Future Ready Iowa Last-Dollar Scholarship

Free Tuition for High Demand Career Programs

Concerned about paying for college? Worried about taking out student loans? Paying for college just got a whole lot easier with the Future Ready Iowa Last-Dollar Scholarship.

This scholarship covers the remaining tuition and qualified fees costs after applying other federal and state grants and scholarships, making it more affordable for you to get the education you need.

This scholarship covers the remaining tuition and eligible fees after applying other federal and state grants and scholarships, making your education more affordable.

To receive the Last-Dollar Scholarship, you must apply and be awarded the scholarship. The amount of grant money you receive from the Iowa Department of Education may change based on the availability of state funding.

Earn a certificate, diploma, or degree in one of Iowa's high-demand careers with up to 100% of your tuition covered by the Last-Dollar Scholarship.

Note: Pre-programs are not eligible for the Future Ready Iowa Last-Dollar Scholarship.

Eligible Programs Can Change

The eligible programs list is based on job demand and decisions from the Iowa Legislature. This list is subject to change.

Students in programs that are removed from this list, but who previously received Last-Dollar Scholarship funds for that program, will still be eligible for this scholarship until they complete their program as long as they continue to meet the ongoing eligibility criteria.

Earn a certificate, diploma, or degree in one of Iowa's high-demand careers with up to 100% of your tuition covered by the Last-Dollar Scholarship.

Note: Pre-programs are not eligible for the Future Ready Iowa Last-Dollar Scholarship.

Eligible Programs Can Change

The eligible programs list is based on job demand and decisions from the Iowa Legislature. This list is subject to change.

Students in programs that are removed from this list, but who previously received Last-Dollar Scholarship funds for that program, will still be eligible for this scholarship until they complete their program as long as they continue to meet the ongoing eligibility criteria.

  1. File a FAFSA: Your FAFSA will be used determine your eligibility for all available state and federal grants and scholarships including the Last-Dollar Scholarship. The deadline for 2024–2025 is March 31, 2025. The priority deadline for 2025–2026 is July 1, 2025.
  2. Apply at Hawkeye: Select an eligible program on your admissions application.
  3. Register for classes: Visit with your academic advisor for assistance registering for classes. This is a requirement of the scholarship.

You'll be notified via your Hawkeye email if you've been awarded the Last-Dollar Scholarship once eligibility is confirmed.

Priority for Last-Dollar Scholarship Awards

If funding isn’t enough to award all eligible students, the Iowa Department of Education will prioritize students based on those who are returning Last-Dollar Scholarship recipients and then by application receipt date.

To be eligible to receive the Last-Dollar Scholarship, you must meet the following ongoing eligibility requirements:

  • Be an Iowa resident.
  • Students 20 years or younger must be a graduate of an Iowa high school.
  • Enroll in an eligible program.
  • Meet and register for courses with an academic advisor each semester.
  • Enroll in at least 6 credit hours for courses required for your Last-Dollar Scholarship eligible program each fall and spring semester until you complete your program. If you’re taking summer semester classes and summer awarding is approved by the Iowa Department of Education, you must also enroll in at least 6 credit hours.
  • Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards each semester.
  • Complete the FAFSA annually. The deadline for 2024–2025 is March 31, 2025. The priority deadline for 2025–2026 is July 1, 2025.
  • Have a Student Aid Index (SAI) at or below 20,000.
  • Continuously receive a Last-Dollar Scholarship disbursement each fall and spring semester.

Full Ongoing Eligibility Requirements Details.

The following costs are not covered by the Last-Dollar Scholarship and may lead to out-of-pocket expenses:

  • The cost of books: Visit the Hawkeye Online Bookstore to determine the cost of books.
  • Course fees: Some courses have additional fees. See your program's suggested sequence of study to see remaining course fees after the Last-Dollar Scholarship is applied.
  • Tuition for repeated coursework, developmental coursework, and coursework not required for your program may be excluded from your Last-Dollar Scholarship award calculation. Reasons Why Your Award May Be Adjusted.
  • Additional program costs: Some programs have additional costs such as tools, equipment, supplies, uniforms, exam fees, and background screenings. Visit with your faculty advisor for more information.
  • Courses in non-eligible programs: If you're enrolled in multiple programs of study, you'll only receive scholarship funds for the courses that are required for your eligible program.

What happens if I completely withdraw or take a semester off?

  • Loss of Future Eligibility: You must be continuously enrolled (summer semester not required) to maintain your eligibility for the Last-Dollar Scholarship. If you withdraw or take a semester off, you will lose all future Last-Dollar Scholarship eligibility.
  • Determining Continuous Enrollment for Withdrawal: If you completely withdraw, either officially or unofficially, and your last day of attendance was after 60% of the part-of-semester, you will be considered continuously enrolled.
  • Repayment: You are not required to repay any Last-Dollar Scholarship funds you've already received if you withdraw or take a semester off.
  • Special Circumstances: If you discontinue enrollment or fall below the minimum enrollment due to exceptional circumstances beyond your control (i.e. military deployment, temporary medical incapacity, declaration of national or state emergency), contact the Financial Aid office to discuss your situation.

How long can I receive the Last-Dollar Scholarship?

You are eligible to receive the Last-Dollar Scholarship for up to six full-time semesters or eight part-time semesters.

While summer enrollment is not an ongoing requirement, it does count toward your award maximum if you receive the Last-Dollar Scholarship for summer semester classes.

Do transfer students qualify for the Last-Dollar Scholarship?

If you were enrolled at another college and received Last-Dollar Scholarship funds then transfer to Hawkeye and enroll in a Last-Dollar eligible program, your initial Last-Dollar Scholarship eligibility will continue as long as there has not been a break in enrollment (summer semester does not count).

Transfer students must be enrolled in a Last-Dollar Scholarship eligible program and receive Last-Dollar Scholarship funds at their prior institution to be eligible to continue to receive Last-Dollar Scholarship funds at Hawkeye.

Can the Last-Dollar Scholarship be awarded for the first time for spring or summer semester?

Yes, you can be awarded the Last-Dollar Scholarship beginning spring or summer semester as long as you filed your FAFSA prior to the priority deadline.

Future Ready Iowa Last-Dollar Scholarship Full Details

" A lot of people are in the same situation as me, worrying about bills while balancing work and school. The Last-Dollar Scholarship is a huge help. "
  • Rachel Clark
  • Associate Degree Nursing, 2019

Contact Us

Financial Aid

Main Campus
Hawkeye Center 118
319-296-4020
800-670-4769 ext.4020
319-209-9239 (text only)
319-296-4495 (fax)
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Regular Hours — Spring 2025

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