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Discover Scholarships for Indiana
Midwesterners cashing in scholarships for Indiana can reach their goals in the “Crossroads of America” more affordably. Home to 6.63 million people, Indiana is the 16th most populous state with the big cities of Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville, and South Bend scattered between rural farmland. Since Vincennes University was founded in 1801, higher education has been growing like Indiana’s cornfields. Hoosiers can now select from 30 public , 39 private institutions, and plenty of Indiana online college programs. Whether you prefer a small Christian college like Huntington University, mid-sized liberal arts school like Butler University, or large research hub like Indiana University-Bloomington, you have plentiful options. In fact, the U.S. News ranked Purdue as the ninth most innovative university nationwide. Pursue your collegiate dreams with free tuition assistance from the following 15 best scholarships for Indiana.
1. ESA Youth Scholarship Program
Sponsored by COPS Monitoring, the Electronic Security Association (ESA) Youth Scholarship Program awards a first-place prize of $7,500 and second-place prize of $2,500. An additional 17 state-level scholarships of $1,000 are provided by participating chapters, including Indiana. Since 1996, funding has been provided based on academic achievement, service, and extracurricular participation. Applications, including a typed, 1,000-word essay, must arrive before March 24th.
Eligibility:
• Be graduating high school seniors between 15 and 20 years old
• Have a parent or guardian employed full-time by police, fire, or sheriff’s departments
• Display academic excellence with a minimum GPA of 3.0
• Intend to matriculate at accredited colleges the upcoming Fall
2. INCPA Educational Foundation Scholarships
The Indiana CPA Society Educational Foundation gifts three $2,000 scholarships to lower accounting tuition for student members. One scholarship is reserved solely for majors attending Ball State University’s AACSB-accredited Miller College of Business. The merit-based program seeks ambitious academic achievers with potential in accounting and finance careers. Before April 29th, applications should be submitted with a transcript, personal statement, and endorsee signature.
Eligibility:
• Attend any public, four-year college or university in Indiana
• Declare an undergraduate major or BBA concentration in accounting
• Have completed four semesters of coursework for junior standing
• Aspire to become a Certified Public Accountant
3. Indiana Engineering Scholarships
Based in Indianapolis, the Indiana Society of Professional Engineers offers two $1,000 scholarships annually to remember the work of Clarence C. Clarke, P.E. and Lloyd Hickerson. The merit-based funds support Hoosiers pursuing diverse careers in chemical, civil, electrical, mechanical, computer, and systems engineering. Applications are due on May 1st with two faculty letters of recommendation. Please note that legal dependents of ISPE committee members can’t apply.
Eligibility:
• Be legal residents of the State of Indiana
• Attend an EAC/ABET-accredited engineering school in-state
• Have accrued at least 60 credits for junior or senior standing
• Actively participate in extracurricular professional activities
4. AAF-Greater Evansville Scholarship Award
The Greater Evansville Chapter of the American Advertising Federation (AAF) has bestowed a $5,000 scholarship annually for the past four decades. Local high school seniors residing in Indiana’s Vanderburgh, Warrick, Posey, Gibson, and Pike counties or select Illinois and Kentucky regions could apply. Until March 23rd, applications can be submitted to Princeton, Indiana, with a one-page essay describing candidates’ media aspirations.
Eligibility:
• Matriculate full-time with 12+ credits at accredited colleges
• Choose majors in advertising, marketing, graphic design, or public relations
• Excel academically with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better
• Display creative promise for the local advertising community
5. Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program
Started in 1998, the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program is an Indianapolis-based philanthropic effort to improve Indiana’s educational attainment rate. The Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI) administers the full-tuition scholarships with a $900 allowance to cover textbooks and supplies. Over 30 schools participate in the program, including Indiana Tech, Valparaiso, Notre Dame, DePauw, and Butler. Applications are generally due in late August.
Eligibility:
• Permanently reside in one of Indiana’s 92 counties
• Rank in the upper 20 percent of their high school graduating class
• Pursue full-time baccalaureate study at in-state, HLC-accredited schools
• Exhibit extracurricular, work, or volunteer experience
6. Networks Scholarship
At Indiana State University in Terre Haute, the Networks Scholarship waives full in-state tuition and provides a $3,000 stipend for eight outstanding scholars yearly. Administered by the Networks Financial Institute, the program is suited for undergraduate majors in the Scott College of Business. Incoming freshmen must apply before the December 15th deadline. Recipients must participate in at least one financial services internship.
Eligibility:
• Enroll full-time at ISU with 30 credits per academic year
• Present a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher
• Rank in the top 15 percent of their high school class
• Achieve a minimum composite SAT score of 1070 or ACT score of 23
7. Rural Health Scholarship
Another of the full-tuition options at Indiana State University is the Rural Health Scholarship, which is awarded to 10 deserving undergraduates each year. It’s designed for residents of rural Indiana towns who are working in earnest for admission to the Indiana University School of Medicine. Aspiring primary care physicians preparing for the MCAT exam must apply before December 15th. Award stipulations include attending the Mini-Medical School and completing 100+ hours of shadowing experience.
Eligibility:
• Hold a “Core 40” or other college-prep high school diploma
• Possess an overall GPA of 3.5 or better
• Score at least 1270 on the SAT or 27 on the ACT
• Intend to provide healthcare in their rural hometowns
8. 21st Century Scholarship
The Indiana Commission for Higher Education (CHE) created the 21st Century Scholarship to cover four years of undergraduate tuition and standard on-campus housing. High schoolers must successfully follow the step-by-step ScholarTrack to qualify. Funds are available only at participating public schools, including Ball State, Indiana State, Ivy Tech, and Purdue. Applications are due on the March 1st before students’ first Fall semester.
