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Freshman Scholarships

View scholarship opportunities and eligibility requirements for scholarships available to freshmen at Indiana State University. Our Scholarship Office will assist you in your search for available scholarships and other resources to help pay for college.

Rules for Freshman Scholarships for 2025-26

Entering freshmen who plan to enroll as full-time, on-campus students each semester (minimum of 12 credits) are eligible to apply for most freshman scholarships. Online-only, transfer, and returning Indiana State University students are not eligible for these scholarship opportunities. To receive first consideration for many freshman scholarships, students must be admitted to Indiana State University by December 1.

About the Textbook Scholarships

To qualify for Indiana State’s textbook scholarships for the 2025-26 academic year, students must be new freshmen enrolled full-time, taking a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester.

The scholarships are designed to help students save money on textbooks so they can be fully prepared for classes. They must be used at the Indiana State University Barnes & Noble Bookstore, and they are specifically for textbooks. The scholarships may not be used for clothing or other school supplies.

How to Access the Textbook Scholarships

Beginning August 1, you will have a spending balance at Indiana State’s Barnes & Noble Bookstore. Fall spending for textbook scholarships closes December 1. If you have a balance on your account in the fall, after purchasing your textbooks, that balance will roll over to the spring semester. All of your textbook scholarship money for the academic year must be spent by April 1. There are no refunds.

To use your textbook scholarship, visit the Bookstore, use your course schedule to select your textbooks, tell the cashier you are a textbook scholarship recipient (a 21st Century Textbook Award recipient or a Child of Alumni Textbook Award recipient, for example), and present your University ID. The cashier will verify the available funds and apply the award to your purchase.

Visit the Barnes & Noble Bookstore

If you have questions, contact the University Scholarship Office at 1-800-GO-TO-ISU or email scholarships@indstate.edu.

Competitive Scholarships

2025-2026 President's Scholarship Information:

  • Valued at full in-state tuition and traditional housing and food
  • Eighteen (18) awards available
  • Renewable for up to three additional years
  • Admission deadline: December 1
  • Requirements (listed below) must be satisfied by December 1.
  • Open to Indiana and out-of-state residents
  • Not open to international, online-only, or returning ISU students
  • All incoming freshmen who are admitted to the University by December 1 and meet the criteria listed below will be eligible to apply.
  • To be awarded this scholarship, students must be entering ISU fall semester.
  • Scholarship application must be submitted by December 15th

To be considered, candidates must have a combination of two of the following three:

  • A cumulative grade point average of at least 3.8 on a 4.0 scale
  • A 1270 SAT (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and Math) or 27 ACT (composite)
  • Ranking in the top 10% of the senior class

To view the rules and regulations governing this scholarship, see rules and regulations.

To apply for admission to Indiana State University, see apply.

 

Note on combining scholarships: Students who qualify for the President's Scholarship may qualify for other awards.

2025-2026 Combining Information:

No combination of Indiana State University awards/scholarships can exceed the cost of attendance for an academic year. However, if a student qualifies for additional awards/scholarships, the competitive President's Scholarship can be combined/stacked with the following:

  • Child of Alumni Textbook Scholarship
  • Illinois Student Scholarship
  • Incentive Scholarship
  • Kentucky Student Scholarship
  • Midwest Achievement Scholarship
  • Midwest Consortium Scholarship
  • Ohio Student Scholarship

Note: Students who qualify for one or more Admission-Based awards/scholarships will be notified automatically with their admission award letter or shortly thereafter.

2025-2026 University Honors Scholarship Information:

  • Valued at full in-state tuition
  • Thirty (30) awards available
  • Renewable for up to three additional years
  • Admission deadline: December 1
  • Requirements (listed below) must be satisfied by December 1.
  • Open to Indiana and out-of-state residents
  • Not open to international, online-only, or returning ISU students
  • All incoming freshmen who are admitted to the University by December 1 and meet the criteria listed below will be eligible to apply.
  • To be awarded this scholarship, students must be entering ISU fall semester.
  • Scholarship application must be submitted by December 15th

To be considered, candidates must have a combination of two of the following three:

  • A cumulative grade point average of at least 3.8 on a 4.0 scale
  • A 1270 SAT (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and Math) or 27 ACT (composite)
  • Ranking in the top 10% of the senior class.

To view the rules and regulations governing this scholarship, see rules and regulations.

To apply for admission to Indiana State University, see apply.

Note on combining scholarships: Students who qualify for the University Honors Scholarship may qualify for other awards. 

2025-2026 Combining Information:

No combination of Indiana State University awards/scholarships can exceed the cost of attendance for an academic year. However, if a student qualifies for additional awards/scholarships, the competitive University Honors Scholarship can be combined/stacked with the following:

  • Child of Alumni Textbook Scholarship
  • Creative and Performing Arts Award
  • Illinois Student Scholarship
  • Incentive Scholarship
  • Kentucky Student Scholarship
  • Midwest Achievement Scholarship
  • Midwest Consortium Scholarship
  • Ohio Student Scholarship
  • 21st Century Scholars Textbook Scholarship

Note: Students who qualify for one or more Admission-Based awards/scholarships will be notified automatically with their admission award letter or shortly thereafter.

Warren M. Anderson was a graduate of Indiana State Normal School, majoring in education. Anderson, who had the highest grade point average among varsity athletes, was awarded the Hines Medal in 1926. He went on to serve as principal of Gary Roosevelt High School in Gary, Indiana and served as the first African American member of the Indiana Board of Education.

