Grants are gifts of money that do not have to be earned or repaid. To apply for grants offered by the Office of Student Financial Aid, students must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year.  For information on the financial aid application process, refer to our Step-by-Step Process web page.

The U.S. Department of Education website has additional information on grant programs.

The University of Iowa Office of Student Financial Aid (UI OSFA) encourages students to file the 2024-2025 FAFSA as soon as possible. After a student is admitted to the University of Iowa, the FAFSA information is reviewed and the student's financial aid eligibility is determined. Students are considered for grants and scholarships before employment and loans.

Offers are made on a first-come, first-served basis. Although students can apply for financial aid throughout the year, funding for some financial aid programs may be depleted for the upcoming academic year.

More detailed financial aid application information is available on our Step-by-Step Process web page. Students will automatically be considered for the Federal Pell Grant and Federal SEOG if they have filed the FAFSA for the appropriate academic year.

Federal Pell Grant

This federal need-based grant is offered to the most needy students, determined by filing the FAFSA. Only undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor's degree are eligible. The amounts vary each academic year depending on program funding, number of hours for which the student is enrolled, and the expected family contribution. Less than half-time enrollment is allowed in certain circumstances.

 

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)

This federal need-based grant is offered to students with exceptional financial need, determined by filing the FAFSA, and is offered on a first-come first-served basis. Only undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor's degree are eligible. This grant is pro-rated based on credit hours. Students may receive this grant for a maximum of eight semesters. 

Federal TEACH (Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education) Grant

The Federal TEACH Grant provides up to a maximum yearly amount of $4,000 to a student who agrees to serve for at least four years as a full-time teacher in a high-need field in a public or private elementary or secondary school that serves students from low-income families. The 2024-2025 award is slightly less than the $4,000 maximum, due to federal sequestration.

If you are a graduate or an undergraduate student enrolled in or admitted to the College of Education, review the requirements listed in Section B of the application form.  If you wish to apply, complete and submit the application form to the College of Education, Office of Educational Services, via email at educ-licensure@uiowa.edu or to N201 Lindquist Center.

State of Iowa Funded Aid

Some Iowa grants and scholarships require you to complete the Iowa Financial Aid Application. Check the eligibility requirements on the application. If you are offered State of Iowa-funded aid (Iowa National Guard Education Assistance Program, All Iowa Opportunity Scholarship, Gear Up Scholarship, State of Iowa State Fair Scholarship, Iowa Education Training Voucher, Iowa Workforce Grant, or Future Ready Iowa Grant), and those state funds are insufficient to pay the full amount of each approved award, the Iowa Department of Education has the authority to administratively reduce the award.