Financial Aid
Financial Aid
On October 1, 2023, students will be able to complete the 2023-2024 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the 2023-2024 Iowa Financial Aid Application. The FAFSA is a standardized federal form used to determine eligibility for federal, state, and in some cases, institutional financial aid. The Iowa Financial Aid Application is the State of Iowa’s supplemental scholarship/grant application that collects eligibility information in addition to the FAFSA. Free assistance completing this form is available through the Iowa College Access Network (ICAN) and the college or university you plan to attend.
Colleges will award financial aid based on the Expected Family Contribution (EFC). This is the number that’s used to determine your eligibility for federal student financial aid. This number results from the financial information you provide in your FAFSA.. Your EFC is reported to you on your Student Aid Report (SAR). The same EFC will be transmitted to each college the student has listed on their FAFSA, however the awards may differ from school to school.
Colleges may begin providing award letter as soon as January or February. This may include electronic or paper awards. The best offer that a college can provide is included on the award. If you are considering multiple colleges, compare the final costs after your awards to help make a decision about which school is going to be best for you and your financial situation.
The Iowa College Access Network now has a location in Council Bluffs on the Iowa Western Community College Campus. If you are interested in personal one-on-one assistance you can make an appointment or simply contact them with questions.
You can also schedule an appointment online.
Iowa College Student Aid Commission - Iowa College Aid is a state agency that advocates for Iowa students and administers scholarship, grant, loan and related programs to help students finance education expenses at colleges and universities of their choice.
Upon completion of the FAFSA, all Iowa residents have the option to link directly to the Iowa Financial Aid Application. This not only streamlines the federal and state financial aid application process for Iowa’s students but also solidifies access to the Iowa application for individuals who may not be informed of its availability. Iowa is one of a handful of states that have implemented this service for its residents.
In early March, Iowa College Aid will be contacting school counselors at high schools that have students who applied for the All Iowa Opportunity Scholarship and Governor Terry E. Branstad Iowa State Fair Scholarship to certify eligibility information (such as grade-point-average, anticipated graduation date, etc).
Additional Details:
The FAFSA serves as the primary application for state-funded need-based grants. Students can apply for the following state programs by completing the FAFSA:
Iowa Tuition Grant (FAFSA deadline is July 1).
Iowa Vocational Technical Tuition Grant (FAFSA deadline is July 1).
Kibbie Grant (FAFSA deadline is July 1).
Barber and Cosmetology Arts and Sciences Tuition Grant (FAFSA deadline is July 1).
The following programs require completion of both the FAFSA and Iowa Financial Aid Application:
All Iowa Opportunity Scholarship (FAFSA and Iowa Financial Aid Application deadline is March 1).
All Iowa Opportunity Foster Care Grant (FAFSA and Iowa Financial Aid Application deadline is March 1 for renewals).
Education Training Voucher (FAFSA and Iowa Financial Aid Application deadline is March 1 for renewals).
Governor Terry E. Branstad Iowa State Fair Scholarship (FAFSA and Iowa Financial Aid Application deadline is March 1).
The following program requires only completion of the Iowa Financial Aid Application:
Iowa National Guard Educational Assistance Grant (Iowa Financial Aid Application deadline for the fall enrollment term is July 1).
Additional details on the state scholarship and grant programs can be found at https://www.iowacollegeaid.gov/content/state-grants-scholarships.
Iowa College Aid also offers a free alert sign-up for parents and students to receive tips on planning, preparing, and paying for college. Timely information on scholarships, grants, and college and career planning will be sent to all individuals that sign up. You may sign up at http://news.iowacollegeaid.gov/?p=subscribe(individuals will need to input an email address, first and last name, check the College and Financial Planning Tips for Students and Families box, and click subscribe to sign up for notices).
Iowa Student Loan - Iowa Student Loan was established in 1979 as a private, nonprofit corporation, and its mission is to help Iowa students and families obtain the resources necessary to succeed in post secondary education. Currently, Iowa Student Loan helps more than 220,000 students pay for college.
Iowa College Aid Student Loan Brochure
Iowa College Aid Loan Forgiveness & Incentive Programs Brochure
Do you have questions about how to find and apply for financial aid for college? Get answers at a free presentation on financial aid offered by the Iowa College Access Network® (ICAN).
You’ll have the chance to learn about:
• Completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
• Important deadlines.
• Overview of the financial aid process.
• Types of financial assistance available.
• Scholarships and scams.
• Helpful tips.
• Where to go for additional help.
If you were unable to attend, please contact Mr. Goebel for materials.