Indiana State University is dedicated to teaching and the creation of knowledge while maintaining its longstanding commitment to inclusiveness, community and public service, and access to higher education.

This scholarship serves to promote cultural and intellectual diversity, while student's involvement in the program will help to enhance the learning environment through increased engagement and academic excellence.

2025-2026 Warren M. Anderson Scholarship Information:

  • Full in-state tuition
  • Ten awards available
  • Renewable for up to three additional years
  • Admission deadline: February 1
  • Requirements (listed below) must be satisfied by February 1.
  • Open to Indiana and out-of-state residents
  • Not open to international, online-only, or returning ISU students
  • All incoming freshmen who are admitted to the University by February 1 and meet the criteria listed below will be eligible to apply for this scholarship.
  • Scholarship application must be submitted by February 15. Application opens December 1.
  • To be awarded this scholarship, students must be entering ISU fall semester.

For consideration, candidates must have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale. Candidates must also have completed the FAFSA.

To view the rules and regulations governing this scholarship, see rules and regulations.

It is to the candidate's advantage to be admitted early because this scholarship is limited in number and awarded on a rolling basis.

To apply for admission to Indiana State University, see apply.

Note on combining scholarships: Students who qualify for the Warren M. Anderson Scholarship may qualify for other awards.

2025-2026 Combining Information:

No combination of Indiana State University awards/scholarships can exceed the cost of attendance for an academic year. However, if a student qualifies for additional awards/scholarships, the competitive Warren M. Anderson Scholarship can be combined/stacked with the following:

  • Child of Alumni Textbook Scholarship
  • Creative and Performing Arts Award
  • Illinois Student Scholarship
  • Incentive Scholarship
  • Kentucky Student Scholarship
  • Midwest Achievement Scholarship
  • Midwest Consortium Scholarship
  • Ohio Student Scholarship
  • 21st Century Scholars Housing Scholarship
  • 21st Century Scholars Textbook Scholarship

Note: Students who qualify for one or more Admission-Based awards/scholarships will be notified automatically with their admission award letter or shortly thereafter.

2025-2026 Center for Leadership Development Scholarship Information:

  • Full in-state tuition
  • Two scholarships awarded each year
  • Renewable for up to three additional years
  • Admission deadline: February 1
  • Requirements (listed below) must be satisfied by February 1.
  • Students must be current participants in the Center for Leadership Development Program, Indianapolis
  • Open to Indiana residents only
  • To be awarded this scholarship, students must be entering ISU fall semester.

To be considered for this scholarship, candidates must successfully complete the Center for Leadership Development Program. Students should be involved in community service.

Candidates must be admitted to ISU and have a cumulative high school grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

To view the rules and regulations governing this scholarship, see rules and regulations.

To apply for admission to Indiana State University, see apply.

Note on combining scholarships: Students who qualify for the Center for Leadership Development Scholarship may qualify for other awards. 

2025-2026 Combining Information:

No combination of Indiana State University awards/scholarships can exceed the cost of attendance for an academic year. However, if a student qualifies for additional awards/scholarships, the competitive Center for Leadership Development Scholarship can be combined/stacked with the following:

  • Child of Alumni Textbook Scholarship
  • Creative and Performing Arts Award
  • 21st Century Scholars Housing Scholarship
  • 21st Century Scholars Textbook Scholarship

Note: Students who qualify for one or more Admission-Based awards/scholarships will be notified automatically with their admission award letter or shortly thereafter

2025-2026 Rural Health Scholarship Information:

  • Full in-state tuition
  • Ten (10) awards available
  • Renewable for up to three additional years
  • Open to Indiana and Illinois residents only
  • Admission deadline: December 1
  • Requirements (listed below) must be satisfied by December 1.
  • Scholarship application must be submitted by December 15. Application opens October 1.
  • To be awarded this scholarship, students must be entering ISU fall semester.

Indiana State University, in partnership with Indiana University School of Medicine, offers a unique scholarship opportunity designed specifically for applicants who have a strong interest in providing care to family and friends in rural Indiana and Illinois, specifically as a primary care physician. This program is not designed for students interested in becoming nurses, physicians' assistants, or any other allied health occupation.

For consideration for this award, candidates must have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, a 1270 SAT (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and Math) or a 27 ACT, and reside in rural Indiana or Illinois. Student evaluation will focus on the test scores, high school GPA, rural background, and interest in rural medicine. Preference is given to Indiana residents.

Selection is highly competitive and based upon academic and personal accomplishments, as well as performance in a winter interview competition. Admission to Indiana University School of Medicine requires students to successfully complete the undergraduate program at Indiana State with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.5 and a score on the MCAT equal to the mean score of the previous year's entering class.

To view the rules and regulations governing this scholarship, see rules and regulations.

To apply for admission to Indiana State University, see apply.

Note on combining scholarships: Students who qualify for the Rural Health Scholarship may qualify for other awards. 

2025-2026 Combining Information:

No combination of Indiana State University awards/scholarships can exceed the cost of attendance for an academic year. However, if a student qualifies for additional awards/scholarships, the competitive Rural Health Scholarship can be combined/stacked with the following:

  • Child of Alumni Textbook Scholarship
  • Creative and Performing Arts Award
  • 21st Century Scholars Housing Scholarship
  • 21st Century Scholars Textbook Scholarship

Note: Students who qualify for one or more Admission-Based awards/scholarships will be notified automatically with their admission award letter or shortly thereafter.

