At Iowa State University, students are carrying more than just books and dreams across campus — they’re also carrying the weight of financial need, and the relief that comes with support. For the 2023-24 academic year, ISU students received an average of $10,272 in gift aid, according to data from the Office of Student Financial Aid.

This aid, which doesn’t require repayment, includes grants and scholarships from federal, state, institutional and private sources. It’s a quiet infrastructure that undergirds student life, shaping not just access to education but the quality of time spent in it.

“I’m using data from the 23-24 aid year, as the 24-25 aid year is still in process, with the summer semester coming up,” said Chad Olson, director of student financial aid. “Recipients of gift aid are selected through many different processes. Merit awards at Iowa State University are awarded based on the student’s academic performance in high school or community college. Need-based grants are determined by financial need, as demonstrated by the FAFSA, and in consideration of other gift aid the student may be receiving. Some institutional scholarships are awarded after a review by a scholarship selection committee, which may consider academic performance, outside activities, and even personal essays.”

Institutional merit-based scholarships averaged $4,888, while need-based awards averaged $4,277. Federal Pell Grants were awarded at an average of $5,126 per student, with additional federal support from the Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant ($316) and Federal Teach Grant ($3,598). Private scholarships averaged $2,466, and state grant programs added $1,993 to the total package.

As the 2024-25 aid year takes shape, these numbers show the reality of the numbers that help students stay, strive and someday, transcend.