Grants are a type of financial aid that help you pay for college. Unlike loans, grants do not have to be paid back, making them one of the best options for funding your education. Grants are typically awarded based on financial need, academic achievement, or specific eligibility criteria, and they are funded by federal and state governments, colleges, or other organizations.Ìý
Filing the Free Application for is your first step toward receiving grants. The FAFSA determines your eligibility for federal, state, and institutional grants, as well as other types of financial aid and it also includes tools like the Federal Student Aid Estimator to estimate your potential federal aid eligibility. Below, you'll find an overview of some of the top grant opportunities available to ºÚÁÏÊÓÆµ students. For more information or to explore additional options, contact your local financial aid office.
Grant Opportunities
Description: The largest federal grant program, designed to help low-income students. Unlike loans, Pell Grants don’t need to be repaid (except in rare cases).
Eligibility: Undergraduate students with exceptional financial need who haven’t earned a bachelor's or graduate degree. Confined or incarcerated students may qualify depending on location and academic program.
Application: Ìý
Description: A federal need-based grant. Award amounts depend on your enrollment each semester.
Eligibility: Students with a -1500 SAI on their FAFSA who meet all federal aid requirements. Funds are limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
Application:Ìý
Description: A state grant based on financial need as determined by FAFSA.
Eligibility: Indiana residents enrolled in 12+ credit hours, seeking a degree, and meeting state-specific criteria. Available for fall and spring (limited summer availability).
Application:Ìý - Must submit by April 15
Contact:ÌýIndiana Commission for Higher Education, 101 West Ohio Street, Suite 300, Indianapolis, IN 46204-4206, 888.528.4719,Ìýawards@che.in.gov
Description: A state scholarship for income-eligible Indiana students.
Eligibility: Indiana residents enrolled in 12+ credit hours, degree-seeking, and meeting specific criteria. Available for fall and spring (limited summer availability).
Application:Ìý (Must submit by April 15)
Contact:ÌýIndiana Commission for Higher Education, 101 West Ohio Street, Suite 300, Indianapolis, IN 46204-4206, 888.528.4719,Ìýawards@che.in.gov
Description: A state grant for eligible Indiana National Guard members.
Eligibility: Certification from the Indiana Commission for Higher Education and the National Guard.
Application:Ìý
Contact:ÌýIndiana Commission for Higher Education, 101 West Ohio Street, Suite 300, Indianapolis, IN 46204-4206, 888.528.4719,Ìýawards@che.in.gov
Description: A state-funded grant that covers tuition and fees for students pursuing eligible certificate programs.
Eligibility:
Indiana resident
Enrolled in a qualified certificate program
Enrolled in at least 6 credit hours (if independent) or 12 credit hours (if dependent)
High school diploma (or equivalent) but less than a college degree
U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
Covers tuition and fees after other financial aid is applied
Available for fall and spring semesters (limited availability in summer)
Application:ÌýÌý(no filing deadline)
Contact:ÌýIndiana Commission for Higher Education, 101 West Ohio Street, Suite 300, Indianapolis, IN 46204-4206, 888.528.4719,Ìýawards@che.in.gov
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Grant Alternatives
Students that filled out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and did not qualify for Federal Grants may still qualify for other types of financial assistance.