Iowa residents entering one of nearly 20 programs at SCC could earn a degree without paying for tuition, thanks to the Last-Dollar Scholarship program.
Through the State of Iowa's Future Ready Iowa initiative, the Last-Dollar Scholarship is designed to cover the cost of tuition that is not already paid for by scholarships or federal and state grants. Iowa residents in eligible programs need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to qualify.
The State of Iowa used wage and job outlook criteria to identify qualifying programs at community colleges across the state. The Last-Dollar Scholarship will cover tuition for the following programs at SCC:
Accounting
Advanced Automation & Robotics Technology
Automotive Technology
Automotive Technology - Management
Biomedical Electronics Online Program
Business Administration
Computer-Aided Design Technology (CAD)
Entrepreneurship
Emergency Medical Services
Industrial Maintenance Technology
IT Management
Medical Assistant
Medical Coding and Billing
Modern Food Production, Agriculture, and the Environment
Network Administration & Cyber Security
Nursing - LPN or ADN
Precision Machining and CNC Technology
Respiratory Care
Welding Technology
Financial Aid Director Jared Reed says this scholarship has truly benefited students
since its onset in 2019.
“All you have to do is submit the FAFSA by August 1 if you're studying one of the eligible programs,” he says. “It sounds too good to be true, but it has helped hundreds of students in the state complete their degrees and move on to high-paying jobs.”
The scholarship is open to new high school graduates enrolling full-time or adult learners age 20 and up who enroll full- or part-time. Those interested in the program must complete their SCC application for admission and the FAFSA by August 1. Both applications must be completed online and can be found at www.scciowa.edu.
To remain eligible, students must also attend orientation, meet with their student success advocate, remain continuously enrolled, and maintain satisfactory academic progress.
The goal of Future Ready Iowa is to build Iowa's talent pipeline by boosting education beyond a high school diploma. The Last-Dollar Scholarship takes away a significant financial barrier to prepare Iowans for in-demand careers and presents employers with the skilled workers they're requesting.
“This is an outstanding plan to help students achieve their goals,” Reed adds. “With the Last-Dollar Scholarship covering that financial gap, the state is making it possible for students to achieve their career goals.”
The scholarship is renewable. Qualified students will need to reapply each year.
Eligible programs are listed at www.scciowa.edu.
Contact SCC's financial aid office with questions at (319) 208-5000.