Eligibility:
• Be United States citizens, nationals, or resident aliens
• Finish Indiana’s “Core 40” diploma with academic or technical honors
• Have exemplary records with a 3.75 GPA or higher
• Present official test scores with a 1270 SAT or 26 ACT score
9. Frank O’Bannon Grant
Ranging from $700 to $7,400, the Frank O’Bannon Grant is a need-based award given by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education (CHE) annually. Its purpose is to support Hoosiers attending eligible in-state public and private universities in completing at least 24 credits with a minimum 3.0 GPA each year. Interested students can send an application with their FAFSA form before the March 10th deadline.
Eligibility:
• Be legal Indiana resident by December 31st of the previous year
• Hold a state-approved high school diploma or GED certificate
• Enroll full-time for their first associate or bachelor’s degree
• Demonstrate financial need with an EFC below $5,501
10. Hammond Tri Kappa Scholarships
Established in 1901, Tri Kappa is a philanthropic organization with 8,250 members across Indiana working to raise $1.5 million yearly for charity, culture, and education. The Hammond Chapter has five distinct scholarships open to local students through March 30th. For example, the Key Scholarship helps non-traditional students who have experienced an interruption in education for at least five years. The Fine Arts Scholarship focuses on undergrads studying dance, drama, visual art, or music.
Eligibility:
• Be United States citizens living in Hammond, Indiana
• Graduate from an area high school with good standing
• Matriculate full-time at accredited junior or senior colleges this Fall
11. William A. Crawford Minority Teacher Scholarship
The Indiana Commission for Higher Education (CHE) manages the William A. Crawford Minority Teacher Scholarship to diversify the leadership in Hoosier State classrooms. African American and Hispanic students declaring elementary, secondary, or special education majors/minors could receive the $4,000 award. Qualified applicants will be considered until the September 4th deadline. Also consider the Earline S. Rogers Student Teaching Stipend for Minorities.
Eligibility:
• Enroll as full-time undergraduates at eligible Indiana institutions
• Pursue an accredited course of study for teaching licensure
• Agree to teach for at least three years at in-state, K-12 schools
• Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 throughout
12. Indiana Sheriffs’ Association Scholarship Fund
Annually, the Indiana Sheriffs’ Association Scholarship Fund provides several $500 awards for ISA members or the dependent children of current members. It’s ideal for Indiana college students who are majoring in criminal justice, corrections, homeland security, police science, emergency management, or related fields. Suitable candidates can apply before April 1st by sending a transcript, signed reference letter, list of extracurriculars, and brief essay on personal ambitions.
Eligibility:
• Have graduated from a licensed Indiana high school
• Pursue full-time study (12 hours) at accredited colleges
• Show commitment to a career in law enforcement
• Pass the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or American College Test (ACT)
13. Marian J. Frutiger Memorial Scholarship
The College of Arts and Sciences at Indiana State University houses the $1,000 Marian J. Frutiger Memorial Scholarship to reward students’ artistic talents. It’s named for a 1930 alumnus from Staunton who taught art for decades. Undergraduates or graduates must apply before the spring’s Juried Student Show. Similar funding options include the Jack E. and Virginia Carpenter Bradbury Fine Arts Scholarship or Mark S. Hannig Scholarship.
Eligibility:
• Enroll in ISU’s Department of Art and Design full-time
• Obtain a minimum 3.0 (undergrad) or 3.5 (grad) GPA
• Show interest in art teacher certification for grades PreK-12
14. Linda Craig Memorial Scholarship
From Bankers Life Fieldhouse, the Indiana Pacers Foundation gives back to local youth by providing the Linda Craig Memorial Scholarship for $2,000. Created by the NBA team’s trainer, the program selects two undergraduates annually who are planning careers in medicine, sports medicine, exercise science, or physical therapy. Preference is given to juniors and seniors. Funding will be applied directly to recipients’ tuition bills after the March 1st deadline.
Eligibility:
• Currently enroll full-time at any Indiana college or university
• Have finished at least one semester with a minimum 3.0 GPA
• Show outstanding character through leadership activity
• Not be receiving full scholarships from other organizations
15. SMRP Indiana Chapter Scholarship
Valued at $1,000, the Indiana Chapter of Society for Maintenance & Reliability Professionals awards one annual scholarship to local residents. Being a dues-paying member isn’t required, but students must exhibit genuine dedication to the physical asset management field. Applications sent before December 31st are evaluated based on academic transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and one 300-word essay about the SMRP’s five pillars.
Eligibility:
• Permanently reside in Indiana or attend an accredited Indiana college
• Pursue undergraduate study in any engineering or maintenance-related major
• Be actively involved in M&R clubs and work experiences
• Maintain good academic standing with a minimum 2.0 GPA
The 2010 Census reported only 33.2 percent of Indiana’s 3.4 million working-age adults hold at least an associate degree. Many citizens feel held back from higher education because the average tuition cost is $7,969 in-state and $22,375 out-of-state yearly. Attending private, nonprofit colleges can seem even further out of reach. For instance, Earlham College in Richmond charges $44,820 for annual tuition. Financial aid goes a long way to reduce the heavy burden though. Along with these 15 scholarships for Indiana, there are grants, loans, and the EARN Indiana program available.
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