2025-2026 Networks Scholarship Information:

  • $9,000 per year
  • Additional $3,000 professional development account to be utilized over the four years
  • Up to eight scholarships are awarded each year.
  • Renewable for up to three additional years
  • Open to Indiana and out-of-state residents
  • Not open to international, online-only, transfer, or returning ISU students
  • Admission deadline: December 1
  • Requirements (listed below) must be satisfied by December 1.
  • Scholarship application must be submitted by December 15. Application opens October 1.
  • To be awarded this scholarship, students must be entering ISU fall semester.

Networks Scholarships are for students in any business major. Students participate in the Networks Professional Development Program. For more information about the financial services industry and career options, as well as the professional development program. Networks Financial Institute.

To be eligible to apply, students must be admitted as an incoming freshmen to Indiana State University. Qualified students must possess one of the following three criteria:

  • A cumulative grade point average of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale
  • An 1140 SAT (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and Math) or 23 ACT
  • Ranking in the top 15% of the senior class

To view the rules and regulations governing this scholarship, see rules and regulations.

To apply for admission to Indiana State University, see apply.

Note on combining scholarships: Students who qualify for the Networks Scholarship may qualify for other awards. 

2025-2026 Combining Information:

No combination of Indiana State University awards/scholarships can exceed the cost of attendance for an academic year. However, if a student qualifies for additional awards/scholarships, the competitive Networks Scholarship can be combined/stacked with the following:

  • Child of Alumni Textbook Scholarship
  • Creative and Performing Arts Award
  • Illinois Students Scholarship
  • Incentive Scholarship
  • Kentucky Student Scholarship
  • Midwest Achievement Scholarship
  • Midwest Consortium Scholarship
  • Ohio Student Scholarship
  • 21st Century Scholars Textbook Scholarship
  • 21st Century Scholars Housing Scholarship

Note: Students who qualify for one or more Admission-Based awards/scholarships will be notified automatically with their admission award letter or shortly thereafter.

2025-2026 Gongaware Scholarship Information:

  • $9,000 per year
  • Additional $3,000 professional development account to be utilized over the four years
  • Up to four awards available
  • Renewable for up to three additional years
  • Open to Indiana and out-of-state residents
  • Not open to international, online-only, or returning ISU students
  • Admission deadline: December 1
  • Requirements (listed below) must be satisfied by December 1.
  • Scholarship application must be submitted by December 15. Application opens October 1.
  • To be awarded this scholarship, students must be entering ISU fall semester.

The Gongaware Scholarship is for students planning to major in insurance and risk management.

To be eligible to apply, students must be admitted as an incoming freshman to Indiana State University. Qualified students must possess one of the following three criteria:

  • A cumulative grade point average of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale
  • An 1140 SAT (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and Math) or 23 ACT
  • Ranking in the top 15% of their senior class

To view the rules and regulations governing this scholarship, see rules and regulations.

Note on combining scholarships: Students who qualify for the Gongaware Scholarship may qualify for other awards. 

2025-2026 Combining Information:

No combination of Indiana State University awards/scholarships can exceed the cost of attendance for an academic year. However, if a student qualifies for additional awards/scholarships, the competitive Gongaware Scholarship can be combined/stacked with the following:

  • Child of Alumni Textbook Scholarship
  • Creative and Performing Arts Award
  • Illinois Students Scholarship
  • Incentive Scholarship
  • Kentucky Student Scholarship
  • Midwest Achievement Scholarship
  • Midwest Consortium Scholarship
  • Ohio Student Scholarship
  • 21st Century Scholars Housing Scholarship
  • 21st Century Scholars Textbook Scholarship

Note: Students who qualify for one or more Admission-Based awards/scholarships will be notified automatically with their admission award letter or shortly thereafter.

2025-2026 Sycamore String Quartet Program Scholarship Information:

  • $9,000 per year
  • Limited to four (4) string players
  • Renewable for up to three additional years
  • Open to music and non-music majors
  • Open to Indiana and out-of-state residents
  • Not open to online-only or returning ISU students
  • Admission deadline: March 1
  • Scholarship application deadline: March 1
  • Audition deadline: March 2
  • To be awarded this award, students must be entering ISU fall semester

For consideration, candidates must have at least a 2.5 cumulative grade point average on a 4.0 scale. Candidates also must submit the general application in The Branch.

The Sycamore String Quartet Program Scholarship will be awarded to four (4) string players of the highest caliber entering as freshmen at Indiana State University.

To view the rules and regulations governing this award, see rules and regulations.

To apply for admission to Indiana State University, see apply.

Note on combining scholarships: Students who qualify for the Sycamore String Quartet Program Scholarship may qualify for other awards.

2025-2026 Combining Information:

No combination of Indiana State University awards/scholarships can exceed the cost of attendance for an academic year. However, if a student qualifies for additional awards/scholarships, the competitive Sycamore String Quartet Program Scholarship can be combined/stacked with the following:

  • Academic Distinction Scholarship
  • Academic Excellence Scholarship
  • Academic Merit Scholarship
  • Child of Alumni Textbook Scholarship
  • Illinois Student Scholarship
  • Incentive Scholarship
  • Kentucky Student Scholarship
  • Midwest Achievement Scholarship
  • Midwest Consortium Scholarship
  • Ohio Student Scholarship
  • 21st Century Scholars Housing Scholarship
  • 21st Century Scholars Textbook Scholarship

Note: Students who qualify for one or more Admission-Based awards/scholarships will be notified automatically with their admission award letter or shortly thereafter.

