Best Scholarships in Iowa in 2023

About scholarships in Iowa

Scholarships in Iowa alleviate the monetary requirements Iowa residents face when pursuing post-secondary education. Iowa college students can find external funding and support through these scholarship opportunities. 

Scholarships and other financial aid options empower students to pursue their educations and reach their goals, regardless of financial circumstances. There are many scholarship programs designed to assist students seeking higher education. New scholarships are created on Bold.org every day, offering a variety of scholarship opportunities for all types of students.

Iowa students and student debt

Many Iowa residents remain in Iowa state to attend college, often due to the benefits of in-state tuition. Around 90.7% of students enrolled in Iowa state community colleges in Fall 2021 were Iowa residents. Among the students enrolled in college, 64.6% are state residents while 35.4% are nonresidents. Approximately 43% of Iowa residents have an associate's degree or higher with roughly 427,900 student loan borrowers living in Iowa.

Iowa state residents hold $13.2 billion in student loan debt and it is estimated that 68% of the Iowa workforce aged 25-64 will need a credential of some kind to fulfill labor force needs come 2025. It is crucial for the next generation to obtain a skill set or form of education in order to have successful careers in the state of Iowa. Bold.org recognizes the obstacles faced by Iowa students with financial need and awards scholarships every day to reduce the financial costs college students face.

Colleges in Iowa

Iowa is home to numerous colleges and universities. In addition to public and private not-for-profit schools, there are also private for-profit colleges. Much of Iowa's land is agricultural, resulting in many agricultural degree programs being offered at top universities among other diverse programs. 

Career and Technical Education includes education programs offered by Iowa schools dedicated to preparing students for careers in current or emerging fields. Iowa state prides itself on the comprehensive curriculum offered at each community college, providing students with a more defined pathway toward career and educational goals at a more affordable price than many alternatives.

The University of Iowa has recently advanced its national ranking among public universities to No. 33 holding the top public writing program in the country along with a top 10 nursing program. In addition, Iowa offers a vast array of post-secondary education programs for students residing in Iowa and for out-of-state students.

Student debt in Iowa

Currently, the U.S. student loan debt is the second-highest form of debt in the country with 45 million loan borrowers. As a result, Americans collectively owe 1.7 trillion in student debt with an average debt of more than $30,000. Despite being a costly endeavor, higher education is an important personal and professional investment.

Roughly 1 in 7 residents in Iowa have student loan debt. The average private not-for-profit college and university costs $42,000, whereas community college costs an average of $12,000. College students in Iowa are more likely to obtain student debt with a rising debt of $13.2 billion. Despite the alarming number, Iowa residents owe significantly less on average compared to other states. While student loan debt is concerning for many Iowa students, federal student aid, private grants, and scholarships can lessen the financial burden.

The best scholarships for Iowa students

Applying for Iowa scholarships can help students in Iowa state lessen their educational expenses and reduce their need for loans. Each Iowa scholarship is tailored specifically towards students in Iowa, which limits the number of eligible applicants.

At Bold.org we have grouped scholarships for students to browse through and apply. Below are exclusive scholarships for Iowa students seeking external funding and support for higher education.

The Lois Johnson Kemble Memorial Scholarship

The Lois Johnson Kemble Memorial Scholarship is a $1,100 award that exists to support two female students pursuing degrees in business or teaching. First-generation, high school seniors from Nebraska or Iowa who have a 3.0 GPA or higher may apply for this scholarship by the May 2nd deadline!

Additional scholarships that students in Iowa should consider

In addition to Iowa college scholarships, Bold.org offers a multitude of other scholarships to consider. By accessing Bold.org, Iowa students can find opportunities available with regard to academic merit, financial need, athletic ability, and more. You can get started with the following options:

• Charles Cheesman's Student Debt Reduction Scholarship
• Uniball's Skilled Trades Scholarship
• Expand Your Horizons Scholarship
• Snap Finance "Funding The Future" Scholarship
• Informed Consumer Scholarship
• "A Bold Life" No-Essay Scholarship
• "Equal Opportunity Scholarship"

Scholarships for high school students in Iowa

Many high school scholarships are tailored towards high school seniors. Scholarships for a single grade level will have a smaller applicant pool, so Iowa high school seniors have a higher chance of winning scholarship awards that are limited just to them. 

Iowa high school seniors are encouraged to apply while still attending high school. If you're not a senior yet, don't be discouraged! Scholarships for high school students are not limited to seniors or even to upperclassmen. High school juniors residing in Iowa are encouraged to apply as well as sophomores and freshmen. The earlier students apply, the better their chances of winning are! 

• Ben Bonner Memorial Scholarship
• Davila Scholarship
• Noah Wilson "Loaded Spinach" Arts & Mental Health Awareness Scholarship
• Kenyada Me' Chon Thomas Legacy Scholarship
• Tyde Memorial Scholarship

Scholarships for current college students in Iowa

It is a common misconception that scholarships are only for high school students. An Iowa scholarship is not limited to Iowa high school seniors or other high school students. There is an abundance of lucrative scholarship opportunities that current college students are eligible for. Currently enrolled Iowa college students can be scholarship recipients, including graduate students.

Submit a scholarship application now by clicking on one of the scholarships listed below! 

• International Studies Scholarship
• Slater Miller Memorial Fund
• Stride Funding Affordable Tuition Scholarship
• Diversity in Law Scholarship
• Veterans Next Generation Scholarship

Scholarships for nursing students in Iowa

In Iowa, scholarships and grants are available to help students who enter the nursing field pay their tuition and other expenses. Nursing is a rewarding career in constant demand with applicants facing a rigorous course load and extensive tuition costs. Bold.org offers nursing applicants an array of scholarships that can be awarded to currently enrolled students or those beginning their educational endeavors.

