The Last-Dollar Scholarship was created in 2018 as part of the Future Ready Iowa Act. It is designed to pay the cost of tuition up to an associate’s degree for training in high-demand occupations at any community college.
The scholarship functions, as the name implies, to provide the “last dollar” necessary to close any gap between the cost of postsecondary education and the financial resources available to eligible Iowans pursuing high-demand careers. In this way, the program eases the path for Iowans seeking to enhance their job skills while also expanding the number of qualified workers in areas where skilled workers are most needed. Once applicants have exhausted any applicable state and federal grants/scholarships, LDS covers remaining tuition and qualified fees for any eligible student seeking to obtain a postsecondary certificate or diploma in one of the designated “high-demand” career fields.
A total of 9,895 Iowans received a total of $29,177,867 in scholarships in FY2023, with an average award of $2,949.
Important date: Current Deadline
July 15, 2024: FAFSA deadline for 2024-25 School Year
Eligibility and Instructions for Last-Dollar Scholarship
Click on the plus sign (+) to expand the sections below and learn how to apply for the Last-Dollar Scholarship program to help advance your career!
The Last-Dollar Scholarship is available to individuals who:
Recently completed an Iowa high school diploma, a homeschool program, or high school equivalency diploma, OR students (age 20 and older) who enroll at least part-time in an eligible program of study.
Apply for all other available state and federal grants and scholarships.
Meet ongoing academic and residency requirements.
If you have already been awarded a Last-Dollar Scholarship, you must meet the following criteria to remain eligible:
Remain an Iowa resident.
Attend a college orientation session.
Register for courses with the assistance of an advisor.
Participate in available academic advising sessions.
Participate in available career advising sessions if required by your program of study.
Continuously receive a Last-Dollar Scholarship disbursement in each semester/term (summer semester/term is not required)
Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) as defined by your college.
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually.
Remain continuously enrolled in at least 6 hours per semester/term (summer semester/term is not required)
Have an Student Aid Index at or below $20,000.
Eligible institutions are Iowa community colleges or accredited private colleges in Iowa that offer qualified programs of study and that agree to provide student services (including orientation and academic and career advising).
Recipients may receive the Last-Dollar Scholarship for up to eight part-time semesters or the full-time equivalent.
Because the directory of eligible programs list is based on job demand, it may change from year to year. However, current students whose programs are removed from the list will still be eligible for the Last-Dollar Scholarship until they complete their credentials or leave school, as long as they meet all other eligibility criteria.
Recipients may receive the Last-Dollar Scholarship for up to eight part-time semesters or the full-time equivalent.
Eligible programs for Last-Dollar Scholarship (LDS) are based on job demand and may change from year to year. Visit the following link to learn about all LDS-eligible programs in Iowa.
