State & Federal Grants and Scholarships

Federal Grants

Pell Grant – up to $7,395 per year
For students from low-and middle-income families who show financial need and are degree seeking. You must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Amounts are determined by the U.S. Department of Education.

Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant – up to $500
Awarded to students receiving Pell Grants and demonstrating high financial need.

TEACH Grant – up to $4000 per year
For students interested in a full-time teaching career and committed to teaching for at least four years in a high-need subject area at a school that serves low-income families. Students may receive up to $16,000 for undergraduate study. Part-time students are eligible, but the maximum grant will be pro-rated based on enrollment status. If students do not fulfill stated teaching requirements, the grant will be converted to a loan with interest. Eligibility Requirements (PDF).

TEACH Grant Initial and Subsequent Counseling

Other Federal Aid:

Federal Work Study/Campus Employment – $500- $2500 per year
Awards are estimates. Earnings are based upon hours worked. Preference to early applicants. Once accepted and registered for classes, students may apply online for campus employment.

Yellow Ribbon Program
Grant assistance for U.S. military veterans. Through the VA education benefits a qualifying veteran can receive the value of in-state public university tuition. This program allows that amount to be applied toward private college tuition and Wartburg College will pay up to 50 percent of the remaining tuition costs. Wartburg’s funds will then be matched by the US Department of Veteran Affairs. The VA education benefits also provides veterans with a housing allowance (the amount based on location) and an annual allowance of up to $1,000 for books and supplies. In addition, veterans also qualify for fixed-rate federal loans to cover other expenses. For more information, contact the Wartburg College financial aid office at 319 352-8262 or email finaid@wartburg.edu.

State Aid & Other Scholarships

All Iowa Opportunity Scholarship
(amount varies, maximum for 2025-26 is $5,334)

Iowa resident
Must meet priority award considerations listed on the state’s website such as aging out of Iowa’s foster care system or the State Training School, adopted after age 16, children of deceased public safety workers, graduated from an alternative high school/programs, or participated in certain TRIO or GEAR UP programs
Must have graduated from an eligible Iowa high school or completed a high school equivalency diploma within the last 2 years
Be a first-time college freshman (unless you are renewing your scholarship award)
Plan to enroll for at least 10.5 course credits in a program leading to an undergraduate degree, diploma or certificate
Need-based Grant
More details can be found here.

Future Ready Iowa Grant
(amount determined by Iowa Legislature and funds available)

Iowa resident
Must have at least half of the credits completed towards a bachelor’s degree that leads to a high-demand job
Must have not been enrolled in postsecondary education for two or more years
Must have applied for all other available aid
Plan to enroll at least half-time
See more details and requirements available here.

Iowa Tuition Grant
(up to $8,500 per year, determined by Iowa Legislature and funds available)

Iowa resident
Enroll at one of Iowa’s eligible private colleges or universities
Priority is given to applicants with the greatest need
Enroll in an undergraduate program
See more details and requirements available here.

GEAR UP Iowa
The Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Program (GEAR UP) Iowa was created to significantly increase the number of low-income and underrepresented students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education. Participants in the year round program will discover the importance of education, improve academic skills, identify career interests, and explore college opportunities.