New State Program Will Fill Gap in Financial Aid for High-Demand Credentials

The new Future Ready Iowa Last-Dollar Scholarship, signed by Gov. Kim Reynolds on June 3, 2019, will be available to qualified students at North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC) for the 2019-20 academic year.

The Last-Dollar Scholarship is intended to cover tuition and qualified fees for students in programs that lead to high-demand jobs in Iowa. If other state and federal programs do not cover the entire cost of tuition for a postsecondary certificate, diploma, or associate degree, the Last-Dollar Scholarship will fill the gap.

“We’re excited to offer this scholarship to our students, it provides increased access to the credentials that lead to in-demand jobs. Our students will benefit financially and North Iowa business and industry will benefit by the expansion of a well-trained workforce” said NIACC President Steve Schulz.

To be eligible, new high school graduates must enroll full-time in the fall immediately after graduation. Adult learners (age 20 and older) may enroll full- or part-time. All students must file the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), attend orientation, meet with an advisor, remain continuously enrolled, and make satisfactory academic progress. Students can receive the Last-Dollar Scholarship for up to five full-time semesters or eight part-time semesters. Qualified students will need to reapply each year.

Currently, eligible programs include Agricultural Operations Management, Agriculture Technology, Automotive Service Technology, Building Trades, Business Administration, Business Technology Specialization, Diesel Technology, Heating and Air Conditioning Technology, Industrial Mechanics & Maintenance, Industrial Systems Technology, Information Assurance and Security, Information Technology Specialist, Management, Medical Assistant, Medical Laboratory Technician, Nursing (Associate Degree), Physical Therapy Assistant, Practical Nursing, Radiologic Technology, Tool and Die Technology, and Welding.

Learn more about the Last Dollar Scholarship program at www.niacc.edu/lastdollar. Contact the NIACC Financial Aid Office at 641-422-4168 with questions.
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