Scholarships

The College, and its Foundation, strive to lessen the financial burden on students through scholarships. Last year the College awarded more than $12,081,260 in student aid to 73 percent of students.

All students, regardless of need or academic merit, are encouraged to submit the scholarship application and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Students must submit the NICC Scholarship application every year they plan to attend the College. Application submission deadlines and award timelines are listed below.

Fall Awards

  • April 15 (Priority Application Deadline for Fall Scholarship Awards). Students will be notified of decisions in May.
  • July 1 (Final Application Deadline for Fall Scholarship Awards). Students will be notified of decisions in August.

Spring/Summer Awards

  • November 1 (Application deadline for Spring and Summer Scholarship Awards). Students will be notified of decisions in November.
Scholarship Application

All Northeast Iowa Community College Foundation scholarships require the NICC Scholarship Application.

First-time student awards are indicated with the * symbol.

If awarded a scholarship, the funding is applied directly to your student account. Students need to be enrolled and registered at the College for that semester in order to receive funding.

All Programs of Study

  • A&J Petersburg Scholarship*

  • American Legion of Iowa Foundation Scholarship
    Enrollment Status: Completed first semester
    Requirement: Veteran or family member of veteran

  • Blanche J. Hendren Award* - Calmar

  • Civic Engagement Scholarship 
    Awarded to a student each term in recognition of outstanding academic effort and inquiry in a U.S. History or American National Government course.

  • CUSB Bank Scholarship*
    Requirement: Resident of Howard or Winneshiek counties

  • Dan Barton Family Scholarship*
    Requirement: Resident of the NICC district

  • Darwin & Barbara Schrage Scholarship*
    Requirement: Resident of the NICC district

  • Dave & Kris Kratz Endowed Student Financial Assistance Award
    Enrollment Status: Completed first year
    Requirement: Non-traditional student who worked in the un-skilled or under-skilled employment position, came back to NICC to upgrade their workforce skills; preference given to students exploring careers in skilled trade areas

  • Decorah Bank & Trust/Cresco Bank & Trust Scholarship* - Calmar
    Requirement: Resident of Howard or Winneshiek counties

  • Don & Sue Roby Scholarship*
  • Dr. Russell and Juanita Loven Endowment*

  • Dr. Liang Chee Wee & Jane Whelan Family Scholarship*

  • Dubuque Bank & Trust Endowed Scholarship*

  • Dupaco Community Credit Union Scholarship* 
    Preference given to Dupaco Community Credit Union Members
  • DuTrac Community Credit Union Scholarship* - Peosta

  • Early Graduate Scholarship*
    Awarded to high school students who are graduating early and plan to enroll at NICC in the Spring. Students must have a minimum 2.0 GPA.

  • FreedomBank Job Training Scholarship Fund*
    Requirement: Pursuing skilled job training

  • FreedomBank, Waukon Scholarship - Calmar
    Enrollment Status: Completed first semester
    Requirement: Resident of the Waukon, Iowa, area

  • Galena Satellite Rotary Complete Your Education Scholarship*
    Enrollment Status: Have not previously completed a degree
    Requirement: Resident of Jo Daviess County, non-traditional student 22 years of age or older, demonstrate financial need

  • Gantz Foundation/Pepsi Cola Scholarship* - Peosta/Dubuque Center

  • Gourley Family Endowed Scholarship* - Peosta
  • Heritage Scholarship* - Calmar
    Requirements: First generation student, Latina or Latino, from the Postville area

  • Janet Bullerman Endowed Scholarship* 

  • Jim & Pat Anderson Scholarship* - Calmar
    Requirement: Enrolled in an AA or AAS program.

  • John and Mabel Heinen Family Endowment* - Peosta

  • John Kubesh Memorial Scholarship* 

  • Karen Courtney Memorial Scholarship*

  • Lanny & Linda Kuehl Family Scholarship*
    Requirement: Health or Business program, preference given to Clayton Ridge High School graduate

  • Larry Kruse Scholarship
    Requirement: AA Degree
    Preference given to 2.5 GPA or higher

  • Linus and Elsie Rothmeyer Memorial Scholarship*- Calmar

  • Mark and Vicki Donhowe Scholarship*

  • Mavis G. Young Scholarship - Calmar
    Enrollment Status: Completed first semester
    Requirement: Unemployed or lost source of financial support 

  • McKesson Endowed Scholarship* - Peosta/Dubuque Center
  • Metropolitan Lodge #49 in Memory of James Oberfoell Scholarship
    Preference: Manufacturing second year student.

