Stellar Scholarships to Apply for in Iowa for 2024

Feeling like scholarship applications spin you around like a cyclone? We don’t blame you. That’s why we want to make the process easier for you when you’re searching for financial aid.

The Hawkeye State isn’t just known for its agriculture, it’s also home to great universities! Top schools like the University of Iowa and Iowa State University attract thousands of students from all over each year…but studying here doesn’t come cheap!

The average in-state tuition for the University of Iowa is $11,283 per year while out-of-state students can expect to pay $33,371. Iowa State University is a cheaper option, with in-state tuition costing $10,787 and out-of-state tuition coming in at $28,881. For some, these prices can make it difficult to continue their education, but scholarships can help!

Benefits of Scholarships & How to Apply

Scholarships are great because they never need to be paid back and there are tons of different ones for all types of situations. The best place to start your search is with Going Merry. We match you with relevant scholarships and show you where to applysaving you both time and money! Then, talk with your high school guidance counselor or college financial aid office to learn about even more opportunities.

If you’d like more information and scholarship tips in the meantime, check out our comprehensive guide to applying for scholarships or our list of expert tips to bring your application to the next level.

scholarships in iowa

Take a breather and check out the list of Iowa scholarships below: 

1. Ann Griffel Scholarship

The Ann Griffel Scholarship was named after the long time IWGA President, Ann Griffel. During her 23 year term, the Girls’ State Junior, Forever 39, State Wife-Husband and Senior Women’s Championships were started. Ann was inducted into the Iowa Golf Hall of Fame in 2006 to honor her contributions to the game.

Amount: Up to $2,000

Provider: Iowa Golf Association

Who Can Apply: High School Seniors

Requirements: (a) Residency in Iowa, (b) Participates in golf, (c) Female, (d) one letter of recommendation, (e) Resume, (f) Transcript.

2. AITP Omaha Scholarship

The AITP Omaha Scholarship provides financial assistance to high school seniors and college students who either reside in or will be studying in designated states and who plan to major in fields related to information technology.

Amount: Up to $1,000

Provider: College Board

Who Can Apply: High School Seniors, Undergraduate Students, Trade/Vocational School Students, Community College Students

Requirements: (a) Majoring in Computer Science, Data Sciences and Analytics, Data Analytics, Information Systems Management, Biotechnology, Healthcare Technology, or Information Technology (b) Members of the Omaha or Lincoln chapters of the Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP), their spouses, or their children, (c) Two letters of recommendation.

3. Richard O. Jacobson Legacy Scholarship

The Richard O. Jacobson Legacy Scholarship Program is offering approximately 50 renewable scholarships of up to $10,000 to high school seniors and current college undergraduates at eligible Iowa colleges and universities.

Amount: Up to $10,000

Provider: The Richard O. Jacobson Legacy Foundation / Scholarship America

Who Can Apply: High School Senior, Community College Students, Undergraduate Students

Requirements: (a) GPA ≥ 2.0, (b) U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident, (c) must be pursuing their first associate’s or bachelor’s degree, or vocational/technical certificate, (d) Resume, (e) Letter of recommendation, (f) Transcript.

4. Iowa Scholarship for the Arts

The Scholarship for the Arts provides support to Iowa high school seniors who excel and demonstrate a commitment to pursuing an arts-related major at an Iowa college or university.

Amount: Up to $1,500

Provider: Iowa Arts Council

Who Can Apply: High School Seniors

Requirements: (a) Majoring in the some form of the Arts, (b) Residency in Iowa, (c) Attending a school in Iowa, (d) Two letters of recommendation, (e) Resume.

5. Mark D. Schwarck Memorial Scholarship

The Mark D. Schwarck Memorial Scholarship aims to honor the memory of Mark D. Schwarck by supporting students who have encountered barriers in their pursuit of higher education. Any high school senior from Iowa may apply for this scholarship if they have overcome adversity, including being a single parent, the child of a single parent, an immigrant, a first-generation student, a survivor of an adverse childhood experience, etc. Underrepresented minorities are encouraged to apply.

Amount: Up to $1,000

Provider: Angela Boswell

Who Can Apply: High School Seniors

Requirements: Must have overcome adversity, including being a single parent, the child of a single parent, an immigrant, a first-generation student, a survivor of an adverse childhood experience, etc.


Loving these scholarships, but need help applying for your government financial aid? We can help you fill out your FAFSA and state aid.


