How to Access Indiana Grants and Scholarships for College?

I'm a junior looking into colleges in Indiana, and I'm curious about available grants and scholarships. Does anyone have advice on programs I should be aware of, especially those that may not be widely advertised?

Sure, there are numerous financial aid opportunities for students planning on attending college in Indiana. For state-funded scholarships and grants, you can start by checking with the Indiana Commission for Higher Education. They administer several financial aid programs such as the 21st Century Scholarship, which provides up to full tuition for select low-income students, and the Frank O’Bannon Grant, which is a need-based grant.

Make sure you fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible once it opens in October of your senior year, as it's a requirement for accessing these programs.

I encourage you to also look at merit-based scholarships offered by individual Indiana colleges. For instance, Indiana University offers several competitive scholarships such as the Wells Scholars Program, while Purdue has the Trustees Scholarship for out-of-state students. The specifics vary by school.

Lastly, don't forget about smaller, local scholarships. Many of these might be directly from your high school or local nonprofits and businesses. These may not be as widely publicized, so make sure to speak to your high school counselor and check local newspapers and community bulletins.

Remember, the more sources of funding you apply for, the better your chances of reducing your college costs. Good luck!