NW Iowa News

(Estherville, Iowa) The Future Ready Iowa Last-Dollar Scholarship has paid off big for Iowa Lakes students. During the 2022-23 academic year, students enrolled in qualifying programs received over one million dollars in scholarship aid.

“Students planning to attend college should investigate the opportunities available at Iowa Lakes through the Last-Dollar Scholarship program. Iowa Lakes is ranked among the top twenty community colleges in the nation, with graduates launching a career within two years,” said Annie Kalous, Iowa Lakes Director of Admissions.

During the Fall 2022 semester, more than 270 Iowa Lakes students shared $536,627 from the Last-Dollar Scholarship, with an average of $1,988 per student award. During the Spring 2023 term, more than 230 Iowa Lakes students received $464,850 in scholarship support, with an average of $2,004 per student award.

The purpose of the Last-Dollar Scholarship is to fill financial gaps in tuition not covered by other federal and state grants and scholarships for eligible applicants enrolled in qualifying programs.

“The Last-Dollar Scholarship helps bridge the gap between what the student owes in tuition minus any state or federal grant. This has been a vital tool for helping students go to college, reducing the number of loans needed to attend, and leading to students graduating with little to no student loan debt,” said Stephen Pelzer, Director of Financial Aid at Iowa Lakes.

“48% of Iowa Lakes students graduate debt-free, making Iowa Lakes a cost-effective and smart choice for college,” said Kalous.

To qualify for the Last-Dollar Scholarship, students must enroll in a qualifying program at Iowa Lakes and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). The FAFSA is available now for the 2023-2024 academic year. The FAFSA deadline is August 1, 2023, and students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA as soon as possible.

The following programs offered at Iowa Lakes Community College qualify for the Last-Dollar Scholarship: Agriculture Production Technology, Aviation & Airport Management, Business Administration & Management, Business Specialist, Computer Programming, Construction Technology, Criminal Justice, Digital, Social & Broadcast Productions, Electrical Technology, Environmental Studies, Farm Equipment & Diesel Technology, Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC) Technology, Hotel & Restaurant Management, Nursing: Associate Degree and Practical Nursing, Paralegal & Legal Studies, Surgical Technology, Veterinary Technician, Water Quality Technician, Welding Technology, and Wind Energy & Turbine Technology.

For more information about the Last-Dollar Scholarship, visit iowalakes.edu/lds.

Original source can be found here.