Are You a Resident of or Studying in Indiana?
Scholarship and Grant Programs
Twenty-first Century Scholars Program is the perfect reason for Indiana parents to think about their kid's college career early. The program is designed to offer kids in 7th and 8th grade the opportunity to commit to a challenging and competitive high school curriculum. The program is much more than a college education, however. Another goal is to keep kids focused and out of trouble. If they meet the challenge and qualify financially, the state of Indiana awards them a four-year tuition for a state college or university.
The Frank O'Bannon Grant (aka The Indiana Higher Education Grant) is administered by the State Student Assistance Commission of Indiana. The grant is available to all economically disadvantaged Indiana students. Students must be enrolled in a full-time degree program. Apply by filling out the FAFSA.
Hoosier Scholarships are merit-based and open to incoming freshman college students. Even though the award is minimal - $500 - every little bit counts. Eligible students must be enrolled in an Indiana state college or university.
Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarships are a federally funded program that awards $1500 scholarships to top academic performers in their senior year of high school. Eligible students must have excellent ACT scores, be an Indiana resident, and already be accepted to a full-time college or university anywhere in the United States.
Indiana students who are also members of the National Guard qualify for scholarship and tuition assistance based on particular criteria. Apply by filling out the FAFSA.
In the interest of considering college students who may only be able to pursue college on a part-time basis, the state has now established a Part-time Grant Program. Not only does the grant award financially disadvantaged students money to help defray the costs of college, but the program has been expanded to cover students pursuing certificate degrees at a Ivy Tech State College.
The Children of Certain Veteran and Public Safety Officer Supplemental Grant Program offers the children of veterans killed or wounded in action, those that have received Purple Hearts, and public safety officers wounded or killed in the line of duty. Apply through the Indiana Department of Veterans' Affairs.
Specialized Studies Scholarships and Grants
The Minority Teacher/Special Education Scholarship program is open to a broadening base of college students, including Black and Hispanic students, students pursuing Special Education degrees, and Occupational and Physical Therapy students. Exchange scholarship monies for future work in an approved Indiana public school system if you're a teacher, or in a vocational or rehabilitation facility if you're an OT or PT.
See national physical therapy scholarships.
See national occupational therapy scholarships.
To address the critical shortage of nurses in underserved areas of Indiana, the state established the Nursing Scholarship Fund. Nursing students who are residents of Indiana may qualify for tuition scholarships to cover cost of their tuition at one of the many participating Indiana colleges and universities. Nursing students must prove financial need and maintain a 2.0 GPA. They must also agree to work in as nurses in an underserved health care facility in the state for a specified amount of time.
