Grants, Loans and Scholarships, Making Sense of it All! Grants This is free money that is awarded to students, possibly based on specific criteria, that does not need to be repaid. Subsidized Stafford Loans The interest on these loans is paid by the federal government while students are enrolled at least half-time and during a six-month grace period. These funds must be repaid. Unsubsidized Stafford Loans Financial need is not required to borrow an unsubsidized loan. Students are responsible for the interest on these loans and must be enrolled at least half-time. These funds must be repaid. Scholarships Free Money! Funds awarded to students based on specific criteria that do not need to be repaid. Vocational Rehabilitation This federal and state sponsored program provides counseling, medical services, and vocational training to help persons with disabilities find employment. Workforce Investment Act (WIA) WIA can provide financial assistance to persons who are unemployed or underemployed and to ADC recipients who are in need of retraining to upgrade their skills. Applicants must meet WIA guidelines to be eligible.
State and Federal Grants Pell Grants
$5,550
Supplemental Education Opportunity Grants (SEOG)
$600
Iowa Grant
$600
Iowa Vocational-Technical Grant
$1,200
All Iowa Opportunities/ All Iowa Foster Care Grant [www.iowacollegeaid.org]
Varied funding
All monetary values are listed as annual maximum amounts per student. Amounts are accurate at the time of printing but are subject to change.
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Veterans Assistance NICC educational programs are approved by the Veterans Educational Unit of the Iowa Department of Education for the training of eligible persons under current GI Bill programs. Employer Assistance Some employers cover educational costs as part of their commitment to staff development. Ask your employer about financial help that might be available. Tuition Payment Plan A monthly payment plan for tuition and course fees is provided through Nelnet. This online service allows automatic debits from a checking, savings or credit card account.