2025-2026 Creative and Performing Arts Award Information:

  • Minimum $3,000 a year
  • Limited number of awards designated by each department
  • Renewable for up to three additional years
  • Open to Indiana and out-of-state residents
  • Not open to online-only or returning ISU students
  • Admission deadline: March 1
  • Requirements (listed below) must be satisfied by March 1.
  • To be awarded this award, students must be entering ISU fall semester.

For consideration, candidates must have at least a 2.5 cumulative grade point average on a 4.0 scale. Candidates also must submit a separate application through the appropriate performing arts department by March 1 via The Branch. Applications open October 1. An audition, portfolio review, and/or an interview are also required.

For specific information, candidates should contact the department of the area in which they are applying. Candidates must be planning to major or minor in that field, with the exception of music. In some instances, non-music majors and minors who are needed for large ensembles and who commit to being part of those ensembles for 8 semesters may be considered for Creative and Performing Arts Awards. Contact the School of Music for specific information in this regard.

Departments:

  • Art and Design:  (812) 237-3697
  • Music:  (812) 237-2771
  • English-Creative Writing:  (812) 237-3161
  • Theater:  (812) 237-3339

Because departments schedule auditions, competitions, and interviews in the fall and winter, early contact with the department is highly recommended.

To view the rules and regulations governing this award, see rules and regulations.

To apply for admission to Indiana State University, see apply.

Note on combining scholarships: Students who qualify for the Creative and Performing Arts Award may qualify for other awards.

2025-2026 Combining Information:

No combination of Indiana State University awards/scholarships can exceed the cost of attendance for an academic year. However, if a student qualifies for additional awards/scholarships, the competitive Creative and Performing Arts Award can be combined/stacked with the following up to the cost of attendance:

  • Academic Distinction Scholarship
  • Academic Excellence Scholarship
  • Academic Merit Scholarship
  • Center for Leadership Development Scholarship
  • Child of Alumni Textbook Scholarship
  • Gongaware Scholarship
  • Illinois Student Scholarship
  • Incentive Scholarship
  • Kentucky Student Scholarship
  • Midwest Achievement Scholarship
  • Midwest Consortium Scholarship
  • Networks Scholarship
  • Ohio Student Scholarship
  • President's Academic Excellence Scholarship
  • Rural Health Scholarship
  • 21st Century Scholars Housing Scholarship
  • 21st Century Scholars Textbook Scholarship
  • University Honors Scholarship
  • Warren M. Anderson Scholarship

Note: Students who qualify for one or more Admission-Based awards/scholarships will be notified automatically with their admission award letter or shortly thereafter. 

2025-2026 President's Academic Excellence Scholarship Information:

  • $4,000 per year
  • Scholarships are awarded to attendees of Interview Day who are not awarded the President’s Scholarship or the University Honors Scholarship.
  • Renewable for up to three additional years
  • Admission deadline: December 1
  • Requirements (listed below) must be satisfied by December 1.
  • Open to Indiana and out-of-state residents.
  • Not open to international, online-only, or returning students.
  • All incoming freshmen who are admitted to the University by December 1 and meet the criteria listed below will be eligible to apply.
  • To be awarded this scholarship, students must be entering Indiana State University in the fall semester.
  • Scholarship application must be submitted by December 15

To be considered, candidates must have a combination of two of the following three:

  • A cumulative grade point average of at least 3.8 on a 4.0 scale
  • A 1270 SAT (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and Math) or 27 ACT (composite)
  • Ranking in the top 10% of the senior class

To view the rules and regulations governing this scholarship, see rules and regulations.

To apply for admission to Indiana State University, see apply.

Note on combining scholarships: Students who qualify for the President's Academic Excellence Scholarship may qualify for other awards.

2025-2026 Combining Information:

No combination of Indiana State University awards/scholarships can exceed the cost of attendance for an academic year. However, if a student qualifies for additional awards/scholarships, the President’s Academic Excellence Scholarship can be combined/stacked with the following:

  • Child of Alumni Textbook Scholarship
  • Creative and Performing Arts Award
  • Illinois Student Scholarship
  • Incentive Scholarship
  • Kentucky Student Scholarship
  • Midwest Achievement Scholarship
  • Midwest Consortium Scholarship
  • Ohio Student Scholarship
  • 21st Century Scholars Housing Scholarship
  • 21st Century Scholars Textbook Scholarship

Note: Students who qualify for one or more Admission-Based awards/scholarships will be notified automatically with their admission award letter or shortly thereafter.

Admission-Based Scholarships

2025-2026 21st Century Scholars Housing Scholarship Information:

  • Housing: $1,500 a year towards on-campus housing
  • Renewable for up to three additional years
  • Admission deadline: May 1
  • Requirements (listed below) must be satisfied by May 1.
  • An unlimited number of these scholarships are awarded each year.
  • Open to Indiana residents only
  • To be awarded this scholarship, students must be entering ISU fall semester.

Freshman applicants must meet 21st Century Scholars Program requirements designated by the State of Indiana, have a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average based on a 4.0 scale, and complete a minimum of Core 40 curriculum.

