Financial aid at Iowa Lakes
Your path to affordable education
Paying for college is a critical step in achieving your educational goals. At Iowa Lakes Community College, we are committed to helping you make your education affordable through various financial aid options. Whether you’re pursuing a degree, earning a diploma, or working on certifications, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Types of Aid Available
At Iowa Lakes, you’ll find financial aid opportunities tailored to meet diverse student needs. Options include:
- Grants: Need-based aid that doesn’t require repayment, such as the Federal Pell Grant or the Iowa Tuition Grant.
- Scholarships: We offer Iowa Lakes scholarships and external opportunities to reward academic achievement and community involvement.
- Loans: Federal Direct Loans help cover tuition and other educational expenses. Learn about responsible borrowing through Federal Student Aid.
- PACE Program: The PACE Program helps individuals pursue middle-skill careers by providing financial, educational, personal, and career support through a dedicated Career & Transition Coordinator.
- Work-Study: Gain valuable experience while earning money for your education.
Applying for financial aid starts with completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Use our school code, 001864, to ensure Iowa Lakes receives your information. Need help? Check out our FAFSA resources or visit the Financial Aid Office.
After you complete the FAFSA process, you will receive an email notification from the U.S. Department of Education that your application has been received and is processing.
- You may apply any time after October 1. Please note: you must reapply for Financial Aid each year. No program of assistance is carried over from year to year.
- Once you submit your FAFSA and transcripts, you will receive further communication from Iowa Lakes by email, postcard, or both. Inside this communication, you will receive the following information:
- Instructions on how to log in to your Iowa Lakes Self-Service Student Portal
- Details on how to access the Manage Financial Aid with Self-Service
- Students should note that if additional information or forms are needed, they will be available within the self-service portal.
All required forms must be completed before financial aid packages can be calculated.
The following links and videos may be used as a resource to help students maneuver through the steps of completing the FAFSA and obtaining Federal Student Aid.
Federal Student Aid at a glance. Informs students about what federal student aid is, who is eligible, and how to apply.
Financial Literacy is an essential life skill. It is particularly important for college students who will have more financial choices and opportunities to be made, on campus and in real life, than any generation before.
Iowa Lakes Community College understands that successfully managing your money will help ensure your success as a student. You will find resources and links that we hope will assist you in managing your money on this page.
Additional Resources
The resources and links on this page are designed to improve your financial literacy and will not specifically assist you with your aid award at Iowa Lakes.
The document attached below provides a clear example of what your financial aid award letter from Iowa Lakes Community College will look like. This personalized letter outlines the financial support you can receive, including grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study opportunities.
It also highlights the total cost of attendance and how your aid will help cover those expenses. Reviewing this example can help you better understand your financial aid package and prepare for your educational journey at Iowa Lakes.
FINANCIAL AID AWARD LETTER EXAMPLE
If you have questions about your award letter, our Financial Aid team is here to assist!
Census Dates
CENSUS DATES
Iowa Lakes Community College recognizes census dates for determining enrollment status for each semester. (Full-time, ¾ time, ½ time status) Census dates are established as follows. Student’s registration/enrollment status is locked on these dates for financial aid purposes.
No adjustments will be made for classes added after these dates:
2025 Fall Semester: 9/9/25
2025 Spring Semester: 1/29/26
2025 Summer Term: 6/1/26
Questions? Let's Talk
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Deb Weston Financial Aid Office Associate 712-362-7920 | dweston@iowalakes.edu Estherville Campus |
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Denise Mahoney Financial Aid Office Associate 712-852-5267 | dmahoney@iowalakes.edu Emmetsburg Campus |
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Noah Heifner Associate Director of Financial Aid 712-852-5276 | nheifner@iowalakes.edu Emmetsburg Campus |
