Homeschool benefits through Eastern Iowa Community College Last-Dollar Scholarship for homeschool graduates
Iowa's Last-Dollar Scholarship at Eastern Iowa Community Colleges (EICC) pays the tuition left after federal and state grants in eligible career programs, up to $3,135 for a 15-credit semester at the 2026-27 rate of $209 per credit. Your student qualifies after completing an Iowa homeschool program, filing the FAFSA, and enrolling in at least 6 credits.
Who qualifies
Finishes an Iowa homeschool program
Students qualify after completing an Iowa high school or homeschool program or an equivalency diploma; students 20 or older need a diploma or equivalency.
Is an Iowa resident
The state program requires Iowa residency when you apply and for as long as you receive the award.
Files the FAFSA
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid sets your Student Aid Index (SAI). EICC lists a limit of $20,000, while the state's page lists $30,000.
Enrolls in an eligible program
Your student enrolls at least half time, 6 credits, in a listed career program such as welding, nursing, diesel technology, or information technology.
What it is worth
EICC charges Iowa residents $209 per credit hour for 2026-27; the scholarship covers what grants leave unpaid.
- One class (3 credits)
- $627
- Half-time semester (6 credits)
- $1,254
- Full-time semester (12 credits)
- $2,508
- 15-credit semester
- $3,135
- One year at 15 credits a semester
- $6,270
EICC also charges a $23 per credit bookstore access fee and course lab fees; the state says the award covers tuition and qualified fees, so ask financial aid which of these count.
From applying to keeping it
- Before you enroll
File the FAFSA
File for 2026-27 by June 30, 2027. EICC recommends filing by July 1 for state aid and grants.
- Before classes
Pick an eligible program
Apply to EICC and choose a program on the college's 2026-27 Last-Dollar list.
- First term
Enroll at least half time
Take at least 6 credits, attend orientation, and register with an advisor's help.
- Each semester
Stay enrolled
Stay continuously enrolled in at least 6 hours a semester (summer is not required) and meet satisfactory academic progress.
- Each year
Refile the FAFSA
File the FAFSA every year and remain an Iowa resident to keep the award.
What it pays for
Covered
- Qualified fees, as defined by the state
Not covered
- Programs not on the eligible list
- Enrollment under 6 credits
- Students with an SAI over the limit
Who pays first
- Federal grants such as Pell
- State grants
- Last-Dollar Scholarship
It is last-dollar aid: federal and state grants apply to the tuition bill first, and the scholarship covers the remaining tuition balance.
Good to know
Only listed programs count
The scholarship covers only programs on EICC's 2026-27 list, including automotive and diesel technology, welding, CNC machining, registered and practical nursing, information technology, and criminal justice.
Who to contact
Financial aid offices at Clinton, Muscatine, and Scott community colleges answer questions about eligibility and awards.
eiccinfo@eicc.edu 563-441-4040 Last-Dollar Scholarship page
Homeschool rules and statewide help in Iowa
You do not have to file a homeschool notice for independent private instruction.
Iowa sets these rules:
- Subjects: IPI must cover mathematics, reading and language arts, science, and social studies at all grade levels. CPI must provide at least 148 days of instruction annually, with attendance on at least 37 days each school quarter; its other rules depend on the option.
- Testing: No standardized testing required for independent option.
- Records: IPI must provide specified instructor, location, authority, and student information on written request; CPI reporting and record rules depend on the option.
- Teachers: Iowa does not require a teaching certificate or degree to homeschool your own child.
Read the Iowa homeschooling guide See statewide programs in Iowa
Questions parents ask
- What is the Last-Dollar Scholarship income limit?
- EICC's page lists a Student Aid Index of $20,000 or less, and the Iowa Department of Education page lists $30,000 or less. Ask EICC financial aid which figure it uses for 2026-27.
- Can my student go part time?
- Yes, down to 6 credits a semester. The state allows up to eight part-time semesters or the full-time equivalent.
- What if grants already pay the whole tuition bill?
- EICC says the Last-Dollar Scholarship is then refunded to you. Ask the financial aid office what amount that would be for your student.
Turn support into your child’s next lesson
College classes can cover part of high school. We teach the subjects your child needs alongside them, starting at the right level in each subject.
$149/month per child after the trial.
Find benefits for your ZIP code