To view the rules and regulations governing this scholarship, see rules and regulations.

For more information, visit 21st Century Scholars

To apply for admission to Indiana State University, see apply.

Note on combining scholarships: Students who qualify for the 21st Century Scholars Housing Scholarship may qualify for other awards. 

2025-2026 Combining Information:

No combination of Indiana State University awards/scholarships can exceed the cost of attendance for an academic year. However, if a student qualifies for additional awards/scholarships, the 21st Century Scholars Housing Scholarship can be combined/stacked with other awards/scholarships except for the following:

  • Incentive Scholarship
  • Kentucky Student Scholarship
  • Midwest Consortium Scholarship
  • Ohio Student Scholarship
  • President's Scholarship

Note: Students who qualify for one or more Admission-Based awards/scholarships will be notified automatically with their admission award letter or shortly thereafter.

2025-2026 21st Century Scholars Textbook Scholarship Information:

  • $500 ($250 per semester)
  • Renewable for up to three additional years
  • Admission deadline: May 1
  • Requirements (listed below) must be satisfied by May 1.
  • An unlimited number of these scholarships are awarded each year.
  • Open to Indiana residents only
  • To be awarded this scholarship, students must be entering ISU fall semester.

Freshman applicants must meet 21st Century Scholars Program requirements designated by the State of Indiana, have a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average based on a 4.0 scale, and complete a minimum of Core 40 curriculum.

To view the rules and regulations governing this scholarship, see rules and regulations.

For more information, visit 21st Century Scholars

To apply for admission to Indiana State University, see apply.

Note on combining scholarships: Students who qualify for the 21st Century Scholars Textbook Scholarship may qualify for other awards.

2025-2026 Combining Information:

No combination of Indiana State University awards/scholarships can exceed the cost of attendance for an academic year. However, if a student qualifies for additional awards/scholarships, the 21st Century Scholars Textbook Scholarship can be combined/stacked with other awards/scholarships except for the following:

  • Illinois Student Scholarship
  • Incentive Scholarship
  • Kentucky Student Scholarship
  • Midwest Consortium Scholarship
  • Ohio Student Scholarship
  • President's Scholarship

Note: Students who qualify for one or more Admission-Based awards/scholarships will be notified automatically with their admission award letter or shortly thereafter.

2025-2026 Academic Distinction Scholarship Information:

  • $2,500 a year
  • Renewable for up to three additional years
  • Admission deadline: May 1 for fall and December 15 for spring
  • Requirements (listed below) must be satisfied by May 1 for fall and December 15 for spring.
  • Open to Indiana and out-of-state residents
  • Not open to international, online-only, or returning ISU students
  • All incoming freshmen who are admitted to the University by the above deadlines will be automatically considered for this scholarship. No additional application is required.

To be considered, candidates must have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale and complete a minimum of Core 40 or college-prep curriculum.

To view the rules and regulations governing this scholarship, see rules and regulations.

To apply for admission to Indiana State University, see apply.

Note on combining scholarships: Students who qualify for the Academic Distinction Scholarship may qualify for other awards. 

2025-2026 Combining Information:

No combination of Indiana State University awards/scholarships can exceed the cost of attendance for an academic year. However, if a student qualifies for additional awards/scholarships, the Academic Distinction Scholarship can be combined/stacked with the following:

  • Child of Alumni Textbook Scholarship
  • Creative and Performing Arts Award
  • Illinois Student Scholarship
  • Incentive Scholarship
  • Kentucky Student Scholarship
  • Midwest Achievement Scholarship
  • Midwest Consortium Scholarship
  • Ohio Student Scholarship
  • 21st Century Scholars Housing Scholarship
  • 21st Century Scholars Textbook Scholarship

Note: Students who qualify for one or more Admission-Based awards/scholarships will be notified automatically with their admission award letter or shortly thereafter. 

2025-2026 Academic Excellence Scholarship Information:

  • $3,000 a year
  • Renewable for up to three additional years
  • Admission deadline: December 1 for fall and December 15 for spring
  • Requirements (listed below) must be satisfied by December 1 for fall and December 15 for spring.
  • Open to Indiana and out-of-state residents
  • Not open to international, online-only, or returning ISU students
  • All incoming freshmen who are admitted to the University by the above deadlines will be automatically considered for this scholarship. No additional application is required.

To be considered, candidates must have a combination of two of the following three:

  • A cumulative grade point average of at least 3.8 on a 4.0 scale
  • A 1270 SAT (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and Math) or 27 ACT (composite)
  • Ranking in the top 10% of the senior class

In addition, candidates must complete a minimum of Core 40 or college-prep curriculum.

To view the rules and regulations governing this scholarship, see rules and regulations.

To apply for admission to Indiana State University, see apply.

Note on combining scholarships: Students who qualify for the Academic Excellence Scholarship may qualify for other awards. 

2025-2026 Combining Information:

No combination of Indiana State University awards/scholarships can exceed the cost of attendance for an academic year. However, if a student qualifies for additional awards/scholarships, the Academic Excellence Scholarship can be combined/stacked with the following:

  • Child of Alumni Textbook Scholarship
  • Creative and Performing Arts Award
  • Illinois Student Scholarship
  • Incentive Scholarship
  • Kentucky Student Scholarship
  • Midwest Achievement Scholarship
  • Midwest Consortium Scholarship
  • Ohio Student Scholarship
  • 21st Century Scholars Housing Scholarship
  • 21st Century Scholars Textbook Scholarship

Note: Students who qualify for one or more guaranteed awards/scholarships will be notified automatically with their admission award letter or shortly thereafter. 

