Grants are a type of financial aid that help you pay for college. Unlike loans, grants do not have to be paid back, making them one of the best options for funding your education. Grants are typically awarded based on financial need, academic achievement, or specific eligibility criteria, and they are funded by federal and state governments, colleges, or other organizations.
Filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is your first step toward receiving grants. The FAFSA determines your eligibility for federal, state, and institutional grants, as well as other types of financial aid and it also includes tools like the Federal Student Aid Estimator to estimate your potential federal aid eligibility. Below, you'll find an overview of some of the top grant opportunities available to Ivy Tech students. For more information or to explore additional options, contact your local financial aid office.
Grant Opportunities
Description: The largest federal grant program, designed to help low-income students. Unlike loans, Pell Grants don’t need to be repaid (except in rare cases).
Eligibility: Undergraduate students with exceptional financial need who haven’t earned a bachelor's or graduate degree. Confined or incarcerated students may qualify depending on location and academic program.
Description: A federal need-based grant. Award amounts depend on your enrollment each semester.
Eligibility: Students with a -1500 SAI on their FAFSA who meet all federal aid requirements. Funds are limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
Description: A state grant based on financial need as determined by FAFSA.
Eligibility: Indiana residents enrolled in 12+ credit hours, seeking a degree, and meeting state-specific criteria. Available for fall and spring (limited summer availability).
Contact: Indiana Commission for Higher Education, 101 West Ohio Street, Suite 300, Indianapolis, IN 46204-4206, 888.528.4719, awards@che.in.gov
Description: A state scholarship for income-eligible Indiana students.
Eligibility: Indiana residents enrolled in 12+ credit hours, degree-seeking, and meeting specific criteria. Available for fall and spring (limited summer availability).
Contact: Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs, 302 West Washington Street, Room E-120, Indianapolis, IN 46204, 317.232.3910, http://www.in.gov/veteran/
Description: A state grant for Indiana residents seeking a degree or certificate.
Eligibility: Enrolled in 6+ credit hours, Indiana resident.
Contact: Indiana Commission for Higher Education, 101 West Ohio Street, Suite 300, Indianapolis, IN 46204-4206, 888.528.4719, awards@che.in.gov
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Grant Alternatives
Students that filled out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and did not qualify for Federal Grants may still qualify for other types of financial assistance.
