Top 16 Indiana Scholarships & Grants for 2026 - 2027

Indiana Scholarships, Grants & Financial Aid Overview

How Can You Get Grants for College in Indiana?

Indiana offers a strong network of state-funded and institution-based grants that help students reduce the cost of higher education. The first and most essential step to qualify for these programs is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which determines your eligibility for both federal and Indiana-specific financial aid.

Once the FAFSA is submitted, students may qualify for several major Indiana grants:

• Frank O’Bannon Grant: The state’s largest need-based grant that supports Indiana residents attending approved public, private, or proprietary institutions. Award amounts vary based on financial need and the type of college attended.
• Workforce Ready Grant: A popular program that covers tuition for short-term, high-demand certificate programs at Ivy Tech Community College and Vincennes University.
• Indiana College Core Grant: Supports students completing foundational college coursework while in high school or during early college programs.
• Adult Student Grant: Helps returning adult learners close financial gaps and complete a degree or certification.

Indiana also encourages students to connect with the Indiana Commission for Higher Education (CHE), which manages the state’s major grants and provides personalized guidance to help students access all available funding.

What Indiana Program Will Pay for 100% of Your Tuition If You Qualify?

The 21st Century Scholars Program is Indiana’s most generous financial aid program and can cover up to 100% of tuition at public colleges and universities in the state. Designed for income-eligible students, this program promotes early college planning and helps families significantly reduce or eliminate tuition expenses.

To qualify, students must:

• Enroll in the program during 7th or 8th grade.
• Meet annual academic progress requirements throughout high school.
• Graduate with a Core 40 diploma.
• Complete required activities in the Scholar Success Program (SSP).
• Submit the FAFSA by Indiana’s priority deadline.

Eligible scholars can use their award at institutions such as Indiana University, Purdue University, Ball State, Ivy Tech, and other participating state colleges. For many students, 21st Century Scholars is the most reliable path to a debt-free degree.

What Indiana College Grants Are Available for Adults?

Indiana supports adult learners through several financial aid programs created specifically for returning students, career changers, and workers seeking technical education.

Popular grants for adults include:

• Workforce Ready Grant: Covers tuition for short-term certificate programs in high-demand fields such as health care, cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing, and logistics. Available through Ivy Tech and Vincennes University.
• Adult Student Grant: Provides up to $2,000 annually for adult learners returning to complete a degree or workforce certification. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and enroll at an eligible Indiana institution.
• Employer Tuition Assistance Partnerships: Indiana collaborates with local employers who offer tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing high-demand skills.

These programs help make education more accessible for working adults balancing school, jobs, and family responsibilities.

Are There Full-Ride Scholarships in Indiana?

Yes. Indiana is home to several prestigious full-ride and full-tuition scholarships that cover tuition, fees, and in some cases housing, books, and personal expenses.

Notable full-ride programs include:

• Wells Scholarship – Indiana University Bloomington: One of the most competitive scholarships in the Midwest, covering full tuition, mandatory fees, and a generous living stipend.
• Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship: Awarded through local community foundations to academically talented Indiana residents. Covers full tuition at any public or private nonprofit college in Indiana, plus a yearly stipend for books and expenses.
• Purdue University Trustees Scholarship (high-value award): While not always full-ride, it significantly reduces tuition and is awarded to top-performing students.

Applicants for these programs typically need exceptional academics, leadership, service involvement, and strong letters of recommendation.

What Scholarships Are Available for College Students in Indiana?

Indiana college students can apply for a large variety of statewide and institution-based scholarships. Many awards support specific majors, career goals, or communities.

Examples include:

• Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship: Provides $7,500 per year to students pursuing teaching degrees who commit to teaching in Indiana after graduation.
• Indiana CPA Society Diversity Scholarship: Supports underrepresented accounting students in accredited business or accounting programs.
• Institutional Scholarships: Schools like Indiana University, Purdue University, Ball State University, and the University of Indianapolis offer merit, need-based, and program-specific awards.

Students should check their college’s financial aid portal, as many institutional awards are automatically considered during admissions.

Are There Scholarships in Indiana for High School Seniors?

Yes. Indiana high school seniors have access to statewide scholarship programs as well as awards offered through local communities, businesses, and foundations.

Well-known scholarships include:

• Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship: Full tuition for Indiana residents attending approved colleges in the state.
• Indiana Academic All-Stars Scholarship: Recognizes seniors who excel academically and in leadership.
• Community Foundation Scholarships: Every county in Indiana offers local scholarships through community foundations, often with smaller applicant pools.

Students are encouraged to work with school counselors, as many deadlines occur early in the senior year.

What Scholarships Are Available at Ivy Tech?

Ivy Tech Community College provides multiple scholarship opportunities for both traditional and adult learners. These awards help make certification, two-year degrees, and transfer pathways more affordable.

Popular Ivy Tech scholarships include:

• Ivy Tech Achieve Your Degree Scholarship: A partnership with employers to allow students to earn degrees with employer-funded tuition support.
• Ivy Tech Foundation Scholarships: Dozens of donor-funded scholarships available across campuses, including awards for nursing, technology, and workforce programs.
• Workforce Ready Grant Programs: Ivy Tech is the primary institution offering no-cost tuition for state-supported certificate programs.

Ivy Tech students can use both state and federal financial aid to supplement institutional scholarships.

What Scholarships Are Available at Ball State University?

Ball State University offers a robust scholarship program that rewards high-achieving students and supports those with financial need.

Key Ball State scholarships include:

• Ball State Scholars Award: Merit-based scholarship for top-performing incoming freshmen.
• Emens Leadership Scholarship: Awarded to students who show exceptional leadership and community involvement.
• Major-Specific Scholarships: Programs such as education, architecture, journalism, and music offer additional awards funded by donors and alumni.

Many Ball State scholarships are renewable for four years if academic standards are met.

Who Qualifies for the Indiana State Grant?

The Indiana State Grant—primarily the Frank O’Bannon Grant—is designed to support Indiana residents with financial need. To qualify, students must:

• Be Indiana residents attending an eligible Indiana college or university.
• Submit the FAFSA by the state’s priority deadline.
• Demonstrate financial need as determined by FAFSA data.
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress.
• Enroll on at least a part-time basis, depending on the institution’s policies.

Award amounts differ depending on whether students attend public, private, or proprietary institutions, and funds may be renewable each year.