Need-Based Grants & Programs

DePauw provides need-based grants to students whose families demonstrate financial need and apply by the established deadlines.

DePauw Need-Based Grants

Need-based grants are awarded on an annual basis to students with financial need. The amount and source of funding may change each year depending upon financial need and funding availability. Students must reapply each year and maintain satisfactory academic progress. Need-based awards are made possible, in part, through the generosity of donors to DePauw. As a named scholarship recipient, students receiving institutional scholarships and grants may be asked by the Stewardship Office to write a letter of thanks and/or to attend a scholarship event.

Federal Pell Grant

The Federal Pell Grant Program provides assistance to students who demonstrate financial need according to eligibility requirements established by the federal government.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

Administered by DePauw, the FSEOG program is a federal grant for students with the greatest need. All students who qualify are automatically considered for this grant. However, funds for this program are very limited.

Frank O'Bannon Grant Program (Indiana Residents Only)

The Frank O'Bannon Grant Program is Indiana's primary need-based financial aid program designed to provide access for Hoosier students to attend Indiana colleges and universities. The grant awarded at Indiana independent colleges and universities is known as the Freedom of Choice Award and may be used towards tuition and regularly assessed fees. Indiana residents are automatically considered for this grant by completing the FAFSA before the established deadline.

Program Requirements

• Must be an Indiana resident by December 31st the year prior to applying for aid (i.e. December 31, 2022 for the 2023-2024 school year);
• Must remain a resident throughout academic year;
• Must be a U.S. Citizen or eligible non-citizen;
• Must be a high school graduate or hold a GED;
• Must attend, or plan to attend, an eligible postsecondary institution;
• Must be enrolled, or plan to enroll, in a course of study leading to an associates or first bachelor's degree, or a certificate at select institutions;
• Must be a full-time student, or plan to enroll as a full-time student; and
  • Must abide by credit completion requirements each academic year to renew maximum award.
  • In some cases, degree-seeking students may use the Frank O'Bannon grant during the summer while enrolled part-time. Refer to the specific guidelines for using the Frank O'Bannon grant during summer terms.
• Must file the FAFSA by April 15th prior to the academic year of intended enrollment

Twenty-First Century Scholars Program (Indiana Residents Only)

The Twenty-First Century Scholars Program is Indiana's early promise program, offering income-eligible Hoosier students. The program began in the early 1990's to help Indiana students who would otherwise be unable to attend college. Students enroll in middle school and agree to a pledge of "good citizenship" in order to receive the tuition only grant. Students enrolled in the program are guaranteed to receive the maximum state grant possible through the 21st Century Scholars Program. State funding for this program varies each year. Program requirements and deadlines are similar to those of the Frank O'Bannon Grant shown above.

Program Requirements

• Be a resident of Indiana, both when applying and when receiving the scholarship (determined by the residency of the parent or legal guardian).
• Be one of the following:
  • U.S. citizen or U.S. national(includes natives of American Samoa or Swain’s Island)
  • U.S. permanent resident who has an I-151, I-551, or I-551C (Alien Registration Receipt Card)
  • A non-citizen with one of the following designations:
    • Refugee
    • Asylum Granted
    • Indefinite Parole and/or Humanitarian Parole
    • Cuban-Haitian Entrant, Status Pending
• Be enrolled in the 7th or 8th grade at an Indiana public or private school accredited by the Indiana Department of Education. Children in foster care may apply after the 8th grade. Homeschooled students are not eligible for the 21st Century Scholars Program.
• Be a member of a family that meets the income eligibility guidelines. A student in foster care does not need to meet this requirement.