Iowa Tuition Commitment
A brighter future starts here. Iowa students, your path to a tuition-free degree begins at Briar Cliff University!
At Briar Cliff University, we’re proud to invest in the potential of our home state’s students. That’s why we’re offering undergraduate, full-Pell Grant eligible Iowa residents a tuition-free education!
Your path to a brighter tomorrow begins today. With this life-changing opportunity, you can unlock the doors to a high-quality education without the burden of tuition.
Take the first step:
Complete your Free Application for Federal Student AID (FAFSA) and include Briar Cliff University’s FAFSA code: 001846.
Don’t wait—your future is calling, and Briar Cliff University is here to help you answer it. Together, let’s build a brighter, bolder future!
Frequently Asked Questions
| Who qualifies as a full-Pell eligible student? |
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A full-Pell eligible student is someone who has completed the FAFSA and qualifies for the maximum Pell Grant award, based on financial need and other criteria defined by the federal government.
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| How do I know what I qualify for with the Pell Grant? |
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The Student Aid Index (SAI) of -1500 will qualify for a Pell Grant.
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| Are transfer students eligible for this scholarship? |
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Yes, transfer students who meet the full-Pell eligibility criteria and are from Iowa are eligible for this scholarship.
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| Does this apply to all majors or only specific majors? |
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This scholarship is available to students in any undergraduate program at Briar Cliff University, with no restrictions on major or field of study.
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| Are there any additional requirements beyond Pell eligibility, such as minimum GPA or test scores? |
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The primary requirement for the scholarship is being full-Pell eligible. However, students must also meet Briar Cliff’s general admission criteria to be accepted into the university.
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| Can undocumented or DACA students qualify if they meet the financial need criteria? |
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Currently, this scholarship is available to U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens who are Iowa residents. Undocumented students or DACA recipients may not be eligible for federal Pell Grants and, therefore, for this particular scholarship.
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| What costs are covered by this scholarship? Does it include housing, books, or fees, or just tuition? |
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This scholarship covers tuition and the mandatory undergraduate fee. Additional costs such as housing, meal plans, books, and other fees are not included in this scholarship but may be covered through other financial aid or scholarships.
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| Are there additional expenses students should plan for? |
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Yes, students should plan for additional expenses such as housing, meals, textbooks, activity fees, and wellness fees. These can be covered through other scholarships, grants, or personal funding.
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| Is the scholarship renewable each year? If so, what are the renewal requirements? |
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Yes, the scholarship is renewable each year as long as students remain full-time, continue to meet Pell Grant eligibility, and maintain good academic standing.
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| How do students apply for this scholarship? Is there a separate application or is it automatic? |
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Students do not need to apply separately for this scholarship. They must complete their FAFSA each year, and as long as they meet the full-Pell eligibility and are admitted to Briar Cliff, they will automatically be considered for the scholarship upon acceptance.
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| What documents are needed to confirm Pell eligibility? |
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Pell eligibility is confirmed through the FAFSA. Students must complete the FAFSA and submit all required documents to the Financial Aid office for verification.
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| Does the tuition-free scholarship guarantee admission, or do students still need to meet academic requirements? |
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While the scholarship helps cover tuition costs, students must still meet Briar Cliff’s standard admissions requirements to be accepted. The scholarship is awarded once admission is confirmed.
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| How will students know if they've been awarded the scholarship? |
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All students who are full-Pell eligible and admitted will be notified of their scholarship award as part of their financial aid offer.
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| What happens if a student's financial situation changes and they are no longer Pell eligible? |
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If a student’s financial situation changes and they no longer qualify for the Pell Grant, they will no longer be eligible for the scholarship. However, other financial aid options may be available, and the Financial Aid office will work with the student to explore alternatives.
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| Are part-time students or those taking online courses eligible for this scholarship? |
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This scholarship is available only to full-time undergraduate students attending Briar Cliff in person.
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| How is Briar Cliff able to offer this program? Is it funded by donors, grants, or other resources? |
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This program is made possible by Briar Cliff’s commitment to making higher education accessible and is supported through a combination of university funds and federal and local grants.
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| Will this scholarship reduce funds available for other financial aid programs? |
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No, this scholarship does not reduce the availability of other financial aid programs. Students may still apply for additional scholarships, grants, and loans.
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| How does this initiative impact the diversity and inclusivity of the student body? |
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This scholarship aims to increase access to higher education for students from low-income backgrounds, promoting a more diverse and inclusive student body at Briar Cliff University.
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| Are there plans to extend this offer to students outside of Iowa in the future? |
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Currently, this scholarship is available only to Iowa residents. However, Briar Cliff University is committed to expanding access and may consider similar initiatives for other states in the future.
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