Iowa Last-Dollar Scholarship
The Future Ready Iowa Last-Dollar Scholarship is an unique opportunity that pays 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 (based on the FAFSA). The award is not based on a student's financial need like most grants. Instead it covers the difference between grant aid and tuition (the last dollar). Sample student financial situations:
- Student loan-only eligible students receive a full Last Dollar Scholarship.
- Students receiving some grant aid (i.e., Pell, Kibbie, Vo-Tech), but not enough to cover full tuition, receive the Last Dollar Scholarship to fill the gap.
- Students receiving more grant aid than tuition/student fees cost, receive a minimum award of $250 per semester to use on other educational expenses.
NICC has awarded more than $6.1 million dollars since 2019 to over 1600 NICC students who qualified for this opportunity. To qualify you must meet the eligibility criteria required by Iowa College Aid.
2023-24 Eligibility Criteria
- Submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on or before August 1, 2023 (deadline is subject to change per Iowa College Aid)
- State of Iowa Resident
- Group 1 - Iowa High School Graduate (2021, 2022 or 2023)
- Group 2 - Adult (age 20 by July 1, 2023)
- 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 award once the state of Iowa approves funding for the next year, eligibility criteria is confirmed, and registration for fall 2023 classes is completed with an NICC Enrollment Advisor.
2023-24 NICC Eligible Programs
NICC offers over 40 different academic programs that are eligible for the Iowa Last Dollar Scholarship. These programs vary in length and may be offered in a variety of formats (face-to-face, online, blended, competency based).
- Certificate (less than one year)
- Diploma (one-year program)
- Associate of Applied Science Degree (two-year program)
Fall 2023, spring and summer 2024 semesters. Eligible programs are subject to change based on the Iowa Legislature.
- Administrative Office Associate
- Administrative Office Management
- Agriculture Business
- Agriculture Business: Agriculture Finance Certificate
- Agriculture Business: Precision Agriculture Certificate
- Agronomy and Crop Science
- Animal Science Certificate
- Applied Management
- Automotive Mechanics
- Automotive Technology
- Beef Science Technology
- Building Trades
- Business Administration AAS and Certificate
- Carpentry
- Commercial-Residential Electrician
- Computer Analyst: Business and Web Programming
- Computer Analyst: Networking Administration and Tech Support
- Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Machinist Technician
- Computer Science and Security
- Conservation Agronomist
- Dairy Science Technology
- Dental Assisting
- Diesel Mechanics
- Engineering Technology
- Gas Utility Construction and Service
- Graphic Design (New for 2023-24)
- Heating and Air Conditioning
- Industrial Electrician
- Industrial Maintenance Technician
- Industrial Automation and Mechatronics (New for 2023-24)
- John Deere TECH
- Paralegal
- Production and Companion Animal Veterinary Technician
- Medical Assistant
- Nursing
- Practical Nursing
- Radiologic Technology
- Respiratory Care
- Welding
Iowa Last-Dollar Scholarship recipients are encouraged to utilize 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.
Additional Iowa Last-Dollar Scholarship details:
- Iowa College Aid eligibility criteria
- Scholarship amount is based on the tuition and student fee cost per credit and a college technology fee per course.
- 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 Last Dollar Scholarship.