Many students going to college find themselves at a crossroads - questioning where to go, what to study, and how to pay. If you are a resident of the "Crossroads of America," you will have a little help paying for school with these scholarships for Indiana students. Known for landmarks like the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument, and White River State Park — Indiana is also home to top colleges and universities including Indiana University (IU), Purdue University (PU), the University of Notre Dame (ND), and Butler University. If you are a "Hoosier" or plan to attend a school in Indiana, you could add to your college savings, too!
$30,888
Award Amount
1
Award
Deadline
This award is available to U.S. students who are planning to attend the University of Indianapolis as freshmen. Students must have a grade point average of "A" or higher and a combined critical reading/math SAT of 1200 or above or an ACT composite score of 29 or higher.
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$4,500
Award Amount
1
Award
Deadline
This grant is available for Indiana residents undergratuate students who are enrolled part-time at an eligible Indiana college or university. The student must demonstrate financial need.
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$7,200
Award Amount
2
Awards
Sep 8
Deadline
Since the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program was first offered in 1998, Lilly Endowment has remained steadfast in its belief that education at all levels is indispensable to the personal, civic and economic well-being of Indiana’s residents and communities. To date, over 50 students have been awarded Lilly Endowment Community Scholarships through the Wayne County Foundation. Awardees are recognized, at the Wayne County Foundation’s Annual Community Dinner.
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$4,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Aug 31
Deadline
The William A. Crawford Minority Teacher Scholarship is available to minority students (defined as black and Hispanic individuals) who intend to pursue, or are currently pursuing, a course of study that would enable them to teach in an accredited school in Indiana. Students must agree in writing to apply for teaching positions in Indiana and, if hired, teach in Indiana for at least three years.
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$1,500
Award Amount
1
Award
Sep 16
Deadline
ITS Midwest is pleased to award this $1,500 scholarship to the applicant who most embodies excitement for the use of Intelligent Transportation Systems to improve safety and efficiency. The scholarship criteria looks for excellence in the classroom, passion for innovation, and enthusiasm for the transportation industry.
The scholarship is open to collegiate sophomores, juniors, and seniors planning to enter the transportation field with a primary focus of interest in Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). Applicants shall be presently attending colleges and universities in the four-state coverage area of ITS Midwest (Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio).
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$5,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jun 30
Deadline
KASF scholarships (which range from $500 to $5,000) are offered to the qualified Korean American students (including foreign students from Korea). All applicants must be enrolled in a full time program in the U.S during the scholarship application year. If extra funds are available, other students (non Koreans) may qualify for scholarships. Specifically, descendants of American veterans served during the Korean War may qualify for scholarships (applicable to selective regions).
To apply for KASF scholarships, it is very important to follow the specific requirements and instructions of the region where the applicant’s school is/will be located during the scholarship application year as the type and amount of available scholarships may differ from region to region.
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$2,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
May 17
Deadline
The James A. Wells Sr. Veterans Scholarship is available for a U.S. Military Veteran, or to a spouse or child, of a Veteran living or deceased.
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$3,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 30
Deadline
This award is available for U.S. or international undergraduate and/or graduate students who attend a college or university within the designated market area of stations serving the Ohio Valley Chapter region (this includes some schools in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, and West Virginia). Students must major in broadcasting.
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$10,000
Award Amount
3
Awards
Feb 15
Deadline
U.S. undergraduate students who are enrolled in a hospitality management program and have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher are eligible for this award. Applicants must attend and be nominated by an American Hotel and Lodging Association (AH&LA) member school.
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$1,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Feb 15
Deadline
The Plainfield Muslim Women for Better Society Scholarship is available for One Plainfield High School senior and one full-time Indianapolis Islamic High School senior. A minimum of 20 hours of community service is required. Applicants must major in a field related to human services. Click here to learn more and apply today!
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Cost of College in Indiana
Before highlighting the many grants and scholarships available for Indiana students, it is important to have an understanding of how much it costs to go to school in the Hoosier state. If you are an Indiana resident attending the flagship campus of Indiana University Bloomington (IU Bloomington), you will pay $11,790 in tuition and fees in 2024-25. Out of state residents will pay $40,480.
The cost to attend Purdue University in 2024-25 is $9,992 for Indiana residents and $28,794 for out-of-state students. Tuition and fees at private colleges and universities can exceed $50,000 per year including over $56,000 at Butler University and $65,025 at the University of Notre Dame.
Here’s a breakdown of just a few of the grants and scholarships available to Indiana students:
Indiana State-Funded Scholarships and Grants
The State of Indiana offers a variety of scholarships and grants to help ease the financial burden of higher education. Below are some of the most prominent opportunities for Hoosier students.
Frank O’Bannon Grant Program
Named after former Indiana Governor Frank O’Bannon, this is a need-based grant program funded by the State of Indiana. It is designed to make college-going more affordable for low- and moderate-income families. Awards range based on financial need, the type of school you are attending, and academic achievement. Grants can range from $2,000 to over $12,400 in 2024-25. In order to qualify for consideration for this grant, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and plan to attend an eligible college or university in Indiana.
21st Century Scholars Program
The 21st Century Scholars Program is Indiana’s College Promise program, providing eligible Indiana students with up to four years of full tuition at participating colleges and universities. This program targets students from low-income families, encouraging them to prepare for college from middle school onward. To be eligible, students must meet certain income requirements, and fulfill academic and extracurricular commitments through high school.
Mitch Daniels Early Graduation Scholarship
The Mitch Daniels Early Graduation Scholarship is a one-time award of $4,000 available to Indiana students who graduate from high school at least one year early. Designed to reward academic achievement and accelerate college enrollment, this scholarship can be used to cover tuition and fees, with any remaining funds going directly to the student.