  • Northeast Iowa Community College 1966 Scholarship* - Calmar

  • Northeast Iowa Community College Boards Scholarship*
    Requirements: High school graduate; GPA of 2.5 or higher; resident of Iowa
  • Northeast Iowa Community College Esports Scholarship*
     
  • Northeast Iowa Community College Memorial Scholarship*

  • Northeast Iowa Community College Opportunity Scholarship* 
    $1,000 to four seniors from out-of-state schools who attend the College the fall following graduation.

  • Northeast Iowa Community College Staff Scholarship
    Enrollment Status: Completed first semester
    Requirement: GPA of 3.0 or higher

  • Norma Denlinger/DRA Community Scholarship* - Peosta

  • Presidential Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship
    Awarded to students who complete the national Phi Theta Kappa application and are nominated for the All USA Academic team.

  • Prudential Scholarship - Peosta
    Enrollment Status: Completed first semester and enrolled in an AA program.
    Preference given to a non-traditional student and students of cultural diversity.

  • Ron and Penny Wills Scholarship*
    Requirements: GPA of 2.5 or higher; preference to non-traditional student, displaced worker or single parent

  • Ronnie and Mary Reimer Family Scholarship
    Requirements: Clayton County resident, 2.0 GPA
    Enrollment Status: Completed first year of a two year degree or first semester of a one year degree. 
    Preferred programs include Agriculture and Animal Science, Nursing, Auto, Diesel Mechanics, CNC and Welding.

  • Russell and Wendy Knight Fund*

  • Sim Suy Gek Memorial Scholarship*
    Requirement: First-time student who has earned their High school diploma or high school equivalency diploma (HSED)

  • Steven James Bruening Memorial Scholarship*
    Requirement: Preference given to Bruening Rock Products, Inc. employees and children

  • Student Veterans Club Scholarship - Peosta
    Enrollment Status: Completed first semester
    Requirements: GPA of 2.0 or higher and eligible to receive VA educational benefits or show documentation that they were once eligible

  • Theisen's Home-Farm-Auto Scholarship* - Peosta

  • Wee Toon Ouut Endowed Scholarship*
    Requirement: First-time student who has earned their High school diploma or high school equivalency diploma (HSED)

  • Woodward Communications Endowed Scholarship*
    Requirement: Preference given to Woodward Communications employees owners and their families

Advanced Manufacturing

  • Alliance Pipeline Scholarship* - Peosta

  • A.Y. McDonald Manufacturing Scholarship*

  • Bodine Electric Company*

  • Deco Products Endowed Scholarship*
    Requirement: Program in Electrician, Business Specialist, Applied Management, Engineering Technology or Industrial Maintenance. 2.75 GPA or better. The recipient is highly encouraged to pursue an internship role at Deco Products Company.

  • John Deere Foundation Industrial Scholarship - Peosta
    Requirement: Program in Welding, Auto, CNC, Electronics, Diesel Mechanics, Engineering Technology, or HVAC

  • Klauer Manufacturing Fund*
    Requirement: Program in Welding, CNC, or Industrial Maintenance

  • Norplex-Micarta Scholarship*

  • Northeast Iowa Charitable Foundation Scholarship*

  • TriMark Corporation Scholarship*

Welding

  • Eugene "Deeder" Bauer Memorial Scholarship* - Peosta

  • Jack Hackney Endowed Welding Scholarship* - Peosta

  • Matthew Kelley Welding Scholarship* - Peosta

Agriculture

  • Farm Credit Services of America Scholarship* - Calmar
    Requirement: Resident of Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, Kansas or Wyoming, GPA or 3.0 or higher, traditional age 18-22
    Preference given to those who intend to return to the farm or a farm related job in a rural community.

  • George and Elizabeth Shearer Maquoketa Valley Agriculture Scholarship - Calmar
    Enrollment Status: Completed first semester
    Requirement: Resident of Delaware County

  • John and Roberta Rodecap Endowed Scholarship - Calmar
    Enrollment Status: Completed first year
    Requirements: GPA of 2.5 or higher is desired

  • Lynch Family Companies Agriculture Scholarship* - Calmar
    Requirement: GPA 3.0 or higher is desired

  • Norby Farm Fleet Scholarship*
    Requirements: Resident of Manchester, West Union, Elkader, Decorah, Oelwein or Sumner

Dairy Science

  • Jim Hosch Memorial Scholarship - Calmar
    Enrollment Status: Completed first year
    Requirement: GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Kregel Family Dairy Science Award - Calmar
    Enrollment Status: Completed first semester

  • Shull/Denson Memorial Award* - Calmar

John Deere

  • John Deere Calmar Scholarship - Calmar

Auto Technology, Power Mechanics and Transportation

  • Matthew Kelley Automotive Scholarship* - Peosta

  • Robert A. Klimesh Family Memorial Automotive Award* - Calmar
    Requirement: GPA of 2.75 or higher

Diesel Mechanics

  • Associated General Contractors of Iowa Diesel Scholarship - Peosta
    Enrollment Status: Completed first semester
    Preference given to students expressing interest in working with heavy equipment in the highway industry.

