All Iowa Opportunity Scholarship (AIOS)
Iowa Department of Education, Bureau of Iowa College Aid
Need-based award of up to $5,646 a year (2027-28) for Iowa students starting college within two years of high school, at an eligible Iowa college or university.
- How much
- Up to $5,646 per year (2027-28); $5,486 in 2026-27; prorated for part-time
- Who qualifies
- Iowa resident; first-time college freshman within 2 years of Iowa HS graduation/equivalency (foster youth exempt); enroll 3+ semester hours at an eligible Iowa college; SAI -1,500 to 11,292 (2027-28). Also: Priority: former Iowa foster youth; children of Iowa public safety workers killed in the line of duty; TRIO, alternative high school and GEAR UP participants (an extra route or priority, not a requirement).
- For high school seniors, students starting college, undergrads
- U.S. citizen or national, or U.S. permanent resident (AIOS is narrower than other Iowa programs)
- Need-based: your FAFSA decides how much you get.
- When to apply
- Open now · due April 1, 2027 Annual; FAFSA + Iowa Financial Aid Application due April 1 before the academic year (both open Oct 1).
- How to apply
- File the FAFSA and the Iowa Financial Aid Application (IFAA) by April 1 before the school year
- Renewals only need the FAFSA by April 1
- Children of public safety workers killed in the line of duty should also contact Iowa College Aid (877-272-4456) or submit its notification form so they are prioritized
- What you'll need
- FAFSA + state application
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (educate.iowa.gov), page 2, page 3 and page 4
The details
Statewide need-based scholarship for Iowa residents attending an eligible Iowa community college, private college/university or Regent university. First-time recipients must enroll as first-time college freshmen within two years of finishing an Iowa high school or equivalency diploma (students who were in foster care are exempt), at least 3 semester hours in an undergraduate degree, diploma or certificate program. Maximum award is $5,646 for 2027-28 ($5,486 in 2026-27), prorated for part-time enrollment; no summer awards. Eligible SAI range for 2027-28 is -1,500 to 11,292. Priority if funds run short: students who aged out of Iowa foster care (or the State Training School) or were adopted from foster care after 16; children of Iowa public safety workers killed in the line of duty (peace officers, police, firefighters, sheriffs/deputies, corrections officers); renewals; students in TRIO programs (Upward Bound, Talent Search, EOC) or alternative high schools/programs; GEAR UP participants; then lowest SAI, then application date. Renewable for up to 8 full-time (16 part-time) semesters if you stay continuously enrolled and receiving AIOS each term (summer excluded), keep an eligible SAI, file the FAFSA by April 1 each year, and stay at an Iowa college (transferring out of state forfeits it).
More money from Iowa
- Iowa Tuition Grant (Not-for-Profit)Up to $7,500 per year (2026-27 maximum; 2027-28 amount not yet set)
- Kibbie Grant (Iowa Skilled Workforce Shortage Tuition Grant)Up to $3,100 per year (2026-27), sliding scale by SAI
- Future Ready Iowa GrantUp to $3,000 per year (2026-27), prorated for part-time
- Iowa Workforce Grant & Incentive ProgramUp to $1,125 per semester full-time ($2,250/yr, 2026-27); plus up to $2,000 incentive payment for an Iowa high-demand job
- Iowa Vocational-Technical Tuition GrantUp to $1,100 per year (2026-27; statutory max $1,200), sliding scale by SAI
Keep looking
- Answer a few questions to see every program you qualify for
- Nearby states: Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota, Wisconsin
- Federal aid and national scholarships (open to students in any state)
- The FAFSA in plain English (2027-28)
- Should I file the FAFSA if I don't think I'll qualify?
- FAFSA deadlines by state (2027-28)
- The FAFSA for parents: what you need to do
- How to save on textbooks: free, rented and cheaper options
We list programs; we don't decide who gets them. Always check the official page before you apply. Spot something wrong? Tell us.