The Iowa Last-Dollar Scholarship is a state-funded program for Iowans who fall into one of two categories:
- new high school graduates starting college at a part-time or full-time status or
- adult learners starting college at part-time or full-time status.
This program is designed to cover remaining gaps between federal and state grants or scholarships and tuition and qualified fees. Credentials include postsecondary certificates, diplomas and associate degrees.
Applicants must apply for financial aid by filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), meeting with a SWCC academic advisor or admissions representative to register for courses, and attending a new student orientation.
Eligible Students
Iowa Last-Dollar Scholarship requirements for the two qualifying groups are listed below:
Group 1: NEW HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES
- Must enroll, at least part-time, in a qualified program of study, after graduating from an Iowa high school; or completion of a homeschool program or an equivalency diploma
- Must have a Student Aid Index (SAI) at or below 20,000
- Apply for all other available state and federal grants and scholarships
- Meet continuing requirements
Group 2: ADULT LEARNERS
- Age 20 or older (as of July 1 prior to year of enrollment)
- Must enroll in a qualified program of study at a part-time status
- Must have a Student Aid Index (SAI) at or below 20,000
- Apply for all other available state and federal grants and scholarships
- Meet continuing requirements
Eligible Programs of Study at SWCC:
- Accounting
- Accounting & Info Tech
- Administrative Office Management
- Applied Engineering Technology
- Auto Collision Repair/Refinish
- Automotive Repair Technology
- Agricultural Business
- Business Administration
- Carpentry and Building Trades
- Computer Networking and Information Technology
- Criminal Justice
- Crop Production
- Electrical Technology
- Graphic Design
- Licensed Practical Nursing
- Livestock Production
- Management Information Systems
- Registered Nursing
- Welding Technology
Steps to Apply:
- File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by July 15, 2024 for the 2024-25 year. When prompted, enter SWCC's school code of 001857.
- If students qualify for Iowa Last-Dollar Scholarships, they will be notified by SWCC's financial aid department through their financial aid packages.
- For questions or additional information related to other scholarships available at Southwestern Community College, please contact Southwestern's Education Foundation office at 641.782.1453.
Southwestern's financial aid department will contact you directly if you qualify for the Iowa Last-Dollar Scholarship.
Please visit the Future Ready Iowa website for more information about Iowa Last-Dollar Scholarship.