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Iowa College Student Aid Commission
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Types of Aid
When considering the cost of a college education, it's important to remember that there are many different ways for students and families to pay for college. Scholarships, grants, work-study, loans and more can be combined in a variety of ways to meet the cost of attendance. Read below for more information about the different types of aid.
When considering the cost of a college education, it's important to remember that there are many different ways for students and families to pay for college. Scholarships, grants, work-study, loans and more can be combined in a variety of ways to meet the cost of attendance. Read below for more information about the different types of aid.
Scholarships & Grants
Scholarships & grants are offered through various sources: federal and state aid programs, colleges and universities, and private organizations. These funds can be awarded to students based on their financial need (determined by completing the FAFSA) or based on academic, athletic, or personal skills. The dollar amount varies by program, but all scholarships and grants are considered "free money" that does not need to be repaid.
Private Scholarships
Many businesses, foundations, community groups and religious and fraternal organizations award scholarships to students on behalf of their members. High school counselors are excellent resources for scholarship information. Internet searches are another way to explore scholarship opportunities. No reputable organization will charge a fee for the scholarship searches they offer, so be wary of questionable claims and avoid fee-based services. Students can search for scholarships that match their skills and accomplishments by using the Scholarship Finder at www.IHaveAPlanIowa.gov.
Work-study
Work-study funds are offered to students based on financial need. Students earn these funds by working part-time jobs in exchange for wages. Typically, these jobs are on campus and the number of hours is limited to allow students to focus on their studies and college experience.
Student Loans
Student loans come in various forms with varying terms, but all loans are money that must be repaid. Because borrowing too much while enrolled can seriously impact life after college, the amount of student loan debt should be kept to a minimum. Read More
Higher Education Tax Benefits
Higher Education tax benefits are available to students and families to help reduce the overall cost of a college education. The IRS offers various tax deductions and credits to individuals and families paying higher education expenses. Read More
Out-of-State Tuition Discount Programs
When researching college outside of Iowa, be sure to ask if the college you are interested in attending offers reduced tuition rate for residents of Iowa. Many schools in adjacent states offer a discount to out-of-state students from neighboring communities. Read More
Scholarships & grants are offered through various sources: federal and state aid programs, colleges and universities, and private organizations. These funds can be awarded to students based on their financial need (determined by completing the FAFSA) or based on academic, athletic, or personal skills. The dollar amount varies by program, but all scholarships and grants are considered "free money" that does not need to be repaid.
Private Scholarships
Many businesses, foundations, community groups and religious and fraternal organizations award scholarships to students on behalf of their members. High school counselors are excellent resources for scholarship information. Internet searches are another way to explore scholarship opportunities. No reputable organization will charge a fee for the scholarship searches they offer, so be wary of questionable claims and avoid fee-based services. Students can search for scholarships that match their skills and accomplishments by using the Scholarship Finder at www.IHaveAPlanIowa.gov.
Work-study
Work-study funds are offered to students based on financial need. Students earn these funds by working part-time jobs in exchange for wages. Typically, these jobs are on campus and the number of hours is limited to allow students to focus on their studies and college experience.
Student Loans
Student loans come in various forms with varying terms, but all loans are money that must be repaid. Because borrowing too much while enrolled can seriously impact life after college, the amount of student loan debt should be kept to a minimum. Read More
Higher Education Tax Benefits
Higher Education tax benefits are available to students and families to help reduce the overall cost of a college education. The IRS offers various tax deductions and credits to individuals and families paying higher education expenses. Read More
Out-of-State Tuition Discount Programs
When researching college outside of Iowa, be sure to ask if the college you are interested in attending offers reduced tuition rate for residents of Iowa. Many schools in adjacent states offer a discount to out-of-state students from neighboring communities. Read More
Students can get an early start on the financial aid process by completing the FAFSA4caster. This system simulates the FAFSA filing process and data entered into the FAFSA4caster can be transferred to FAFSA on the web.