Nearly every Western Iowa Tech student receives some type of financial aid, and every student’s financial aid award package is different.

Your financial aid options will depend on your family’s income, the academic or career program you choose, and other eligibility criteria. Here’s what you might see or hear about as you apply to Western Iowa Tech.

Most of your financial aid will come from the U.S. Department of Education and various state of Iowa organizations. If you don’t live in Iowa, we can direct you to your state’s student financial aid office for similar programs.

Federal: StudentAid.gov
State: Educate.Iowa.gov

Grants and Scholarships

Everyone loves free money! The grants and scholarships in your financial aid package are funds that don’t need to be repaid, even after you graduate. However, if you decide to withdraw from classes before the end of a semester, you may be required to pay back certain grants.

Western Iowa Tech Scholarships

Many donors, businesses, and foundations have given money to make scholarships available to you. You can use most scholarships for tuition/fees, books, and college room/board. You’ll apply for Western Iowa Tech scholarships after you submit your FAFSA.

View Western Iowa Tech Scholarships

Pell Grants

Pell grants are awarded by the U.S. Department of Education. These are typically given to students who have exceptional financial need and have not yet earned a degree. A Pell grant, unlike a loan, does not have to be repaid, except under certain circumstances.

More about Pell grants

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)

FSEOG is a grant for students with exceptional financial need. This system works differently from the Federal Pell Grant Program, which provides funds to every eligible student. The FSEOG program is administered directly by the financial aid office at Western Iowa Tech.

More about FSEOG awards

Future Ready Iowa Last-Dollar Scholarship

This state fund focuses on degrees and diplomas aligned with high-demand jobs. It covers any costs remaining after you receive other federal and state grants or scholarships. It’s available to Iowans who are new Iowa high school graduates starting college full-time and adult learners starting college at least part-time.

The academic and training programs may change from year to year. Check with your advisor or look for "FREE TUITION" on the Western Iowa Tech program pages.

Read more

Other Tuition Grants for Iowa Students

Also called the Iowa Skilled Workforce Shortage Tuition Grant, the Kibbie Grant is for Iowa residents enrolled in specific career or technical education programs. This award pays for 50% of your tuition and other fees for up to two years.

The specific programs may change occasionally, so check with your guidance counselor, advisor, or the WITCC Student Financial Resources offices for the latest list.

Read more:

Iowa residents enrolled in career or technical education programs at Iowa community colleges may be eligible to receive this grant. The maximum award is $1,200 per year for up to two years of education. Part-time students may be eligible for adjusted amounts.

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This program provides tuition support for eligible Iowans interested in credit or non-credit certificate programs not covered by federal financial aid.

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The All Iowa Opportunity Scholarship (AIOS) is a scholarship for Iowa students who:

  • Eligible foster care students
  • Are adopted from Iowa's foster care system after age 16
  • Are children of deceased public safety workers
  • Participated in certain federal TRIO programs
  • Graduated from alternative high schools/programs
  • Participated in a Federal GEAR UP Grant program in Iowa

Read more:

The Iowa National Guard Service Scholarship provides annual awards to Iowa National Guard members who attend eligible Iowa colleges and universities. The scholarship will pay 100 percent of WITCC tuition cost up to an annual maximum amount as set by Iowa National Guard officials.

Read more:

Student Loans

You can borrow money to pay for college costs that aren’t covered by grants, scholarships, or work-study. You can choose a federal student loan or an “alternative loan” from a private lender.

The Student Financial Services team at Western Iowa Tech can help you decide if a loan is right for you and calculate what your repayment plan might be.

Federal Direct Loans

The most common (and recommended) option is a direct loan from the federal government. This means the U.S. Department of Education is your lender (rather than a private lender like a bank). Several types of direct loans are available for you or your parents.

    You might qualify for a direct subsidized loan if you demonstrate financial need to attend a community college like WITCC. With a subsidized loan, you won’t be charged interest while you’re enrolled in school or during your six-month grace period after you graduate.

    A direct unsubsidized loan is an option for students who don’t demonstrate financial need. If you take out an unsubsidized loan, you’ll start making payments six months after you graduate - but your interest charges will kick in as soon as you receive your funds.

    In the past, this was referred to as a ‘Stafford Loan.’” The name “Stafford” is no longer part of the official loan program.

    Read more:

    This type of direct loan is available for parents of dependent undergraduate students. Your family doesn’t need to show financial need to be eligible for a Direct PLUS loan. However, a credit check is required – if your family has an adverse credit history, you’ll have to meet some additional requirements before you can borrow money.

    More about PLUS loans:

    If you wind up taking out more than one federal student loan to pay for college, you can combine them into a consolidated loan for a lower monthly payment amount or to qualify for a federal loan forgiveness program.

    There’s no application fee to consolidate your student loans, but there may be a few drawbacks so be sure to read through the advantages and disadvantages carefully before you decide.

    More about consolidation loans:

    Repaying Your Federal Student Loan

    If you borrow money through a federal student loan program, you won’t need to make any loan payments until 6 months after you graduate or leave school. It’s called a “grace period,” and it can make a big difference in your educational and financial future.

    Federal Loan Repayment Information

    Private Loans

    You can also choose to take out a loan from a private lender, like a bank, credit union, or a nonprofit corporation like ISL Education Lending. These are not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Western Iowa Tech.

    Western Iowa Tech requires students to use all federal grant and direct loan options before considering a private student loan. Western Iowa Tech does not offer a preferred lender list, and it is the student's responsibility to find a lender of their choice. Western Iowa Tech does not recommend private loans when federal aid options are available.

    State Aid Questions and Concerns