2025-2026 Academic Merit Scholarship Information:

  • $1,000 a year
  • Renewable for up to three additional years
  • Admission deadline: May 1 for fall and December 15 for spring
  • Requirements (listed below) must be satisfied by May 1 for fall and December 15 for spring.
  • Open to Indiana and out-of-state residents
  • Not open to international, online-only, or returning ISU students
  • All incoming freshmen who are admitted to the University by the above deadlines will be automatically considered for this scholarship. No additional application is required.

To be considered, candidates must have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.25 on a 4.0 scale and complete a minimum of Core 40 or college-prep curriculum.

To view the rules and regulations governing this scholarship, see rules and regulations.

To apply for admission to Indiana State University, see apply.

Note on combining scholarships: Students who qualify for the Academic Merit Scholarship may qualify for other awards.

2025-2026 Combining Information:

No combination of Indiana State University awards/scholarships can exceed the cost of attendance for an academic year. If a student qualifies for additional awards/scholarships, the Academic Merit Scholarship can be combined/stacked with the following:

  • Child of Alumni Textbook Scholarship
  • Creative and Performing Arts Award
  • Illinois Student Scholarship
  • Incentive Scholarship
  • Kentucky Student Scholarship
  • Midwest Achievement Scholarship
  • Midwest Consortium Scholarship
  • Ohio Student Scholarship
  • 21st Century Scholars Housing Scholarship
  • 21st Century Scholars Textbook Scholarship

Note: Students who qualify for one or more Admission-Based awards/scholarships will be notified automatically with their admission award letter or shortly thereafter. 

2025-2026 Academic Achievement Award Information:

  • $500 a year
  • Renewable for up to three additional years
  • Admission deadline: May 15 for fall and December 15 for spring.
  • Requirements (listed below) must be satisfied by May 15 for fall and December 15 for spring.
  • Open to Indiana and out-of-state residents
  • Not open to international, online-only, or returning ISU students

All incoming freshmen who are admitted to the University by the above deadlines will be automatically considered for this scholarship. No additional application is required.

To be considered, candidates must have a cumulative grade point average of up to a 3.249 on a 4.0 scale and complete a minimum of Core 40 or college-prep curriculum.

To view the rules and regulations governing this scholarship, see rules and regulations.

To apply for admission to Indiana State University, see apply.

Note on combining scholarships: Students who qualify for the Academic Achievement Award may qualify for other awards.

2025-2026 Combining Information:

No combination of Indiana State University awards/scholarships can exceed the cost of attendance for an academic year. If a student qualifies for additional awards/scholarships, the Academic Achievement Award can be combined/stacked with the following:

  • Child of Alumni Textbook Scholarship
  • Creative and Performing Arts Award
  • Illinois Student Scholarship
  • Incentive Scholarship
  • Kentucky Student Scholarship
  • Midwest Achievement Scholarship
  • Midwest Consortium Scholarship
  • Ohio Student Scholarship
  • 21st Century Scholars Housing Scholarship
  • 21st Century Scholars Textbook Scholarship

Note: Students who qualify for one or more Admission-Based awards/scholarships will be notified automatically with their admission award letter or shortly thereafter.

2025-2026 Child of Alumni Textbook Scholarship Information:

  • $100 yearly, renewable for 3 additional years
  • An unlimited number of scholarships are awarded each year
  • Open to Indiana and out-of-state residents
  • Not open to international, online-only, or returning ISU students
  • Admission deadline: June 1
  • Requirements (listed below) must be satisfied by June 1.
  • To be awarded this scholarship, students must be new freshmen entering ISU fall semester.

A recipient of this award must be an incoming freshman and the dependent child of an Indiana State University graduate. An applicant also must have earned a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average on a 4.0 scale in high school.

The applicant must note on the admissions application that they are a child of an ISU graduate.

To view the rules and regulations governing this scholarship, see rules and regulations.

The Child of Alumni Textbook Scholarship will be received through the ISU bookstore; it is not a cash award. Scholarship recipients will be able to go to the bookstore and utilize their award to purchase textbooks.

To apply for admission to Indiana State University, see apply.

Note on combining scholarships: Students who qualify for the Child of Alumni Textbook Scholarship may qualify for other awards.

2025-2026 Combining Information:

No combination of Indiana State University awards/scholarships can exceed the cost of attendance for an academic year. If a student qualifies for additional awards/scholarships, the Child of Alumni Textbook Scholarship can be combined/stacked with other Indiana State University scholarships.

Note: Students who qualify for one or more Admission-Based awards/scholarships will be notified automatically with their admission award letter or shortly thereafter.

2025-2026 Illinois Student Scholarship Information:

  • Special reduced fee (tuition) rate provided below
  • Renewable
  • An unlimited number of these scholarships are awarded each year.
  • Not open to international, online-only, or returning ISU students
  • All incoming freshmen who are residents of Illinois and admitted to the University will be automatically considered for this scholarship. No additional application is required.

For consideration, candidates must be residents of Illinois, must be earning a College Prep diploma, and be admitted to Indiana State University without condition.

To view the rules and regulations governing this scholarship, see rules and regulations.