• Amber Lotts' Health Heroes Scholarship Foundation
• Dashanna K. McNeil Memorial Scholarship
• National Health Care Heroes Grant For Nurses
• WiseGeek Nursing No-Essay Scholarship
• Deborah Stevens Pediatric Nursing Scholarship

Scholarships for women in Iowa

Organizations and philanthropic funds strive to create scholarships and grants exclusively for women as women are attending college in increasing numbers. Many scholarships specifically seek to support women in male-dominated fields like science, engineering, and project management. 

As a female Iowan, obtaining an education means carving out a place in professional employment roles and gaining access to exclusive scholarships that promote, honor, and empower women, such as the following opportunities.

• Linda Hicks Memorial Scholarship
• Learner Women in Mathematics Scholarship
• Shoot Less, Throw More- Girls Wrestling Scholarship
• Women's History Scholarship
• Surya Education Assistance Scholarship

Scholarships in Iowa for education majors

An education major is designed to help college students develop the skills necessary to educate others. Fast-paced and ever-changing, the field of education welcomes challenges as an educator's job never stops. Iowa educators share knowledge and help others in various career options. One of the most important professions in our society is education.

Below is a list of available scholarship awards for education majors.

• Marissa Collections Scholarship
• Lucille Hobbs Education Scholarship
• Future Teachers of America Scholarship
• Dr. Ruth Lewis Knight Memorial Scholarship Educators

Additional scholarship awards for education majors can be found on Bold.org's scholarship search here.

Frequently asked questions about scholarships in Iowa

How to apply for an Iowa scholarship

One of the first steps in searching for scholarships is to reach out to your college's financial aid office to see what assistance and scholarship opportunities your college offers. In addition to institutional aid, external scholarship platforms can help find resources and other scholarships to assist in your educational journey. Bold.org is dedicated to fighting student debt by helping students find funding opportunities.

Whether you're in high school or college, Bold.org is an excellent place to start your search. Simply create a Bold.org account and begin browsing numerous available scholarships. This scholarship platform is the largest independent scholarship program with an abundance of funding opportunities waiting to be awarded.

It is important to read each guideline carefully to ensure you understand the requirements and meet deadlines. Verify that you meet all of the eligibility criteria before applying. Simply follow the application prompts and click "apply now" to complete your application!

Not sure how to write a scholarship essay? We have you covered, check out our best tips for creating an excellent essay here.

How do I know if I qualify for scholarships in Iowa?

Scholarships differ in terms of eligibility criteria, with some only open to students of certain fields of study, backgrounds, or other characteristics. Always make sure you are eligible for the scholarship before putting time into your application! 

There can be significant competition for specific scholarships due to the range of applicants in search of financial relief. For Iowa scholarships, applicants are looking particularly in the state of Iowa, limiting the eligible candidates and increasing the chances of awards. The more requirements a scholarship has, the fewer eligible recipients there will be, increasing your odds of winning!

To receive a scholarship do I have to fill out the FAFSA? 

Scholarship policies vary from one college to another. Generally, if you apply for any form of financial aid your school may ask you to submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Scholarship applications typically do not require a completed FAFSA form. To be sure reach out to your college's financial aid office. At Bold.org you do not need to fill out the FAFSA to apply for our scholarships.

Are there Iowa scholarships for out-of-state students?

The University of Iowa offers scholarships for eligible first-year nonresident students in financial need. Nonresident undergraduate first-year students who submit a complete application for admission will automatically be considered for the National Scholars Award. This scholarship award has a renewal for up to four years or until a student has obtained a bachelor's degree. If considering this university be sure to read the eligibility criteria and process your financial aid form.

Iowa State University presents Automatic Freshman Merit Awards where qualified students can select their state to see the offered scholarship awards available through the Office of Admissions.

Though these out-of-state scholarship opportunities are tailored towards these schools, there are several options for out-of-state students seeking external funds. Bold.org offers scholarships that out-of-state students looking to pursue a college in Iowa can use as well as students who are already Iowa residents.

Browse through our scholarships to see what awards you are qualified for.

How can I use a scholarship?

A scholarship award can be used for any educational expense including, tuition, books, housing, and more. Eligibility criteria for scholarship use are determined by the donor or your school. Typically scholarships are used towards tuition or outstanding fees.

Upon winning a scholarship, the funds will be sent directly to the financial aid office of your college or university to be applied to your tuition and other education-related expenses, such as books. By using a scholarship, you'll more easily be able to afford higher education so you can go on to a successful career. 

Are scholarships counted as income?

Scholarships can enable students to pursue a higher education that otherwise might not have been possible, which is why the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is generous in minimizing students' tax obligations. You generally do not have to pay taxes on your awarded scholarship money.

The Internal Revenue Service defines qualified tuition and related expenses. Degree-seeking students who receive grants, scholarships, or fellowships are required to pay taxes on the money only if the total exceeds the value of their qualified tuition and related expenses.

How many scholarships can I win?

There's no limit to the number of scholarships you can win using Bold.org. You can apply for as many scholarships as you'd like, all for free! Consider applying for smaller awards with less competition since this money can stack up to cover your costs. The more scholarships you apply for, the greater your chance of winning. 

Do I need a certain grade point average to apply?

Most scholarship awards are open to students regardless of grade point average. If you don't excel academically, don't worry! Even though there are some academic merit scholarships that look for high test scores or GPAs, there are many kinds of scholarships. If you're artistic, athletic, or even if you participate in community service, you can find a scholarship related to your skills and background.