21st Century Scholars
Indiana’s 21st Century Scholars program is an early-college promise program designed to make college more affordable for students.
What is the 21st Century Scholarship?
The 21st Century Scholarship is an opportunity for students to afford college in Indiana. The 21st Century Scholarship pays up to 100% of tuition at public colleges in Indiana and part of the tuition at private or independent colleges. Learn more about the schools, colleges and universities that accept the 21st Century Scholarship.
The scholarship does not cover the cost of books, room and board, parking fees, lab fees or any other fees that are not assessed to all students.
Who is eligible?
Be an Indiana resident
Be automatically enrolled or apply in 7th or 8th grade
Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
Be a member of a family that meets income eligibility guidelines
For detailed requirements, visit How to Enroll.
21st Century Scholars Automatic Enrollment
After the passage of House Enrolled Act (HEA) 1449-2023, current 7th and 8th grade Hoosier students who are financially eligible for Free and Reduced Price Lunch will be automatically enrolled in the 21st Century Scholars Program. Parents and guardians of eligible students no longer need to complete an application for their student to participate.
Students who are automatically enrolled in the 21st Century Scholars program must meet all requirements to obtain the scholarship upon graduation
Stay on Track with ScholarTrack
How do I apply?
The 21st Century Scholars application opens on October 1, 2023.
Steps to apply include:
- Visit ScholarTrack.in.gov
- Click “Register” in the upper right-hand corner
- Create a parent account – an email address is required
- Click on “My Account” to apply for the 21st Century Scholars program
You will receive an email with an application summary and program enrollment application after the application is received.
Can I still apply in high school or college?
Students must be automatically enrolled in or apply to the 21st Century Scholars program by June 30 of the end of their 8th-grade year. The only exception is that students in foster care may enroll in high school. Indiana offers many other financial aid programs if you missed the enrollment deadline.
21st Century Scholars Resources
Available resources include:
Visit our full Resources page for additional resources on mental health, educator pathways and more!
ScholarTrack
ScholarTrack is the one-stop shop for Hoosiers’ state financial aid needs. ScholarTrack guides students and families through the process of planning for, applying to and maintaining their financial aid – beginning as early as middle school and continuing through college completion.
ScholarTrack is required to track the completion of the Scholar Success Program.
Padres Estrellas
Padres Estrellas – translated from “Star Parents” – work to empower Hispanic and Latino communities to provide college and career support to students and families across Indiana.
By connecting with schools, neighborhoods and community partners, eight Padres Estrellas help students and families enroll in the 21st Century Scholars program and the Workforce Ready Grant. The goal of this initiative is increasing student access and attainment to higher education in Indiana.
21st Century Scholarship Qualifications
1. Perform academically
2. Complete the Scholar Success Program and do not violate the Scholar Pledge
3. Earn your high school diploma
- Core 40
- Core 40 with Academic Honors
- Core 40 with Technical Honors
- International Baccalaureate
4. College requirements
To maintain your 21st Century Scholarship after enrolling in college, you must do the following each year: earn at least 30 credits each academic year, file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by Indiana’s April 15 deadline and maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) as determined by your college.
The Scholar Pledge
Each 21st Century Scholar must pledge the following by signing their name to commit to the program’s requirements.
I pledge to graduate with a minimum of a Core 40 diploma from a state-accredited Indiana high school. I will complete the Scholar Success Program in high school and in college that helps me stay on track for college and career success. I will achieve a cumulative high school GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. I will not use illegal drugs or alcohol or commit a crime or delinquent act. I will apply for admission to an eligible Indiana college my senior year and apply on time for student financial aid. As a college student, I will complete at least 30 credit hours each year to stay on track toward earning my degree on time. I aim to succeed.
How do I get started?
- Plan should be updated annually to keep students on track for high school graduation and college admission.
- Includes job shadowing, internship, part-time employment, interviewing a professional or related experience linked to a student’s career aspirations.
- Includes any additional scholarship opportunities beyond the 21st Century Scholarship.
Meet our 21st Century Scholar Alumni
Our 21st Century Scholars Alumni are making a difference!
Frequently Asked Questions
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– Graduate from a state-accredited Indiana high school.
– Graduate from high school with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
– Earn at least a Core 40 diploma.
– Complete all 12 high school Scholar Success Program requirements and track them in ScholarTrack by high school graduation.
– Apply to and be admitted to an eligible Indiana college, university or proprietary school as a high school senior.
– Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by April 15 as a high school senior and each year thereafter until college graduation.
– Complete at least 30 credit hours each year of college.
– Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards established by your college.
– Maintain Indiana residency.
– Do not do drugs, commit a crime or delinquent act or consume alcohol before reaching the legal drinking age.
You must receive notifications and updates from the 21st Century Scholars program to ensure you’re on track to complete your requirements in high school and college. Scholars can update their information in their ScholarTrack account at ScholarTrack.IN.gov.
The state will complete a financial means test prior to your first year of college enrollment to determine how much state aid you are eligible to receive.
To qualify to receive the Scholarship after high school graduation, you must be a member of a household with an annual income equal to or below 370% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). This is equal to double the amount to qualify for the Federal Reduced Lunch Program and initially enroll in the program.
For more information, click here.
Yes. A Scholar student and/or his or her parent must report potential pledge violations to the program as soon as they become aware of the violation. Learn more about pledge violations here.
Potential pledge violations should be reported to Scholars@che.IN.gov or to: Indiana Commission for Higher Education ATTN: Financial Aid Support Center 101 West Ohio, Suite 300 Indianapolis, IN 46204.
