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 (Student Aid Index [SAI] / Expected Family Contribution [EFC]) determined by the FAFSA. But unlike other grants, the SIA/EFC 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 $7.5 million dollars in Iowa Last Dollar Scholarships to over 1900 NICC students since 2019-20.

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

2024-25 Eligibility Criteria

These criteria are not finalized by Iowa College Aid. Date is TBD, approximately June 2024.

  • Submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on or before the state of Iowa deadline (TBD by Iowa Legislature)
  • State of Iowa Resident
  • * Student Aid Index (previously known as Expected Family Contribution (EFC)), as determined by the FAFSA. (TBD by Iowa Legislature)
  • Group 1 - Iowa High School Graduate (2022, 2023 or 2024)
  • Group 2 - Adult (age 20 by July 1, 2024)
  • 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 are confirmed, and registration for fall 2024 classes is completed with an NICC Enrollment Advisor.

2023-24 Eligibility Criteria

  • Submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on or before July 15, 2023
  • State of Iowa Resident
  • * Expected Family Contribution (EFC), as determined by the FAFSA, $20,000 or less (* new criteria established beginning fall 2023)
  • 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 are confirmed, and registration for fall 2023 classes is completed with an NICC Enrollment Advisor.

The College offers over 39  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)

Eligible programs are subject to change based on the Iowa Legislature, Iowa Department of Education's Bureau of Iowa College Aid.

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

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.