Top Scholarships in Indiana: Designed to Pay for College

In the land of the Hoosiers, you’ll hear the bounce of basketballs, the thrum of racecars, and the churning of gears in factories. Indiana is a state known for its innovation and grit, and its universities embody these values perfectly. For students looking to attend one of the state’s hallowed colleges, the biggest barrier they’ll face is affording the tuition costs.

Colleges in Indiana can range anywhere from $7,824 for in-state tuition and up to $22,032 for out-of-state students. Tack on housing, textbook, and transportation costs, and you’re looking at a price upwards of $50,000. Don’t worry, though; we’ve compiled a list of the web’s best Indiana scholarships to ensure you’re able to attend college without looming debt.

In this article, we’ll explore the top scholarships in Indiana that you can apply to today. But we won’t stop there! Look forward to tips on finding and applying for scholarships, information on alternative forms of financial aid like loans, and a list of the Indiana colleges with the best financial aid!

At Scholarship Institute, we’ve got you covered with our scholarship lists categorized by demographics, academic year, and state!

Scholarships for Specific Student Groups

Scholarships for Community College Students

Community college students have access to scholarships like the Frank O’Bannon Grant. This grant supports Indiana residents pursuing higher education at two-year institutions. The program considers financial need and academic performance, helping students cover tuition costs as they prepare to transfer to four-year colleges or enter the workforce.

Scholarships for Graduate Students

Grad students can secure generous scholarships, including full-tuition awards. Many universities offer these scholarships to attract talented individuals pursuing advanced degrees. Fields such as education, STEM, and healthcare often provide competitive merit scholarships, enabling students to focus on their studies without financial strain.

Scholarships for International Students

International students can qualify for scholarships like Indiana State University’s International Scholar Award. These scholarships recognize academic achievement and ease the financial burden of studying in the U.S., making higher education more accessible for students from around the globe.

Scholarships for Indiana Residents

Indiana residents benefit from programs like the 21st Century Scholars program, which helps students from low-income families afford college. Participants commit to academic and citizenship goals during high school, earning tuition assistance upon enrollment in Indiana colleges or universities.

Finding Scholarships

There are many resources to help you find Indiana scholarships, and we’ve ranked the best methods according to your needs!

1. Scholarship Search Engines

Many online organizations provide powerful search engines and scholarship databases curated towards specific demographics, academic years, and states. We’ve ranked the best ones right here, and our top pick is Bold.org for their exclusive scholarships and funding unique to their platform.

2. School Resources

If you’re already enrolled in college, you can check with your school’s financial aid office to learn about region and school-specific opportunities. If you’re still in high school, make sure to check with your guidance or college counselor about ways you can afford college. Some high schools might even have their own scholarship opportunities to support their graduating seniors.

Example: The Branch is a platform at Indiana State University that allows students to search for scholarships, complete applications, and track their scholarships and awards.

If you’re a high school senior, you’ll definitely want to check out these scholarships for high school seniors!

3. Local Organizations

Indiana is home to several local organizations offering scholarships to support students in their educational pursuits:

• Central Indiana Community Foundation (CICF): provides various scholarships for students pursuing college, vocational, or trade school education. Notable opportunities include the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship, which covers full tuition, fees, a stipend for books, and general scholarships available for diverse educational goals.
• Orange County Community Foundation (OCCF): supports students through traditional and non-traditional scholarships. Their funds are created by local donors and focus on fostering academic and community success​.
• Indianapolis Foundation: A leading philanthropic organization which provides scholarships and grants to foster education, community development, and social impact throughout Marion County.
• Hamilton County Community Foundation: ​Dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Hamilton County, this foundation offers scholarships and community grants that support educational and local initiatives to empower individuals and communities.

4. State Organizations

The state of Indiana has many well-funded programs which directly support students of all demographics in Indiana. Here are some of our top picks:

• Learn More Indiana: This website offers an exclusive list of state-sponsored and private-sponsored scholarships. Some of the biggest scholarships in Indiana can be found here, such as the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship, which offers $10,000 annually for up to four years.
• Indiana Commission for Higher Education: This is a page on the official government website for Indiana. Many of the scholarships found here can also be found on Learn More Indiana, but if you’re looking specifically for state-sponsored opportunities, this website is the best place to look.

Tips for Applying to Scholarships

• Research Eligibility: Make sure to research the eligibility requirements and application process for each scholarship. The worst mistake you can make is spending time and effort on an application for a scholarship you aren’t eligible for.
• Ask Questions: Don’t be afraid to reach out to the scholarship provider if you have questions. Oftentimes, scholarship providers will take note of your interest and this may boost your chances.
• Apply, Apply, Apply: Apply for as many scholarships as you’re eligible for to increase your chances of winning. Scholarships typically don’t have any application fee, so it doesn’t hurt to try.
• Get Specific: You’ll have a better chance of winning a scholarship catered toward a specific demographic. If you qualify, you’ll be competing against a smaller applicant pool, make your application more likely to stand out. For example, if you’re a woman studying a STEM subject, you’ll want to check out these women in STEM scholarships!
• Small Ones Matter: Don’t skip over smaller scholarships – they can add up and make a big difference in your financial aid package.

