InstitutionalCollegiate/Graduate Scholars
SWE · $1.6M
Open to undergraduates entering their sophomore, junior, or senior year and new or continuing graduate students.
Indiana's 21st Century Scholars program is nationally recognized as one of the most effective college access initiatives in the country. Students who enroll in 7th or 8th grade and meet income requirements receive a scholarship covering up to 100% of tuition at Indiana public colleges — a powerful incentive for low-income students to commit to college preparation years before they apply. The Frank O'Bannon Grant (Indiana's primary need-based program) distributes up to $7,000 annually to students who file FAFSA by the April 15 priority deadline and demonstrate financial need. Indiana is home to two of the Midwest's most prominent athletic programs — Indiana University (known for basketball and soccer) and Purdue University (known for football and engineering) — alongside Notre Dame, one of the most athletically and academically competitive private universities in the country. Indiana's relatively lower in-state tuition at public universities makes it one of the better states for combining merit and need-based aid.
File your FAFSA at studentaid.gov by April 15, 2026 to maximize state aid eligibility.
These programs are available to students in every state and can be stacked with Indiana state grants.
SWE · $1.6M
Open to undergraduates entering their sophomore, junior, or senior year and new or continuing graduate students.
Bold.org · $665.7k
$665,729
Bold.org · $543.3k
$543,303
U.S. Department of Education · Up to $500k
Forgiveness program for loans of those who work full-time in qualifying public service jobs. 10 years of payments required.
National YoungArts Foundation · $500k
High school & college students focused on performing, visual & literary arts.
Women’s Sports Foundation and ESPN · $430k
Grants aimed at increasing access and opportunity for underserved girls in sports.
Navy · $300k
Medical students including those studying pediatrics
United States Bowling Congress · $300k
Must enroll in an undergraduate program at an accredited college/university.
Bold.org · $270.4k
Khalil Mack 52 Scholars Program
Society for Science · Up to $250k
Oldest, most prestigious science competition for HS seniors.
Breakthrough Prize Foundation · $250k
Competition for students ages 13-18 to create a two-minute video explaining a big idea in physics, mathematics, or life sciences. Winner receives $250,000 scholarship plus prizes for their teacher and school.
Deadline: Sep 15, 2026
Posse Foundation · Up to $250k
Full-tuition leadership scholarship for nominated high school juniors/seniors. Students attend college in supportive cohort of 10.
Conseil de Recherches en Sciences Naturelles et en Génie · $250k
Associate Degree, Bachelor's Degree, Graduate Degree, High School, Professional Development, Vocational
National Physical Science Consortium · $156k–$200k
US citizens with a GPA of at least 3.0 and relevant Bachelor's or Master's degree holders who have been out of school for at least 12 months
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation · Up to $200k
Last-dollar full-ride scholarship for minority high school seniors with exceptional academic achievement from low-income households.
American Cancer Society · $165k
Graduate Degree
Physicians' Services Incorporated Foundation · $100k–$150k
Graduate Degree
American Cancer Society · $135k
Professional Development
Marshall University · $125k
First-time, full-time freshmen in all majors; recommended ACT 30, SAT 1360, GPA 3.5.
University of Missouri – Kansas City (Henry W. Bloch School of Management) · $125k
Business management degree candidates enrolled at the school.
Marshall University · $125k
Open to all first-time, full-time freshmen in all majors, recommend 30 ACT, 1360 SAT, and 3.5 high school GPA.
Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine · $120k
N/A
Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation · $100k
Graduate Degree, Professional Development
Washington Indian Gaming Association · $100k
To promote tribal self-sufficiency by advancing student potential and broadening higher education opportunities.
American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases · $50k–$100k
Fellows performing clinical research and/or translational research in a liver-related area.
Siemens Foundation · $1k–$100k
Students competing in regional and national rounds.
National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) · Up to $100k
Scholarships for NCAA Division I football (85 scholarships per program). Highly competitive recruiting.
Bush Foundation · $100k
N/A
Davidson Institute · $25k–$100k
Awarded to gifted and high-achieving students who have completed a significant piece of work.
Deadline: Feb 12, 2027
Goldman Philanthropic Partnerships and the Rockefeller Brothers Fund · $100k
Academic physicians continuing research at accredited medical schools.
| Scholarship | Award | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Breakthrough Junior Challenge | $250k | Sep 15, 2026 |
7th and 8th grade students from families meeting income thresholds (approximately 185% of federal poverty level) can enroll. By completing a 'pledge' of behaviors through high school (maintaining GPA, avoiding drugs/alcohol, filing FAFSA, applying to college), they earn up to full tuition and fees at Indiana public colleges. This is one of the most generous state access programs nationally.
April 15 is Indiana's FAFSA priority deadline for the Frank O'Bannon Grant and other state programs. Filing by this date is essential for full grant consideration. Indiana uses state tax returns to verify eligibility, so ensure your family's taxes are filed early.
Both IU and Purdue are Big Ten Division I programs with substantial athletic scholarship programs across football, basketball, soccer, swimming, and 20+ other sports. Full and partial scholarships are awarded by individual coaches. Student-athletes who also demonstrate financial need can stack athletic scholarships with the Frank O'Bannon Grant, up to the NCAA cost-of-attendance limit.
Beyond the 21st Century Scholars program (if enrolled early), first-generation Indiana students can access the Frank O'Bannon Grant, many Indiana university Diversity and First-Gen specific scholarships, and national programs like the Dell Scholars Program and Gates Scholarship. IU has a dedicated First Generation Scholar Award.
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