Business, Communication and Marketing

Business and Accounting

  • Alan & Kathy Gunderson Scholarship*

  • Express Employment Professionals Scholarship* - Peosta

  • Jane Bechen Administrative Office Scholarship* - Peosta

  • Kenneth J. and Sharon L. (Reisch) Erickson Scholarship
    Enrollment Status: Completed first semester or 12 credits
    Requirements: GPA of 3.0 or higher; permanent address in Dubuque, Clayton or Fayette County

  • Mark D. Baker Memorial Scholarship* 
    Requirement: Non-traditional student
    Preference given to single parents

  • Thomas C. Beadle - Mathis Pfohl Foundation Scholarship* - Peosta
  • William "Bill" Wermers Memorial Scholarship* - Calmar

  • Willis and Patricia Hansen Scholarship - Calmar
    Requirements: GPA of 2.5 or higher is desired. Completed a minimum of one semester.
    Preference given to a resident of Chickasaw County in the Turkey Valley School District.

Energy and Utilities

Gas Utility, Construction and Service

  • Alliant Energy Scholarship* - Peosta
    Requirements: GPA of 3.0 or higher, must be enrolled full-time on 12 or more credits.
    Preference given to customers of Aliant Energy, minorities or under-represented groups or women.

  • American Gas Association Scholarship* - Peosta
    Requirements: GPA of 2.8 or higher

  • Black Hills Energy Scholarship* - Peosta
    Requirement: GPA of 2.5 or higher
    Preference given to Black Hills Energy customers

Industrial Electrician

  • Mark Wilmes Memorial Scholarship* 

  • Oliver Merrill Memorial Scholarship -  Calmar
    Enrollment Status: Completed first year
    Requirement: GPA of 3.0 or higher

Education

Early Childhood Education

  • Karen E. Bolson Memorial Scholarship - Calmar
    Enrollment Status: Completed first semester
    Preference given to a Decorah High School senior or resident of Winneshiek County

Health Sciences

  • Dr. Harry M. & Mrs. Mary B. Elsner Endowed Scholarship*

  • Frank Turnis Family Fund*
    Requirement: G.P.A. of 3.0 or higher

Dental Assisting

  • Dr. Bruce R. Meyer Memorial Scholarship - Peosta
    Enrollment Status: Completed first semester

Emergency Medical Technician/Paramedic

  • Paramount Ambulance Scholarship* - Peosta
    Requirements: Enrolled in the Emergency Medical Technician program, resident of the Dubuque Tri-State area, pursuing a degree in an Allied Health profession.

  • Sharon and Larry McDermott Memorial Endowed Scholarship* - Peosta
    Priority given to students who are recommended by a Dubuque County volunteer department

Nursing

  • Beth Hoefer Memorial Nursing Award*
    Requirement: GPA of 3.0 or higher

  • Donna R. Jesser Nursing Award* - Calmar

  • Edith L. Willer Memorial Nursing Scholarship - Peosta
    Enrollment Status: Completed first year

  • George D. and Joann K. Hagen Endowed Scholarship*

  • Jeanne Africa State of Iowa Certified Nurse Aide Testing Award* - Calmar
    Requirements: High School Certified Nurse Aide students with the intention of working in a
    long term care or nursing home facility who have financial need

  • Karen Schlueter and Mary Carol (Schlueter) Cahill Scholarship
    Enrollment Status: Enrolled in the RN program

  • Kathy Healy Memorial Scholarship* - Peosta

  • Marlys Seitz Memorial Scholarship - Calmar
    Enrollment Status: Completed first year
    Preference to resident of the MFL-Mar Mac School District

  • Mary Lux Memorial Scholarship* - Peosta
    Requirements: GPA of 2.5 or higher; non-traditional student

  • Mercy School of Nursing Alumni Scholarship - Peosta
    Enrollment Status: Completed first year
    Requirement: GPA of 3.0 or higher

  • Paul and Gerene Sawvell Memorial Scholarship* - Calmar
    Requirement: GPA of 3.5 or higher
    Preference given to Nursing students

  • Rob "Doc" Fuqua Scholarship* - Calmar

  • Sherman Oyen Endowed Scholarship - Calmar
    Enrollment Status: Completed first semester

  • Sister Rosalie Whalen Memorial Nursing Scholarship - Peosta
    Requirement: Completed first year, GPA of 3.0 or higher

  • Virginia Heim Memorial Nursing Award - Peosta
    Enrollment Status: Completed first year

Respiratory Care

  • Scott Sieverding Memorial Scholarship* - Peosta
    Requirement: GPA of 2.75 or higher

The Iowa Last-Dollar Scholarship covers tuition for eligible Iowans who earn an associate's degree, diploma or certificate to work in one of Iowa's high-demand careers. This Future Ready Iowa scholarship is a state-funded program for Iowans who meet the criteria eligibility for the appropriate school year.