Check out our list of the top middle-class scholarships to apply for!

Federal Student Aid and Financial Aid Options

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an essential tool for securing financial assistance for college. Each year, more than 21 million students use the FAFSA to apply for grants, work-study opportunities, and low-interest loans, which collectively distribute over $120 billion annually.

The 2024-2025 FAFSA has introduced streamlined features, reducing the number of questions for many applicants and making it more accessible. These updates aim to assist an estimated 610,000 additional students in qualifying for Federal Pell Grants, including those eligible for the maximum award​.

Indiana students can enhance their financial aid prospects with state-based programs like the Employment Aid Readiness Network (EARN), which offers financial support while fostering career development. Additionally, students should explore private scholarships provided by local businesses and organizations.

Colleges and universities also play a crucial role in funding education through institutional scholarships and grants. Many schools automatically consider students for these awards upon FAFSA submission, making it a vital step in the financial aid process. For detailed information on FAFSA and state-specific opportunities, visit StudentAid.gov​.

Managing College Loan Debt

Indiana residents collectively owe $29.7 billion in federal student loan debt, with the average borrower carrying $33,270 in loans. Scholarships and grants offer a vital pathway to reduce reliance on loans, enabling students to graduate with less debt. Indiana-based opportunities, such as the 21st Century Scholars program and regional community scholarships, can make a meaningful impact on affordability.

Loan Repayment & Forgiveness

For students who have already borrowed, exploring federal income-driven repayment (IDR) plans can help manage monthly payments. IDR plans, like Revised Pay As You Earn (REPAYE) and Income-Based Repayment (IBR), adjust payments based on income and family size, often making them more affordable.

Borrowers may also qualify for loan forgiveness programs, such as Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), which cancels remaining debt after 10 years of qualifying payments for those in public service careers.

Thinking Carefully About Loans

Considering the long-term implications of student loan debt is essential. While loans can provide access to education, they represent a future financial obligation. Borrowers should carefully evaluate interest rates, repayment terms, and total costs before taking out loans. Proactively planning and leveraging available resources can ensure manageable debt levels and financial stability post-graduation.

Oftentimes, its financially independent adults who need to take out loans because their parents are less likely to cover their tuition costs. Avoid unnecessary loans with these scholarships for adults over 25!

Best Colleges in Indiana for Financial Aid

Indiana is home to several colleges that excel in providing financial aid, ensuring affordability for students from various backgrounds. Here’s a breakdown of some top schools and their scholarship opportunities:

1. Indiana University Bloomington (IU Bloomington)

In-State Tuition: $12,142

Out-of-State Tuition: $41,890

IU Bloomington offers scholarships like the Hudson and Holland Scholar’s Program, which provides up to $7,000 annually based on academic merit and serves 2,000+ students. Successful applicants must embody the university’s core values, and priority will be given to applicants from underrepresented communities.

2. Purdue University

In-State Tuition: $9,992

Out-of-State Tuition: $28,794

Purdue provides the Trustees Scholarship (up to $16,000 per year) and President’s Scholarship (up to $10,000 annually) for top-performing students. The Purdue Promise program assists low-income students, including those in the 21st Century Scholars program.

3. University of Notre Dame

Tuition: $65,025

Notre Dame offers generous need-based financial aid, with 68% of students receiving grants or scholarships. High-achieving students can qualify for merit-based awards like the Hesburgh-Yusko Scholarship.​

4. Butler University

Tuition: $46,570

Butler’s financial aid includes the Academic Scholarship Program, awarding up to $21,000 annually based on GPA and test scores, and specialized scholarships for leadership and community engagement.

These schools also participate in state programs such as the Frank O’Bannon Grant and the 21st Century Scholars program, which significantly reduce costs for eligible Indiana residents. Students are encouraged to apply early and complete the FAFSA to maximize aid opportunities.

Discover more of our top-ranked school in our Scholarship Institute blog!

Frequently Asked Questions About Scholarships in Indiana

1. What Full-Ride Scholarships Are Available in Indiana?

Full-ride scholarships in Indiana include the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship, which covers full tuition, fees, and a book stipend for Indiana residents attending an in-state college. Additionally, universities like Purdue and Notre Dame offer competitive merit-based scholarships, such as the Stamps Scholarship at Purdue, which provides full tuition and additional benefits for leadership and academic excellence.

2. What is the Best Month to Apply for Scholarships?

The best month to apply for scholarships is typically November, as many applications open in the fall and have deadlines between December and February. Early applications allow students to meet institutional deadlines and qualify for priority financial aid consideration through the FAFSA.

3. What is the Easiest Scholarship to Apply For?

No-essay scholarships, such as the Be Bold No-Essay Scholarship, are among the easiest to apply for as they often require minimal effort beyond registration. These scholarships are ideal for students looking to boost their financial aid with less intensive application processes.

Browse our blog now to learn more about scholarship applications, tips for scholarship essays, and more.