Iowa Last-Dollar Scholarship

The Future Ready Iowa Last-Dollar Scholarship is an unique opportunity that may pay your tuition at NICC. Scholarships for students amount to the remaining tuition and fees charged after other federal and state grant aid have been awarded. The scholarship is based on a student's financial need, or Student Aid Index (SAI), as determined by the FAFSA. But unlike other grants, the SIA is set to a higher threshold that benefits more students and their families. It covers the difference between grant aid and tuition (the last dollar).

NICC has awarded more than $8.7 million dollars in Iowa Last Dollar Scholarships to over 2300 NICC students since 2019-20.

To qualify, students must meet all eligibility criteria required and set by the Iowa Legislature and administered by Iowa College Aid.

2025-26 Eligibility Criteria

The 2025-26 eligibility criteria was approved by Iowa College Aid on June 18, 2025. 

• Submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on or before December 31, 2025*
• State of Iowa Resident
• The maximum Student Aid Index (SAI) is 20,000* (as determined by the FAFSA)
  • Students who received the Last-Dollar Scholarship in the 2024-2025 academic year, but whose SAI is above 20,000 on the 2025-26 FAFSA, are eligible for the Last Dollar Scholarships during the 2025-26 academic year as long as they meet all other eligibility requirements.*
• Group 1 - Iowa High School Graduate (2023, 2024 or 2025) and not age 20 by July 1, 2025
• Group 2 - Adult (age 20 by July 1, 2025)
• Enroll in an eligible program at least half-time (6 credits or more) and maintain the continuous enrollment requirement
• Eligible students are notified (via NICC college email) of their Last Dollar Scholarship award once eligibility criteria is reviewed and confirmed, and registration for fall 2025 classes is completed with an NICC Academic Advisor.

* This criteria is subject to change

Award amount details:

• Scholarship amounts are based on the calculation of the tuition and student fee cost per credit plus the college technology fee per course, minus any federal and state grant aid.
• Program fees, textbooks, course supplies, tools and other required equipment (and other costs that may be associated with specific degree programs), are NOT covered by the Iowa Last-Dollar Scholarship.
• Additional details on NICC Tuition & Fees and estimated Cost of Attendance
• The amount of grant money you receive from the Iowa Department of Education may change based on state funding.

Iowa Last-Dollar Scholarship recipients are encouraged to utilize these resources provided by Iowa College Aid:

• A Virtual College Coach provides college-going guidance for students and parents.
• The Future Ready Iowa Mentoring Program pairs students with a career mentor with experience in the field of interest, allowing students to enhance their career network and receive timely advice and support as they continue their education.