Eligible applicants must be Indiana residents and U.S. citizens (or eligible non-citizens) who have lived in Indiana for at least the last two semesters before graduation. To qualify, students must graduate by the end of their junior year of high school with a Core 40 diploma and have attended an Indiana public high school full-time for the last two semesters prior to graduation. Additionally, recipients must enroll as full-time, degree-seeking students in an eligible Indiana college or university immediately following high school graduation.
Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship
The Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship for Indiana students pursuing a career in education. Awards are up to $10,000 per year for four years. Students are required to attend an eligible Indiana college or university and meet academic requirements including ranking in the top 20% of their high school class, having a top 20% ACT or SAT score, or maintaining at least a 3.0 GPA.
Recipients must maintain a 3.0 GPA while completing at least 30 credit hours each year. Priority is given to high school graduates, though current college freshmen and sophomores are also encouraged to apply. This scholarship requires recipients to complete the FAFSA. Any recipients who do not become teachers or educators after college graduation will be required to repay any scholarship award.
Grants for Families of Fallen Military Members & Public Safety Officers
The Indiana Commission for Higher Education offers numerous grant programs for Indiana children and spouses of deceased or disabled veterans, Purple Heart recipients, of Indiana public safety officers disabled or killed in the line of duty. Grants are also available for members of the Indiana National Guard.
Scholarships and Grants for Adult Learners in Indiana
The Adult Student Grant is designed to support working adults in Indiana who are starting or completing an associate degree, bachelor’s degree, or certificate program by offering up to $2,000 in financial assistance. This grant can be used to cover tuition and fees, providing a much-needed boost to adult learners balancing work, family, and education.
Eligible applicants must be Indiana residents and U.S. citizens (or eligible non-citizens) who are financially independent and demonstrate financial need, as determined by the FAFSA. Recipients must enroll in at least six credit hours per term in a program at Ivy Tech Community College or Vincennes University, leading to their first degree or certificate. The Adult Student Grant is renewable, provided recipients must complete at least 18 credit hours in the previous academic year and maintain satisfactory academic progress.
Federal Grants
Indiana students who are U.S. citizens are eligible to participate in federal student aid programs. The most popular federal grant program is the Pell Grant which provides awards of up to $7,395 in 2024-25. Pell Grants are generally from lower income households and award amount is determined by financial need-based as determined by a student’s FAFSA submission.
Institutional Scholarships and Grants in Indiana
Many Indiana colleges and universities offer generous institutional grants and scholarships. These awards can be based on need, merit, or a combination of both. Schools offer institutional grants and scholarships to make the cost of education more affordable and to encourage students to enroll. Here are just a few examples of institutional scholarships in Indiana.
Purdue University Scholarships
Purdue University offers a variety of grants and scholarships, including the Presidential Scholarship and the Trustees Scholarship, both of which are awarded based on academic achievement. Purdue also provides need-based aid, including the Purdue Promise Program for Indiana 21st Century Scholars.
Indiana University Bloomington Scholarships
IU Bloomington offers a number of merit-based scholarships, including the Provost’s Scholarship and the Dean’s Scholarship. Additionally, IU provides need-based grants.
Private Scholarships in Indiana
Private organizations including houses of worship, corporations, non-profit organizations, and foundations offer a wealth of scholarships for Indiana students. These scholarships are often merit-based, need-based, or awarded to students pursuing specific fields of study. Private scholarships play a vital role in making college more affordable as federal, state, and institutional aid often do not cover the entire cost of a student’s education.
Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program
The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program is one of Indiana’s most prestigious scholarship programs available to Indiana students. The scholarship is awarded to 143 students each year and covers full tuition and fees as well as stipends for books and equipment for four years of study at an eligible Indiana college or university.This is a merit-based scholarship program that is highly competitive. Recipients are selected based on academic achievement.
Indiana CPA Society Scholarships
For students pursuing a career in accounting, the Indiana CPA Society offers multiple scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $2,000. These scholarships are intended for junior and senior accounting majors attending an eligible Indiana college or university. To be eligible,
Tri Kappa Scholarships
The Tri Kappa organization awards scholarships to Indiana students that demonstrate academic achievement and are involved in their communities. These scholarships are available at both the local chapter and state levels, providing a range of awards based on merit and need.
Applying for Scholarships in Indiana: Tips for Success
Securing grants and scholarships requires careful planning and a focused strategy. Here are some tips to ensure you make the most of all the opportunities that are available to help fund your college education:
- Complete the FAFSA early: Many scholarships and grants in Indiana are awarded based on financial need, so submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as early as possible is very important!
- Stay organized: Keep track of deadlines, requirements, and supporting documents needed for each scholarship application.
- Write a standout personal statement: A strong personal essay can make all the difference in the world especially when it comes to merit-based scholarships. Be sure and highlight your achievements, goals, and passion for education.
- Seek letters of recommendation: Many scholarships require letters of recommendation from teachers or community leaders. Choose recommenders who know you well and can speak to your strengths and ask them early!
- Don’t overlook local opportunities: Many small scholarships are available through local organizations, houses or worship, high schools, and community foundations.
Our Scholarships
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$1,500 – I Have a Dream
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$10,000 – Unigo $10K Award
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$1,500 – Sweet and Simple
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$2,500 – Superpower
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$3,000 – All About Education
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$1,500 – Fifth Month Scholarship
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$1,500 – Do-Over
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$1,500 – Flavor of the Month
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$1,500 – Make Me Laugh
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$1,500 – Shout It Out
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$2,000 – Zombie Apocalypse
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$5,000 – Education Matters
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$1,500 – Top Ten List
Written by Dave Moniz
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Edited by Unigo Staff