Iowa's Last-Dollar Scholarship

• Digital Photography, Certificate 
• Graphic Arts Technology AAS, Diploma

• Administrative Office Support AAS, Diploma, Certificate
• Business Professional AAS Diploma , Certificate 

• Criminal Justice, AAS, Diploma, Certificate

• Associate Degree Nursing AAS
• Dental Assisting Diploma
• Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography Associates Degree
• Diagnostic Medical Sonography Associates Degree
• Medical Assistant, Diploma
• Practical Nursing Diploma
• Radiologic Technology AAS
• Surgical Technology AAS
• Veterinary Technology AAS

• American Sign Language - English Interpreter, AAS, Deaf Studies Certificate
• Culinary Arts AAS, Apprenticeship AAS, Diploma, Certificate

• Advanced Welding Certificate 
• Basic Electronics Certificate 
• CNC Machining, AAS, Certificate
• Construction Technology (Starting Fall 2023)
• Electrical Systems Certificate
• Engineering Technology - Electromechanical Diploma
• Engineering Technology AAS
• Fundamental Welding Certificate
• Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Diploma
• Mechanical Design AAS, Diploma, Certificate
• Process Control Technology Certificate
• Welder, Diploma 

• Augmented and Virtual Reality
• Cybersecurity AAS, Certificate
• Programming AAS, Diploma
• Networking for Cybersecurity, Diploma
• Networking for Systems and Security AAS, Diploma, Certificate
• Web Development Concentration

• Automotive Technology AAS, Diploma, Service Certificate
• Diesel Technology, AAS, Diploma 
• Diesel – Heavy Duty Maintenance, Certificate
• Diesel – Truck Electrical Certificate 

Students who enroll in an eligible program of study at EICC on a half-time basis (minimum 6 credits or equivalent) after completion of a Iowa high school or homeschool program or completion of an equivalency diploma.

OR

• Students age 20 and older who enroll in an eligible program of study on at least a half-time basis (minimum 6 credits or equivalent) and have earned a high school diploma or received their high school equivalency. Age is calculated as of July 1 prior to the year of enrollment.
• Students who have an Expected Family Contribution at or below $20,000
• Students who meet ongoing requirements

• The Last-Dollar Scholarships covers the equivalent of five semesters of full-time enrollment
• The funding is awarded after Federal and State grants. The Last-Dollar Scholarship covers any remaining tuition balance.
• If you have Pell or other grants that cover your tuition, the Last-Dollar Scholarship is refunded to you.

The Last-Dollar Scholarship is part of the state’s Future Ready Iowa program. The program is a workforce initiative connecting Iowans to the training and education required for good-paying jobs and careers that improve lives.

The goal of the Last-Dollar Scholarship is to increase the number of Iowans with education and training up to a two-year degree in careers that are in high demand throughout Iowa. The effort is geared toward getting more Iowans into great jobs, meeting the needs of Iowa employers, and growing Iowa’s economy.

File your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) by the July 15 deadline.

Information from Iowa College Aid on the 2023-2024 changes to Last-Dollar Scholarship.

What happened to the Last-Dollar Scholarship?

The Last-Dollar Scholarship still exists and is not going away. However, action taken during this last legislative session required changes to the program’s eligibility requirements.

Since its beginning, the Last-Dollar Scholarship has experienced significant growth in the number of recipients, especially among students with high Expected Family Contribution (EFC) amounts and low financial need. For example, recipients with a high EFC previously represented roughly 11 percent of all Last-Dollar Scholarships. Today, the share is almost 25 percent.

While the number of applicants continues to grow, the funding for the program will remain the same for the coming year. As a result, it was necessary to reassess the program’s eligibility requirements. Iowa College Aid worked closely with the Governor’s office, the legislature, and Iowa’s community colleges to find a solution that provides students most in need of financial assistance the support necessary to achieve their educational and career goals. The consensus among the group led to the legislature passing the requirement that applicants have an EFC at or below $20,000 to qualify for the award during the 2023-2024 academic year.

Why am I no longer eligible?

A law passed during the 2023 legislative session requires applicants to have an EFC at or below $20,000 to qualify for the Last-Dollar Scholarship for the 2023-2024 academic year. Therefore, you will not be eligible for an award if you have an EFC greater than $20,000.

Why am I just finding out about this now?

Iowa College Aid is still in the process of finalizing award parameters for all state-funded aid programs. This includes the Last-Dollar Scholarship. Unfortunately, appropriations for state-funded aid programs did not occur until the end of the legislative session, and we are awaiting the Governor’s signature on the appropriations bill. However, we are working to communicate the change in Last-Dollar Scholarship eligibility to individuals who we anticipate will be impacted.

What am I supposed to do now?

If your financial circumstances have changed, consult with the financial aid office at your college to explore other options to help finance your postsecondary education.