documents each year
- maintain continuous full-time enrollment (12 hours) each semester (if a student withdraws during a semester, they are not maintaining continuous full-time enrollment)
- maintain a 2.75 cumulative UI GPA for courses taken at the University of Iowa (grades will be reviewed at the end of every semester)
Contact:
Office of Student Financial Aid
Entering direct transfer students (from an Iowa community college) who submit a FAFSA by the deadline for maximum financial aid consideration, demonstrate financial need based on the FAFSA results, and show outstanding academic merit (Community College Transfer GPA) are automatically considered for the Iowa Community College Need-Based Academic Award. Eligible students must transfer a minimum of 24 earned hours and have not earned a prior bachelor's degree.
Value:
$100-$1,500 per semester for up to two years
Minimum Requirements:
Award amount is carefully considered based on financial need (determined by FAFSA results) and merit (Community College Transfer GPA).
Application:
None. Scholarship is awarded automatically to eligible students by the Office of Student Financial Aid in March/April.
Renewal:
Students may receive this scholarship for up to four semesters of undergraduate enrollment or until a bachelor's degree is received (whichever comes first) by meeting all requirements listed below. If a student does not meet all of the following requirements, they will not be eligible to receive the scholarship for any future semester.
- demonstrate financial need, determined by filing the FAFSA prior to the deadline for maximum financial aid consideration and submitting other required documents each year
- maintain continuous full-time enrollment (12 hours) each semester (if a student withdraws during a semester, they are not maintaining continuous full-time enrollment)
- maintain a 2.75 cumulative UI GPA for courses taken at the University of Iowa (grades will be reviewed at the end of every semester)
Contact:
Office of Student Financial Aid
In addition to the scholarships offered by the Office of Student Financial Aid, various University of Iowa colleges and departments provide scholarships for both incoming and continuing students. Explore more opportunities using the links below.
Additional Information
- College of Business
- College of Education
- College of Engineering
- College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- College of Nursing
- College of Public Health
- Office of Study Abroad/International Programs
- Office of Admissions (incoming first-year and transfer students only)
- Department of Intercollegiate Athletics*
*Your eligibility for scholarships may be impacted if you are a student-athlete. You may learn more on the Athletics website.
Iowa Scholarship Portal
The University of Iowa provides a variety of scholarships to eligible undergraduate students through the Iowa Scholarship Portal. Scholarships are available to both incoming (first-year and transfer) and currently enrolled students. Many scholarships will have specific GPA and/or test score requirements and may contain a requirement for demonstrated financial need. Others are tied to particular programs of study, geographical location, or other academic and special qualifications.
Outside Scholarships
Don't limit your scholarship search to University-sponsored assistance. You are encouraged to explore other scholarship opportunities from local, regional, and national agencies. A great way to investigate outside funding is by searching for scholarships online. You may also want to consider contacting businesses, civic and fraternal organizations, parents’ employers, churches, high school guidance offices, and public libraries that offer scholarship opportunities for students. Below are additional resources:
- State Agencies
- The Bureau of Iowa College Aid is a state agency that administers scholarship, grant, and related programs to help Iowa students finance their educational expenses. Some of the grants and scholarships available for Iowa residents require the completion of the Iowa Financial Aid Application. Students may review eligibility requirements through the application. The amount of grant money you receive from the Iowa Department of Education may change based on available state funding.
- For information on state grant assistance for nonresidents of Iowa, contact your state higher education agency.
- Financial Assistance for Students with Disabilities
- Financial assistance for students with disabilities is administered through state vocational rehabilitation offices. Contact any district office for information. Information is also available from The University of Iowa Office of Student Disability Services.
- Educational Aid for Dependents of Veterans
- Dependents of veterans who are deceased or significantly disabled as a result of military service may qualify for educational aid including Education Aid to War Orphans. Iowa residents can obtain information from the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs. Residents of other states can contact the Veterans Affairs Office.
- Outside scholarships from a high school or outside agency
- College Board
- Fast Web
Scholarship Renewal Requirements and Appeals
Scholarships offered by the Office of Student Financial Aid and the Office of Admissions require continuous full-time enrollment (12+ hours for each semester) and a specific UI cumulative GPA (not overall cumulative). Students are reviewed each semester according to these renewal requirements. Returning students not meeting renewal requirements may submit a scholarship appeal.
