Frank O'Bannon Grant
Scholarship Sponsored by Indiana Commission for Higher Education
Overview
The Frank O'Bannon Grant consists of two awards — the Higher Education Award and the Freedom of Choice Award — and helps Hoosier students attend eligible postsecondary schools (public, private, or proprietary) in Indiana. Award eligibility is determined by demonstrated financial need on the FAFSA. Funds can be applied to tuition and regularly assessed fees.
Eligibility (summary)
- Indiana residency established by December 31 of the year prior to the aid application and maintained for the entire academic year.
- U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen.
- High school graduate or holder of a GED.
- Must attend, or intend to attend, an eligible Indiana postsecondary institution (public, private, or proprietary).
- Enrolled or planning to enroll in a program leading to an associate degree or first bachelor’s degree, or pursuing a certificate at Ivy Tech Community College or Vincennes University.
- Must be a full-time student or plan to enroll full time (with limited summer exceptions described below).
- Must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by April 15 each year.
Renewal and academic progress requirements
- Recipients must meet the institution’s Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards to continue receiving the grant.
- Annual credit completion affects renewal award level: earning 24–29 credit hours during the academic year qualifies the student for the “Full‑time” award level; earning 30 or more credit hours qualifies the student for the “On‑time” (maximum) award amount.
- In certain situations, degree-seeking students may use the Frank O’Bannon Grant for summer enrollment while enrolled part time; consult the program’s summer-use guidelines for details.
How to apply
- Complete and submit the FAFSA at FAFSA.gov by April 15 each year.