Financial Aid in Indiana (2026–27)
Your FAFSA deadline, Indiana's grant programs, and how to get every dollar you qualify for: federal, state, and scholarships.
Indiana FAFSA deadline for state aid
Frank O'Bannon Grant and 21st Century Scholarship: April 15, 2026. Adult Student Grant and Workforce Ready Grant: as soon as possible (funds are limited).
The FAFSA for 2026–27 opened October 1, 2025; the federal deadline is June 30, 2027. State and school funds often run out well before deadlines, so file early either way.
Not sure what you'll get? Estimate your federal aid in 2 minutes
Indiana grant programs
Frank O'Bannon Grant
Indiana's primary need-based grant for residents attending eligible public or private colleges in-state.
21st Century Scholars
Covers up to full tuition at Indiana public colleges for students who enrolled in the program in middle school.
Administered by Indiana Commission for Higher Education. Filing the FAFSA is how you're considered for most state programs.
Scholarships for Indiana students
Grants and federal aid have income cutoffs. Scholarships don't, and they stack on top of everything above. Award Scholar matches Indianastudents with scholarships they actually qualify for (including state-specific awards) and writes the application essays. It's free.
Common questions
When is the FAFSA deadline in Indiana?
For 2026–27 state aid: Frank O'Bannon Grant and 21st Century Scholarship: April 15, 2026. Adult Student Grant and Workforce Ready Grant: as soon as possible (funds are limited). The federal FAFSA deadline is June 30, 2027, but state and school money often runs out far earlier, so file as soon as you can.
What grants does Indiana offer?
Frank O'Bannon Grant: Indiana's primary need-based grant for residents attending eligible public or private colleges in-state. 21st Century Scholars: Covers up to full tuition at Indiana public colleges for students who enrolled in the program in middle school. You're considered for most of these automatically when you file the FAFSA as a Indiana resident.
How do I apply for financial aid in Indiana?
File the FAFSA at studentaid.gov. It covers federal aid (Pell Grants, loans, work-study) and is how Indiana Commission for Higher Education determines state awards. Then apply to scholarships separately; they stack on top of everything else.