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 $7.5 million dollars in Iowa Last Dollar Scholarships to over 1900 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.
2024-25 Eligibility Criteria
The 2024-25 FAFSA filing deadline was extended for Iowa Last-Dollar Scholarship eligibility - On or before December 31, 2024
- Submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on or before December 31, 2024
- State of Iowa Resident
- The maximum Student Aid Index (SAI), previously known as Expected Family Contribution (EFC), as determined by the FAFSA is 20,000
- Students who received the Last-Dollar Scholarship in the 2023-2024 academic year but whose SAI is above 20,000 are eligible for the LastDollar Scholarships during the 2024-25 academic year as long as they meet all other eligibility requirements.
- 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.
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.
- Accounting Clerk (New for 2024-25)
- Accounting Specialist (New for 2024-25)
- Administrative Office Associate
- Administrative Office Management
- Agriculture Business
- Agriculture Business: Agriculture Finance Certificate
- Agriculture Business: Precision Agriculture Certificate
- Agriculture Finance (New for 2024-25)
- Agronomy and Crop Science
- Agronomy (Certificate) (New for 2024-25)
- Animal Science Certificate
- Applied Management
- Automotive Mechanics
- Automotive Technology
- Beef Science Technology
- 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
- Criminal Justice AAS (New for 2024-25)
- Dairy Science Technology
- Dental Assisting
- Diesel Mechanics
- Engineering Technology
- Finance (New for 2024-25)
- Gas Utility Construction and Service
- Graphic Design
- Health information Technology - HIT (New for 2024-25)
- Heating and Air Conditioning
- Income Tax Preparatory Certificate (New for 2024-25)
- Industrial Electrician
- Industrial Maintenance Technician
- Industrial Automation and Mechatronics
- John Deere TECH
- Paralegal
- Paramedic AAS and Diploma (New for 2024-25)
- Production and Companion Animal Veterinary Technician
- Medical Assistant
- Nursing
- Practical Nursing
- Radiologic Technology
- Respiratory Care
- Welding
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.