Student Support

Scholarships can be designated to most areas of the university and have the potential to support a broad number of student needs. A minimum commitment of $25,000 is needed to endow a scholarship.

Endowed scholarships create a lasting source of support for students. Scholarships can be designated to most areas of the university and have the potential to support a broad number of student needs. Resident tuition has increased more than 150 percent during the last two decades, and the average debt load for graduates continues to rise. Additional need- and merit-based scholarships are essential to give Iowa State a competitive edge in recruiting high-achieving students.

Scholarships can be designed to fulfill other goals as well, such as rewarding and encouraging students who engage in leadership or international study. Through Campaign Iowa State, the Iowa State University Foundation can develop a gift agreement detailing the award criteria. Additionally, a number of signature scholarships have been created to meet priority needs of the university.

Signature Scholarships

Presidential Scholarships, one of the most important scholarship priorities, are awarded to qualified incoming students who are National Merit, National Achievement or National Hispanic finalists. These four-year awards cover up to full resident tuition.
An endowed Presidential Scholarship may be established with a minimum commitment of $250,000.

Educational Opportunity Scholarships are four-year, need-based awards that cover approximately 75 percent of tuition costs. The scholarships help recruit hardworking students who meet Iowa State admission requirements.
An endowed Educational Opportunity Scholarship may be established with a minimum commitment of $150,000.

Iowa State University Awards for Competitive Excellence (ACE) are given to high-ability students who are do not receive presidential scholarships, but meet a specified sequence of courses in math, science and foreign language. ACE Awards are four-year scholarships that cover approximately one-third of tuition costs.
An endowed Iowa State University Award for Competitive Excellence may be established with a minimum commitment of $75,000.

President’s and Dean’s Leadership Awards are designed to encourage and reward students involved in university-wide or academic-specific leadership activities. The may be designated to a specific leadership position.
An endowed President's or Dean's Leadership Award may be established with a minimum commitment of $50,000.

Graduate Fellowships

Fellowships are critical to recruit the top graduate students needed to assist with important teaching and research. Fellowships offset the cost of tuition, fees, books, and travel to attend professional conferences. They also support graduate stipends and research projects.
An endowed graduate fellowship may be established with a minimum commitment of $150,000.

Learn more about endowments and how they work.