At the University of Iowa, scholarships for undergraduate students are available from many sources and are usually merit-based, recognizing outstanding academic achievement and other accomplishments. Some may also require financial need determined by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year. Students will automatically be considered for our need-based scholarships if they qualify and file the FAFSA. International undergraduate students will be considered for limited merit scholarships through the Office of Admissions . Please view the Scholarship and Grant Policies for information on the awarding of the scholarships at the University of Iowa.
Graduate and Professional students, including international students, can explore various merit or need-based funding options available through the Graduate College or their specific program and department.
Entering undergraduate first-year students who submit a FAFSA by the deadline for maximum financial aid consideration, demonstrate financial need based on FAFSA results, and show outstanding academic merit (standardized test scores and GPA) are automatically considered for the Iowa Need-Based Academic Award.
Value:
$100-$3,000 per semester for up to four years
Minimum Requirements:
Award amount is carefully considered based on financial need (determined by FAFSA results) and merit (standardized test scores and GPA).
Application:
None. Scholarship is awarded automatically to eligible students by the Office of Student Financial Aid in March/April.
Renewal:
Students may receive this scholarship for up to eight semesters of undergraduate enrollment or until a bachelor's degree is received (whichever comes first) by meeting all requirements listed below. If a student does not meet all of the following requirements, they will not be eligible to receive the scholarship for any future semester.
Entering direct transfer students (from an Iowa community college) who submit a FAFSA by the deadline for maximum financial aid consideration, demonstrate financial need based on the FAFSA results, and show outstanding academic merit (Community College Transfer GPA) are automatically considered for the Iowa Community College Need-Based Academic Award. Eligible students must transfer a minimum of 24 earned hours and have not earned a prior bachelor's degree.
Value:
$100-$1,500 per semester for up to two years
Minimum Requirements:
Award amount is carefully considered based on financial need (determined by FAFSA results) and merit (Community College Transfer GPA).
Application:
None. Scholarship is awarded automatically to eligible students by the Office of Student Financial Aid in March/April.
Renewal:
Students may receive this scholarship for up to four semesters of undergraduate enrollment or until a bachelor's degree is received (whichever comes first) by meeting all requirements listed below. If a student does not meet all of the following requirements, they will not be eligible to receive the scholarship for any future semester.
In addition to the scholarships offered by the Office of Student Financial Aid, various University of Iowa colleges and departments provide scholarships for both incoming and continuing students. Explore more opportunities using the links below.
Additional Information
*Your eligibility for scholarships may be impacted if you are a student-athlete. You may learn more on the Athletics website .
The University of Iowa provides a variety of scholarships to eligible undergraduate students through the Iowa Scholarship Portal. Scholarships are available to both incoming (first-year and transfer) and currently enrolled students. Many scholarships will have specific GPA and/or test score requirements and may contain a requirement for demonstrated financial need. Others are tied to particular programs of study, geographical location, or other academic and special qualifications.
Don't limit your scholarship search to University-sponsored assistance. You are encouraged to explore other scholarship opportunities from local, regional, and national agencies. A great way to investigate outside funding is by searching for scholarships online. You may also want to consider contacting businesses, civic and fraternal organizations, parents’ employers, churches, high school guidance offices, and public libraries that offer scholarship opportunities for students. Below are additional resources:
Scholarships offered by the Office of Student Financial Aid and the Office of Admissions require continuous full-time enrollment (12+ hours for each semester) and a specific UI cumulative GPA (not overall cumulative). Students are reviewed each semester according to these renewal requirements . Returning students not meeting renewal requirements may submit a scholarship appeal .
