Best Scholarships in Indiana 2026: State Grants, Awards &
Indiana scholarships 2026: 21st Century Scholars (free tuition), O'Bannon Grant up to $10,992, Purdue Beering, IU Wells Scholarship, and teaching fellowshi
Best Scholarships in Indiana 2026
Indiana offers substantial state financial aid through the Frank O'Bannon Grant (one of the larger state need-based grants nationally) and the 21st Century Scholars Program, which guarantees free tuition at Indiana public colleges for qualifying students who sign up in middle school.
State-Funded Scholarships & Grants
| Program | Award | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| 21st Century Scholars | Up to full tuition at IN public college | Enroll in 7th/8th grade, income eligible, complete Scholar Success Program |
| Frank O'Bannon Grant | Up to $10,992/year | IN resident, financial need, at eligible IN institution |
| Mitch Daniels Early Graduation Scholarship | $4,000 | IN student who graduates HS at least 1 year early |
| Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship | $7,500/year | Top students pursuing education degree, 5-year teaching commitment |
University Scholarships
Purdue University offers the Beering Scholarship (full tuition + stipend), Trustees Scholarship ($16,000/year for out-of-state), and Presidential Scholarship ($10,000/year). Indiana University provides the Wells Scholarship (full cost of attendance) and Hutton Honors College awards. Notre Dame meets 100% of demonstrated need. Rose-Hulman offers merit awards up to $25,000/year for engineering students. Butler University provides merit packages from $15,000-$25,000.
Application Strategy
- 21st Century Scholars enrollment happens in 7th/8th grade — verify your status at ScholarTrack.IN.gov
- File FAFSA by April 15 for Frank O'Bannon Grant
- Purdue's Beering Scholarship deadline is typically November 1
- IU Wells Scholarship requires separate application — among the most prestigious in the Midwest
- Indiana's Ivy Tech Community College offers affordable start with guaranteed transfer pathways
Related: Best State Scholarships & Grants Guide | Merit Scholarships 2026 | Complete Scholarships Guide
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★ Key Takeaways
Source: The College Monk — Based on data from 3,837 U.S. universities. Last updated July 2026.
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