Indiana College Grants & Scholarships

Indiana College Grants Explained — What Your Family Qualifies For (and What to Do Next)

Trying to figure out what kind of real financial help your kid can get in Indiana? This page walks through the main state-level grants, scholarships, and programs that can lower the cost of college—especially for families who feel stuck in the middle.

💡 Indiana offers solid state grants— but your FAFSA has to be submitted by April 15 to qualify. There’s also a powerful early-commitment program called 21st Century Scholars for students who signed up in middle school.

🎓 Step 1: Know What Indiana Offers

  • ✔️ Frank O’Bannon Grant – This is Indiana’s main need-based aid program. Award amounts vary, but it can cover thousands per year at in-state public or private colleges. The amount changes based on your FAFSA and which college your kid picks.
  • ✔️ 21st Century Scholars – A separate program for students who signed up in 7th or 8th grade and maintained eligibility through high school. Enrollment closed in middle school, so you can’t join now—but if your kid is already in the program, make sure they stay on track with GPA, college core classes, and FAFSA each year.
  • ✔️ Adult Student Grant – For adult learners age 25+ returning to school. Not relevant for most high school seniors, but useful to know it exists for parents too.
  • ✔️ Workforce Ready Grant – Covers tuition for certain short-term certificates (like healthcare, IT, and logistics). This one’s more for trade careers—not a typical college degree.
  • ✔️ EARN Indiana – A state work-study program that helps pay wages for eligible students who land approved internships. You’ll need to file the FAFSA, and your kid has to land a job through an approved employer—but it’s a good option if they want work experience.

📝 Step 2: File the FAFSA Before April 15

Indiana is strict with its FAFSA deadline. If you want to be considered for the Frank O’Bannon Grant or to renew 21st Century Scholars eligibility, you must submit the FAFSA by April 15.

🧭 Don’t miss the deadline. Indiana won’t let you appeal late FAFSA submissions. Even if your income is low, missing April 15 can lock you out of thousands in free money.

📊 Step 3: What Do These Grants Actually Cover?

Most state grants in Indiana are need-based. That means the amount your kid receives will depend on your FAFSA info and where they go to college.

Program Income Limit Covers
Frank O’Bannon Grant Varies by FAFSA Tuition assistance at IN colleges
21st Century Scholars Must qualify for free/reduced lunch in middle school Full tuition at public Indiana colleges
Workforce Ready Grant No income cap Short-term training/certifications only

🌍 Step 4: What About Neighboring States?

Indiana participates in the Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP). That means your kid may qualify for reduced tuition at public colleges in states like:

  • Illinois
  • Ohio
  • Michigan
  • Missouri
  • Wisconsin
  • Kansas
  • Nebraska

Each college decides whether to participate, and what kind of discount they offer. If your kid’s looking at out-of-state options nearby, it’s worth checking if MSEP could make it more affordable.

📎 Helpful Links & Next Steps

🏫 Indiana Universities

🧰 Parent Tools

If you’re reading this and planning ahead, you’re already doing more than most. Your kid has a real shot—and that’s because of you.

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