To apply for admission to Indiana State University, see apply.

Note on combining scholarships: Students who qualify for the Illinois Student Scholarship may qualify for other awards.

2025-2026 Combining Information:

No combination of Indiana State University awards/scholarships can exceed the cost of attendance for an academic year. However, if a student qualifies for additional awards/scholarships, the Illinois Student Scholarship can be combined/stacked with other awards/scholarships except for the following:

  • Center for Leadership Development Scholarship
  • Incentive Scholarship
  • Kentucky Student Scholarship
  • Midwest Consortium Scholarship
  • Ohio Student Scholarship
  • Rural Health Scholarship
  • 21st Century Scholars Housing Scholarship
  • 21st Century Scholars Textbook Scholarship

Note: Students who qualify for one or more Admission-Based awards/scholarships will be notified automatically with their admission award letter or shortly thereafter.

Fees for Illinois Student Scholarship Recipients
Fall 2024—Spring 2025

This special reduced fee rate enables eligible Illinois residents to attend Indiana State University at a rate similar to most Illinois public colleges and universities.

Recipients of the Illinois Student Scholarship are charged a reduced tuition rate. Using the tuition rates for 2024-2025, a student with this scholarship paid $12,972, a savings of over $9,000 compared to the out-of-state rate. This scholarship is renewable for up to five years of study.

2025-2026 Incentive Scholarship Information:

  • $5,000 a year
  • Renewable for up to three additional years
  • An unlimited number of Incentive Scholarships are awarded each year.
  • Open to out-of-state residents
  • Not open to Indiana residents, online-only students, international students, or returning ISU students
  • All incoming freshmen who are admitted to the University will be automatically considered for this scholarship. No additional application is required.
  • To be awarded this scholarship, students must be entering ISU fall or spring semester.

For consideration, candidates must reside outside Indiana and not qualify for a reduced tuition rate offered through the Illinois Student Scholarship, Kentucky Student Scholarship, Midwest Consortium Scholarship, or Ohio Student Scholarship. Candidates also must have a cumulative high school grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and earn a college-prep diploma.

To view the rules and regulations governing this scholarship, see rules and regulations.

To apply for admission to Indiana State University, see apply.

Note on combining scholarships: Students who qualify for the Incentive Scholarship may qualify for other awards.

2025-2026 Combining Information:

No combination of Indiana State University awards/scholarships can exceed the cost of attendance for an academic year. However, if a student qualifies for additional awards/scholarships, the Incentive Scholarship can be combined/stacked with other awards/scholarships except for the following:

  • Center for Leadership Development Scholarship
  • Illinois Student Scholarship
  • Kentucky Student Scholarship
  • Midwest Achievement Scholarship
  • Midwest Consortium Scholarship
  • Ohio Student Scholarship
  • Rural Health Scholarship
  • 21st Century Scholars Housing Scholarship
  • 21st Century Scholars Textbook Scholarship

Note: Students who qualify for one or more Admission-Based awards/scholarships will be notified automatically with their admission award letter or shortly thereafter.

2025-2026 International Scholar Award Information:

  • $5,000 a year
  • Renewable for up to three additional years
  • Admission deadline: July 15 for fall and Dec 15 for spring
  • Requirements (listed below) must be satisfied by July 15 for fall and Dec 15 for spring.
  • An unlimited number of International Scholar Awards are given each year.
  • Open only to international students who are not fully sponsored or receiving a reduced tuition rate.
  • Not open to United States citizens or permanent residents, online-only students, or returning ISU students
  • All incoming freshmen who are admitted to the University by July 15 for fall or December 15 for spring will be automatically considered for this scholarship. No additional application is required.

For consideration, candidates must have a cumulative high school grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Please Note: Students whose educational expenses are paid by a sponsor (government, organization, company, or foundation) OR who are working with an agent or agency for their admission process are not eligible for this award and will not receive this funding.

To view the rules and regulations governing this scholarship, see rules and regulations.

To apply for admission to Indiana State University, see international admissions.

2025-2026 Kentucky Student Scholarship Information:

  • Special reduced fee (tuition) rate provided below
  • Renewable
  • An unlimited number of these scholarships are awarded each year.
  • Not open to international, online-only, or returning ISU students
  • All incoming freshmen who are residents of Kentucky and admitted to the University will be automatically considered for this scholarship. No additional application is required.

For consideration, candidates must be residents of Kentucky, must be earning a College Prep diploma, and be admitted to Indiana State University without condition.

To view the rules and regulations governing this scholarship, see rules and regulations.

To apply for admission to Indiana State University, see apply.

Note on combining scholarships: Students who qualify for the Kentucky Student Scholarship may qualify for other awards. 

2025-2026 Combining Information:

No combination of Indiana State University awards/scholarships can exceed the cost of attendance for an academic year. However, if a student qualifies for additional awards/scholarships, the Kentucky Student Scholarship can be combined/stacked with other awards/scholarships except for the following:

  • Center for Leadership Development Scholarship
  • Illinois Student Scholarship
  • Incentive Scholarship
  • Midwest Consortium Scholarship
  • Ohio Student Scholarship
  • Rural Health Scholarship
  • 21st Century Scholars Housing Scholarship
  • 21st Century Scholars Textbook Scholarship

Note: Students who qualify for one or more Admission-Based awards/scholarships will be notified automatically with their admission award letter or shortly thereafter.

