Scholarship Programs

Inspired by the life experiences and enduring legacy of George Washington Carver, ISU actively seeks applicants for this program who aspire to become change agents of society. Carver's remarkable journey as a student, scholar, and inventor serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative impact that education and perseverance can have on individuals and communities.

This program aims to recognize, support, and further cultivate outstanding individuals who demonstrate resilience, academic excellence, and a commitment to making a positive impact on their communities and beyond.

Through the program’s various events and initiatives, scholarships, and resources, the university aims to provide students with the tools, opportunities, and support they need to develop their potential fully. Students will be encouraged to embrace their passions, pursue excellence in their studies, and engage in impactful research, innovation, and community service.

The First Cyclones Scholarship Program aims to enhance the ISU undergraduate experience for first-generation and income-restricted students by providing students and families campus navigational, financial and personal support Resources; student leadership and personal development; and student career readiness opportunities -- comprehensively advancing the student's academic success and their ability to become future global leaders.  

The associated scholarship award grants up to one hundred (100) scholarships in the amount of full tuition to incoming first-year students, who are U.S. Citizens or Permanent Residents and have a demonstrated financial need and/or are first generation college students. Up to 70 scholarships are available for Iowa resident students and up to 30 scholarships for out-of-state domestic students. Students will also need to demonstrate advanced commitment to their academic success via well-written scholarship application essays. 

The scholarship is renewable for a maximum of eight semesters, provided the student complies with all scholarship program components listed below.

The Cargill thrive is a program designed to promote professional and personal development for underrepresented students in specific ASTEM majors (see the detailed list below). Housed in the Office of Multicultural Student affairs with partnerships in Global Resource Systems, Science Bound, and the Program for Women in Science and Engineering, the Impact Coordinator will prepare students to practice leadership skills necessary to work confidently, cross-culturally, and thrive in an era of completed and continual change. Scholars will participate in monthly sessions, work with a mentor throughout the year, and have multiple opportunities to network with Cargill employees and executives. Scholarships are for $2,500, $3,000, and $4,000 based on academic classification.