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6. Keith D. Abens Memorial Scholarship

The Keith D. Abens Memorial Scholarship aims to support well-rounded students who excel both in the classroom and in their outside activities. Any high school senior in Iowa who excels in wrestling or music may apply for this scholarship.

Amount: Up to $1,000

Provider: Kinnetz Family

Who Can Apply: High School Seniors

Requirements: (a) Attending a High School in Iowa, (b) Residency in Iowa, (c) Interested in Music or Wrestling.

7. Adam T. Hallberg Mental Illness Study Scholarship

The Adam T. Hallberg Mental Illness Study Scholarship aims to honor the memory of Adam T. Hallberg by supporting students who are pursuing higher education in the mental health field.

Amount: $500

Provider: Erika Hallberg

Who Can Apply: Community College Student, Undergraduate Student, or Graduate Student

Requirements: (a) Attending an eligible college or university in Iowa or Illnois, (b) pursuing an education and career in mental health services and has internship or volunteering experience in the mental health field.

8. Latinos Unidos of Iowa Scholarship

The Latinos Unidos of Iowa Scholarship provides financial assistance to Latino residents of Iowa who are interested in attending college in the state.

Amount: $1,000

Provider: College Board

Who Can Apply: High School Seniors and above

Requirements: (a) Hispanic or Latino, (b) Resident of Iowa, (c) Two Recommendation Letters, (d) Essay, (e) Transcript.  

9. Larry W. Carter Scholarship

The Larry W. Carter Scholarship was created in memory of Larry W. Carter, an activist and prominent community leader. Any African-American Iowa resident is eligible to apply. Applicants can be pursuing full-time or part-time studies at the undergraduate or graduate level.

Amount: Varies

Provider: The Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines

Who Can Apply: High School Seniors, Undergraduate Students, Graduate Students

Requirements: (a) Residency in Iowa, (b) African American, (c) Enrollment in a full-time or part-time college program.

10. PMI Eastern Iowa Chapter Scholarship

The PMI Eastern Iowa Chapter Scholarship is awarded to undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a degree in project management or a related field. Priority is given to children and stepchildren of PMI residents who are residents of Eastern Iowa.

Amount: Up to $1,000

Provider: The Project Management Institute

Who Can Apply: Undergraduate Students & Graduate Students

Requirements: (a) Pursuing or planning to pursue a degree in Project Management or a related field, (b) Attending or planning to attend an accredited college or university.



scholarships in iowa

11. Home Builders Association of Iowa Scholarship

Students pursuing a career in the homebuilding industry or a related trade as well as immediate family members of association members are eligible to apply for the Home Builders Association of Iowa Scholarship.

Amount: $1,000

Provider: The Home Builders Association of Iowa

Who Can Apply: High School Seniors, Undergraduate Students, Graduate Students

Requirements: (a) Pursuing or planning to pursue a relevant career, (b) Residency in Iowa.

12. The Shirley and Kenneth Smith Memorial Scholarship

The Shirley and Kenneth Smith Memorial Scholarship is granted to male and female students planning to major or minor in art, especially painting or drawing. Applicants must be residents or full-time students in Polk, Boone, Dallas, Jasper, Madison, Marion, Story, or Warren County.

Amount: $2,000

Provider: The Des Moines Women’s Club

Who Can Apply: High School Seniors

Requirements: (a) Residency in one of the counties mentioned above, (b) Plans to major or minor in art.

13. Conservation Districts of Iowa Scholarships

Students interested in pursuing a degree related to conservation or agriculture are eligible to apply for the Conservation Districts of Iowa Scholarships. Applicants must be graduating from an Iowa high school and be residents of the state of Iowa. The winner is chosen based on career goals, involvement, leadership, character, conservation message, and academic achievement.

Amount: $600 to $4,000

Provider: Conservation Districts of Iowa

Who Can Apply: High School Seniors

Requirements: (a) Pursuing or planning to pursue a relevant career, (b) Residency in Iowa, (c) Entering college for the first time.

scholarships in iowa

Need more options for financial aid and college scholarships?

We’ve got you covered. Financing college tuition requires a lot of time and dedication, and with so many scholarships out there, how do you know which ones to apply for? Start by submitting your FAFSA form as soon as possible since this will help determine what financial aid you might qualify for. You might also want to read up on what the different forms of student aid are.

Finally, create a free Going Merry profile today for access to our scholarship library. At Going Merry, we make finding and applying for scholarships easy.

You’ll be matched with the scholarships you’re eligible for, save your favorite scholarships, and then apply for those scholarships. We’ll pre-fill any information you’ve already provided. Get started today. Sign up here.

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