Fees for Kentucky Student Scholarship Recipients
Fall 2024—Spring 2025

Recipients of the Kentucky Student Scholarship are charged a reduced tuition rate. Using the tuition rates for 2024-2025, a student with this scholarship paid $12,972, a savings of over $9,000 compared to the out-of-state rate. This scholarship is renewable for up to five years of study.

2025-2026 Midwest Achievement Scholarship Information:

  • $2,000 a year
  • Renewable for up to three additional years
  • Award offered for students entering in the fall and spring semesters
  • Open to residents of: Illinois, Kentucky, Ohio, Kansas, Michigan*, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, or Wisconsin.
  • All incoming freshmen who are admitted to the University will be automatically considered for this scholarship. No additional application is required.

To be considered, candidates must have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

To view the rules and regulations governing this scholarship, see rules and regulations.

To apply for admission to Indiana State University, see apply.

Note on combining scholarships: Students who qualify for the Midwest Achievement Scholarship may also qualify for other awards.

* Effective Spring 2026 and onward, Michigan residents will no longer be eligible for this award.

2025-2026 Combining Information:

No combination of Indiana State University awards/scholarships can exceed the cost of attendance for an academic year. However, if a student qualifies for additional awards/scholarships, the Midwest Achievement Scholarship can be combined/stacked with other awards/scholarships except for the following:

  • Center for Leadership Development Scholarship
  • Incentive Scholarship
  • Rural Health Scholarship
  • 21st Century Scholars Housing Scholarship
  • 21st Century Scholars Textbook Scholarship

Note: Students who qualify for one or more Admission-Based awards/scholarships will be notified automatically with their admission award letter or shortly thereafter.

2025-2026 Midwest Consortium Scholarship Information:

  • Special reduced fee (tuition) rate provided below
  • Renewable
  • An unlimited number of Midwest Consortium Scholarships are awarded each year.
  • Not open to nursing majors
  • Not open to international, online-only, or returning ISU students
  • All incoming freshmen who are admitted to the University will be automatically considered for this scholarship. No additional application is required.

For consideration, candidates must be residents of Kansas, Michigan*, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, or Wisconsin, must be earning a College Prep diploma, and be admitted to Indiana State University without condition.

To view the rules and regulations governing this scholarship, see rules and regulations.

To apply for admission to Indiana State University, see apply.

Note on combining scholarships: Students who qualify for the Midwest Consortium Scholarship may qualify for other awards.

* Effective Spring 2026 and onward, Michigan residents will no longer be eligible for this award.
 

2025-2026 Combining Information:

No combination of Indiana State University awards/scholarships can exceed the cost of attendance for an academic year. However, if a student qualifies for additional awards/scholarships, the Midwest Consortium Scholarship can be combined/stacked with other awards/scholarships except for the following:

  • Center for Leadership Development Scholarship
  • Illinois Student Scholarship
  • Incentive Scholarship
  • Kentucky Student Scholarship
  • Ohio Student Scholarship
  • Rural Health Scholarship
  • 21st Century Scholars Housing Scholarship
  • 21st Century Scholars Textbook Scholarship

Note: Students who qualify for one or more Admission-Based awards/scholarships will be notified automatically with their admission award letter or shortly thereafter.

Fees for Midwest Consortium Scholarship Recipients
Fall 2024—Spring 2025

Recipients of the Midwest Consortium Scholarship are charged a reduced tuition rate. Using the tuition rates for 2024-2025, a student with this scholarship paid $12,972, a savings of over $9,000 compared to the out-of-state rate. This scholarship is renewable for up to five years of study.

2025-2026 Ohio Student Scholarship Information:

  • Special reduced fee (tuition) rate provided below
  • Renewable
  • An unlimited number of these scholarships are awarded each year.
  • Not open to international, online-only, or returning ISU students
  • All incoming freshmen who are residents of Ohio and admitted to the University will be automatically considered for this scholarship. No additional application is required.

For consideration, candidates must be residents of Ohio, must be earning a College Prep diploma, and be admitted to Indiana State University without condition.

To view the rules and regulations governing this scholarship, see rules and regulations.

To apply for admission to Indiana State University, see apply.

Note on combining scholarships: Students who qualify for the Ohio Student Scholarship may qualify for other awards.

2025-2026 Combining Information:

No combination of Indiana State University awards/scholarships can exceed the cost of attendance for an academic year. However, if a student qualifies for additional awards/scholarships, the Ohio Student Scholarship can be combined/stacked with other awards/scholarships except for the following:

  • Center for Leadership Development Scholarship
  • Illinois Student Scholarship
  • Incentive Scholarship
  • Kentucky Student Scholarship
  • Midwest Consortium Scholarship
  • Rural Health Scholarship
  • 21st Century Scholars Housing Scholarship
  • 21st Century Scholars Textbook Scholarship

Note: Students who qualify for one or more Admission-Based awards/scholarships will be notified automatically with their admission award letter or shortly thereafter.

Fees for Ohio Student Scholarship Recipients
Fall 2024—Spring 2025

This special reduced fee rate enables eligible Ohio residents to attend Indiana State University at a rate similar to most Ohio public colleges and universities.

Recipients of the Ohio Student Scholarship are charged a reduced tuition rate. Using the tuition rates for 2024-2025, a student with this scholarship paid $12,972, a savings of over $9,000 compared to the out-of-state rate. This scholarship is renewable for up to five years of study.