Scholarships Stories & News

A graphic showing "the FAFSA is open"

FAFSA 2025-26 open for current and incoming UNI students

Current and incoming UNI students who are interested in receiving grants, loans, scholarships or work study should complete the FAFSA by the university priority deadline of Feb. 7 to maximize opportunities for financial aid. UNI’s school code is 001890.
UNI student Averee Kasik pictured on capmus in front of a UNI sign

Opportunity of a Lifetime: UNI celebrates 100 Bright Foundation Scholarships, honoring Iowa legacy

Since 2012, the Bright scholarship has unlocked the promise of a UNI education.
Aegon Transamerica Foundation-UNI TRIO Scholarship with Aegon Transamerica staff members

Aegon Transamerica Foundation awards $50,000 to support first-generation students in Cedar Rapids through UNI Center for Urban Education

A two-year grant provided is helping to increase access to higher education for low-income and first-generation college bound students.
5 Million Global Downloads

UNI ScholarWorks has reached 5 MILLION global downloads!

We couldn't have done it without YOU! UNI ScholarWorks has reached 5 MILLION global downloads! This incredible achievement belongs to the entire UNI community: each college and discipline at UNI added to the total of 5 million downloads.
William Clark III, Shaw Meh, Emily Erdelt, Sierra Meeks and Sophie Brown

Five students awarded life-changing UNI-CUE scholarships

The college investment will be more manageable for five local students, thanks to scholarships from the UNI Center for Urban Education (UNI-CUE).
Baddest Cats in the Valley t-shirts in purple and gold

University of Northern Iowa unveils TC’s Tee

The University of Northern Iowa is introducing a new tradition for the entire UNI family to enjoy: TC’s Tee.
Mary Ann Bolton first place winner, Lydia Berns-Schweingruber

Undergraduate Research Award Winners

Mary Ann Bolton, class of 1970, never forgot the positive impact of her experience at UNI. After a long and impactful career in librarianship and many endeavors into supporting libraries, she looked back to her academic roots to explore a way to give back. In 2017, she worked with the library to establish an endowment with a specific interest in using her gift to support and recognize undergraduate students’ research projects.

Students walking on UNI campus

$89.2 million in financial aid helps UNI students toward their degrees

Already the most affordable public university in Iowa, UNI awarded $89.2 million in aid to nearly 8,400 students during the 2021-2022 academic year.
Meet Kira Manuel on “The College Tour”

Meet Kira Manuel on “The College Tour”

Before she was in high school, Kira Manuel had actually never been to a college campus before. The first in her family to go to a four-year university, Manuel didn’t really know much about college – except that it was expensive.
James McCullagh

Beloved professor James McCullagh leaves $1.1 million legacy gift to student scholarships

A $1.1 million legacy gift by the late professor of social work, James McCullagh, will provide financial support for UNI students pursuing social work.