If you’re an adult in Indiana thinking about finishing a degree or certificate, the state has a grant built specifically for you. It’s called the Adult Student Grant, and unlike a lot of financial aid, it’s designed around the reality of being a working adult, not a traditional full-time student.
The application window for the 2026-2027 school year is open now, and it’s first-come, first-served, so it’s worth applying sooner rather than later.
What Does This Grant Cover?
The Adult Student Grant provides up to $2,000 per academic year toward tuition and regularly assessed fees. The amount you receive will depend on your Student Aid Index.
| Student Aid Index (SAI) | Grant Amount |
|---|---|
| -$1,500 to $0 | $2,000 |
| $1 – $500 | $1,750 |
| $501 – $1,000 | $1,250 |
| $1,001 – $1,500 | $750 |
| $1,501 – $2,000 | $500 |
It’s a grant, not a loan, so there’s nothing to pay back, and you can apply again each year you’re enrolled.
Who Can Apply?
You’ll need to:
- Be an Indiana resident and a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
- Be financially independent according to the FAFSA and show financial need
- Be enrolled, or planning to enroll, in a program leading to an associate degree, a first bachelor’s degree, or a certificate at Ivy Tech Community College or Vincennes University
- Take at least 6 credit hours per academic term
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined by your school
This grant is specifically tied to Ivy Tech and Vincennes University. If you’re attending a different Indiana school, this particular grant won’t apply to you, though other state aid might.
To renew the grant in the future, you’ll need to complete at least 18 credit hours during your academic year.
How Do I Apply?
The process has two parts:
- File the FAFSA at FAFSA.gov.
- Complete the Adult Student Grant application through ScholarTrack. You’ll need to create a ScholarTrack account if you don’t already have one, then select “Apply for State Aid” to find the application.
Both parts need to be finished for your application to count. Since awards go out first-come, first-served, having your FAFSA and ScholarTrack application complete as early as possible gives you the best shot at funding.
When Should I Apply?
The application for the 2026-2027 academic year opened on June 1, 2026, and stays open through the rest of the award cycle. Since funding is limited and distributed in the order applications are completed, don’t wait until the semester is about to start.
What If I Don’t Qualify?
If you’re not attending Ivy Tech or Vincennes, or this grant isn’t the right fit, Indiana has other options for adult learners, including grants tied to specific high-demand career certificates. Ask your school’s financial aid office what else you might qualify for based on your FAFSA and check out our archive of scholarships and college aid.
Relief Recap
Going back to school as an adult comes with enough obstacles without cost being one of them. This grant exists to make that path more realistic for working Hoosiers, so if you qualify, don’t let the paperwork be the thing that stops you. File your FAFSA, complete your ScholarTrack application, and get your spot reserved. For more Indiana resources, visit our Indiana resource hub.
