Gap Tuition Assistance Program
Iowa Department of Education (via Iowa community colleges)
Partial or full tuition, books and support costs for short-term, non-credit training in in-demand jobs at Iowa community colleges.
- How much
- Partial or full program costs; set by each community college
- Who qualifies
- Non-credit/short-term certificate programs in in-demand occupations at an Iowa community college; readiness assessment required.
- For trade school students, adults going back to school
- Must be eligible to work in the United States
- Partly need-based: your FAFSA can affect whether you get it or how much.
- When to apply
- Apply any time Rolling; set by each community college as funds allow.
- How to apply
- Contact the Gap program at your local Iowa community college, complete its application and readiness interview
- What you'll need
- state application + interview
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (educate.iowa.gov) and page 2
The details
State-funded through the Skilled Worker and Job Creation Fund and run by each Iowa community college. Covers partial or total costs of continuing-education or short-term training programs that aren't Pell-eligible, in in-demand sectors (IT, health care, advanced manufacturing, transportation and logistics, or others named by a regional board): tuition, direct training costs, required books and protective gear, testing and background-check fees, and support such as childcare, transportation, uniforms and program equipment. Applicants must show they can complete the program and get and keep full-time work, meet with program staff, and must be eligible to work in the U.S. Funding availability and details are set by each college.
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)
- All Iowa Opportunity Scholarship (AIOS)Up to $5,646 per year (2027-28); $5,486 in 2026-27; prorated for part-time
- 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
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.