Iowa National Guard Service Scholarship: A Comprehensive Guide
The Iowa National Guard Service Scholarship (INGSS) is a valuable state-funded program designed to support the educational goals of members of the Iowa Army and Air National Guard. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the INGSS, including eligibility requirements, application procedures, award details, and important considerations for prospective applicants.
Overview of INGSS
INGSS is a state-funded program that pays schools directly for the cost of tuition for members of the Iowa Army and Air National Guard. The amount received will be determined each year based on annual appropriation by the Iowa state legislature. Based on annual appropriation by the Iowa state legislature, INGSS normally pays 100% of your tuition cost for classes between August and May. INGSS does not cover summer courses. INGSS does not pay fees.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the Iowa National Guard Service Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Iowa Residency: Applicants must be residents of Iowa.
- National Guard Membership: Applicants must be an active member of an Iowa Army or Air National Guard unit for each term they receive benefits.
- Guard Training and Duty: Applicants must satisfactorily complete required Guard training and maintain satisfactory performance of Guard duty.
- Federal Tuition Assistance: Applicants must apply for Federal Tuition Assistance for all courses (until the fiscal fund or credit cap is exhausted; Air Guard members not eligible for Federal Tuition Assistance are exempt).
- Academic Pursuit: Applicants must pursue a certificate, undergraduate degree, or STEM master’s degree at an eligible Iowa college or university. Students with Bachelor of Arts (BA) degrees are not eligible to pursue a second BA degree.
- Academic Progress: Applicants must maintain satisfactory academic progress.
A qualified individual cannot receive an Iowa National Guard Service Scholarship award for more than 120 semester credit hours or the equivalent (effective July 1, 2015) of undergraduate study, or 130 credit hours for an approved STEM major. The STEM master’s program is offered based on available funding.
Application Process
The application process for the INGSS involves several key steps:
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- FAFSA Submission: Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is required to be considered for the INGSS. Financial analysis is required.
- Application Deadlines: Adhere to the application deadlines. The deadline to apply for INGSS is generally July 1 for the fall semester and December 1 for the spring semester. July 1 is the Fall priority deadline and December 1 is the Spring priority deadline.
- Online Roster: When your application for INGSS is approved your name will appear on an online roster that we have access to in the Veterans Services Office or Student Financial Services.
Award Details
The Iowa Adjutant General determines eligibility and award amounts annually. The Iowa National Guard Service Scholarship provides annual awards to Iowa National Guard members who attend eligible Iowa colleges and universities. Maximum individual awards cannot exceed the current maximum resident tuition rate at Iowa Regent Universities.
The statutory maximum is established annually by the Iowa Adjutant General. The maximum award for the 2024-25 academic year has been set to $9,034 or the tuition rate charged to the recipient, whichever is lower.
Important Considerations
- INGSS and Other Aid: If the INGSS award results in a credit balance on your WITCC account (example - you are receiving other Federal or State and INGSS) the INGSS funds will be refunded to you in accordance with WITCC refund policy. Generally refunds are disbursed approximately 30 days into the semester and every Wednesday thereafter.
- Credit Hour Adjustments: If you reduce the number of credit hours you are registered for within the drop period, INGSS will be adjusted. If you received a refund of INGSS funds it may result in a balance due to Western Iowa Tech.
- Exclusions: The Iowa National Guard Service Scholarship does not cover summer courses and does not pay fees.
Additional Resources
To learn more about the Iowa National Guard Service Scholarship and its requirements, consider exploring the following resources:
- TuitionHero.org: This platform offers information and resources for finding scholarships, including the INGSS.
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