Federal Programs
To apply for grants from the Federal Government you will need to fill out a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
Federal Pell Grants
Pell Grants usually are awarded to students who have exceptional financial need and have not earned a degree. A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, does not have to be repaid, except under certain circumstances.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)
FSEOG is a grant for students with exceptional financial need. This system works differently from the Federal Pell Grant Program, which provides funds to every eligible student. The FSEOG program is administered directly by the financial aid office at Western Iowa Tech.
Federal Work-Study Program
Work-Study jobs help students earn money to pay for college or career school. Students work part-time or off campus in work related to the student's course of study. Students eligible for this program are paid monthly via direct deposit.
Federal Student Loans
The federal student loan program is where the U.S. Department of Education is your lender. There are four types of Direct Loans available. It's important to understand that a loan is a legal obligation. You are responsible for repaying the amount you borrow with interest.
Direct Subsidized Loans
Direct Subsidized Loans are loans made to eligible undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need to help cover the costs of higher education at a college or career school.
Direct Unsubsidized Loans
Direct Unsubsidized Loans are loans made to eligible undergraduate, graduate, and professional students, but eligibility is not based on financial need.
Direct PLUS Loans
Direct PLUS Loans are loans made to graduate or professional students and parents of dependent undergraduate students to help pay for education expenses not covered by other financial aid. Eligibility is not based on financial need, but a credit check is required. Borrowers who have an adverse credit history must meet additional requirements to qualify.
Direct Consolidation Loans
Direct Consolidation Loans allow you to combine all of your eligible federal student loans into a single loan with a single loan servicer.
State Programs
Apply for Iowa grants and scholarships by completing the FAFSA and the Iowa Common Application. Non-Iowa residents should check their state financial aid office for aid options and eligibility.
Future Ready Iowa Last-Dollar Scholarship
The Last-Dollar Scholarship covers tuition and some fees for programs aligned with high-demand jobs. It is intended to cover any remaining costs after all other federal and state grants/scholarships have been applied. It is available to Iowans who are new Iowa high school graduates starting college full-time and adult learners starting college at least part- time.
Get more information at iowacollegeaid.gov/LastDollar.
Iowa National Guard Service Scholarship
The Iowa National Guard Service Scholarship provides annual awards to Iowa National Guard members who attend eligible Iowa colleges and universities. The scholarship will pay 100 percent of WITCC tuition cost up to an annual maximum amount as set by Iowa National Guard officials.
Get more information at iowacollegeaid.gov/IowaNationalGuard.
Kibbie Grant
Also called the Iowa Skilled Workforce Shortage Tuition Grant, the Kibbie Grant is for Iowa residents enrolled in specific career or technical education programs.
Get more information at iowacollegeaid.gov/KibbieGrant.
All Iowa Opportunity Scholarship
The All Iowa Opportunity Scholarship (AIOS) is a scholarship for Iowa students who:
- Eligible foster care students
- Are adopted from Iowa's foster care system after age 16
- Are children of deceased public safety workers
- Participated in certain federal TRIO programs
- Graduated from alternative high schools/programs
- Participated in a Federal GEAR UP Grant program in Iowa
- Get more information at iowacollegeaid.gov/AllIowaOpportunityScholarship.
Iowa Vocational-Technical Tuition Grant
- For Iowa residents enrolled in career or technical education programs at Iowa community colleges may be eligible to receive this grant.
- If you don't live in Iowa, you may still be eligible for assistance from your home state. Check with your state agency, or contact the financial aid office for assistance.
- Get more information at iowacollegeaid.gov/IowaVocational-TechnicalTuitionGrant
Scholarships
Scholarships are offered through WITCC are called "free money" because they do not have to be repaid. There are many scholarships available due to the generous donations of donors, businesses, and foundations. Most scholarships can be used for tuition/fees, books, and college room/board. To be eligible for WITCC scholarships, you first must apply to the college by filling out the free online application.
Western Iowa Tech Scholarships
Military Benefits
Qualifying veterans with 12 semester hours or more in designated programs are eligible for full benefits from the Veterans' Administration. Six semester hours qualify you for half-time benefits and nine semester hours qualify you for three-fourths benefits. Contact the Admissions Office to apply. Contact the Veterans' Advisor for current regulations and benefit information.
Current Guard and Reserve members also qualify for education benefits. These benefits may vary for each state and branch. Please contact the education office for your unit to get information.
GAP Tuition Assistance
GAP Tuition Assistance provides tuition support for credit or non-credit certificate programs not eligible for federal financial aid. This program provides resources to eligible Iowans that would not otherwise be able to afford training.
Private Loans
Private student loans (also called alternative loans) are offered by outside lenders and are not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Western Iowa Tech. WIT requires students to use all Federal Grant and Direct Loan options before considering a private student loan. WIT does not offer a preferred lender list and it is the student's responsibility to find a lender of their choice. Western Iowa Tech does not recommend private loans when federal aid options are available.