UNI Inspire Award — Need-Based ($1,000/Year, Stacks with Merit Awards)

About This Opportunity

The UNI Inspire Award provides $1,000 per year to admitted UNI students who demonstrate financial need through FAFSA. It is awarded automatically — no separate application beyond your FAFSA. The Inspire Award is renewable for up to four years as long as you maintain enrollment and continue to demonstrate need through annual FAFSA filing. CRITICAL STACKING ADVANTAGE: The Inspire Award stacks with UNI's admission-based merit awards. A Council Bluffs student with financial need could receive all of the following simultaneously: Panther Impact Award ($1,000-$4,000/year) + Presidential Scholarship ($4,000/year, if selected) + Inspire Award ($1,000/year) = up to $9,000/year total. This stacking combination is unique and powerful — making UNI one of the most financially accessible options for CB students with a combination of academic merit and financial need. File your FAFSA and the Iowa Financial Aid Application (IFAA) at educate.iowa.gov by April 1 to maximize all Iowa-related aid alongside the Inspire Award.

Who Can Apply

Must be admitted to UNI. Demonstrated financial need as shown by FAFSA required. Iowa resident and non-resident both eligible (need-based). No separate Inspire Award application — FAFSA filing triggers consideration automatically. File FAFSA by the annual priority deadline. Iowa residents should also file the Iowa Financial Aid Application (IFAA) at educate.iowa.gov. Renewable for 4 years with annual FAFSA filing and continued enrollment.