Learn more about the Last-Dollar Scholarship.

Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) offers five $1,000 scholarships to empower military spouses and children to pursue and complete their degree. This scholarship covers tuition for the current or surviving spouse/child of a military-affiliated individual or veteran.

Scholarship Details:

  • Five $1,000 Scholarships
  • For the current or surviving spouse/child of military-affiliated individual or veteran
  • Student must be enrolled in six credit hours for two semesters ($500 awarded each semester)
  • Submit the online NICC Scholarship Application (link available above)

To get qualified for this scholarship, contact Brandi today!

Brandi Herring
Military & Veteran Services Coordinator
844.642.2338, ext. 2316
herringb@nicc.edu

Residents of Iowa may be eligible for the following grants and scholarships provided through Iowa College Aid. Each grant or scholarship has specific eligibility criteria and deadlines that do apply.

  • Iowa Vocational-Technical Tuition Grant
    Iowa residents enrolled in any NICC Career & Technical degree program may be eligible for this grant program. Award amounts are based on a student's FAFSA Expected Family Contribution (EFC). The FAFSA must be submitted on or before July 1 for the upcoming school year that starts in the fall. Associate of Arts, Associate of Science and all two-year transfer degrees are not eligible.

  • All Iowa Opportunity Scholarship
    The All Iowa Opportunity Scholarship is a state-funded scholarship program for Iowa students who attend an eligible Iowa college/university.

  • Education and Training Voucher (ETV) Grant
    Up to $5,000 awarded annually to qualified students who aged out of foster care or who were adopted after age 16. Review eligibility criteria. Complete the Iowa Financial Aid Application and FAFSA.

  • GEAR UP Iowa Scholarship
    Awarded to qualified full-time students who are part of GEAR UP Iowa cohort.
  • Iowa National Guard Service Scholarship
    Provides annual awards to Iowa National Guard members attending eligible Iowa colleges and universities. Review eligibility criteria.
    • July 1: Iowa Financial Aid Application and FAFSA fall priority deadline.
    • December 1: Iowa Financial Aid Application and FAFSA spring priority deadline.

These scholarships are offered by outside organizations and are provided here as a resource only. Students are also encouraged to explore Fastweb.com, the largest and most complete scholarship search on the Internet, which provides access to a searchable database of more than 275,000 private sector scholarships, fellowships, grants and student loans.

Please note: NICC only posts local and regional scholarships. To inquire about having your organization listed, please email financialaid@nicc.edu with details regarding student eligibility.

The Loyalty Award is a financial incentive to finish your degree with NICC! You started taking college courses in high school, why not complete your transfer degree and earn additional funding while staying close to home? $50 per credit hour awarded to NICC freshmen for every successfully completed Northeast Iowa Community College concurrent enrollment course taken while in high school.

There are 18 eligible programs at NICC to redeem your Loyalty Award.

  • Student must enroll with NICC the fall semester in a minimum of six credit hours following their high school graduation year and pursue a two-year transfer degree (Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS)) 
  • Earn a grade of C- or above in concurrent classes
  • Maximum award of $1,500 or 30 credit hours
  • No application required, eligibility determined with NICC application for admission.

View the list of Loyalty Award eligible programs.

Awards are automatically applied to eligible students' accounts once final concurrent course grades are recorded in late spring of senior year.

*Loyalty awards are dependent on funding. Eligible only towards tuition costs (after individual federal grant funding is applied; if applicable). Award is split evenly between fall and spring semesters. Pre-programs as well as Career & Technical Degrees do not qualify. 

View more information on concurrent enrollment.

Contact Student Services at 844.642.2338, ext. 2700 for more details on additional financial support that may be available to NICC students.

Past Students - Begin Again Scholarship:

Students who have attended NICC in the past and have an outstanding tuition balance may qualify for some assistance in reducing the balance owed to the College. Students planning to enroll again at NICC and complete their degree are encouraged to submit a Begin Again Scholarship Application to see if they qualify.

Contact Sherry Massman at 844.642.2338, ext. 1304 or email massmans@nicc.edu for more details.