Ind. Code ch. 21-12-3

Ind. Code ch. 21-12-3
in effect

Ind. Code § 21-12-3-1 Eligibility for awards

Sec. 1. (a) An applicant is eligible for a first year higher education award under this chapter if the student meets the following requirements: (1) The applicant is a resident of Indiana, as defined by the commission. (2) The applicant: (A) has successfully completed the program of instruction at an approved secondary school; (B) has been granted a: (i) high school equivalency certificate before July 1, 1995; or (ii) state of Indiana general educational development (GED) diploma under IC 20-10.1-12.1 (before its repeal), IC 20-20-6 (before its repeal), or IC 22-4.1-18; or (C) is a student in good standing at an approved secondary school and is engaged in a program that in due course will be completed by the end of the current academic year. (3) The financial resources reasonably available to the applicant, as defined by the commission, are such that, in the absence of a higher education award under this chapter, the applicant would be deterred from completing the applicant's education at the approved postsecondary educational institution that the applicant has selected and that has accepted the applicant. In determining the financial resources reasonably available to an applicant to whom IC 21-18.5-4-8 applies, the commission must consider the financial resources of the applicant's legal parent. (4) The applicant will use the award initially at that approved postsecondary educational institution. (5) The student is enrolled full time in an approved postsecondary educational institution and making satisfactory academic progress, as determined by the postsecondary educational institution, toward a first baccalaureate degree. (6) The student declares, in writing, a specific educational objective or course of study and enrolls in: (A) courses that apply toward the requirements for completion of that objective or course of study; or (B) courses designed to help the student develop the basic skills that the student needs to successfully achieve that objective or continue in that course of study. (7) The student is not eligible to receive a twenty-first century scholarship under IC 21-12-6. (8) The student is not eligible to receive a: (A) National Guard tuition supplement grant under IC 21-13-4; or (B) scholarship under the National Guard scholarship extension program under IC 21-13-5. (b) This subsection applies to an individual who: (1) meets the requirements set forth in subsection (a); and (2) before the date that eligibility is determined by the commission, has been placed by or with the consent of the department of child services, by a court order, or by a licensed child placing agency in: (A) a foster family home; (B) the home of a relative or other unlicensed caretaker; (C) a child caring institution; or (D) a group home. The commission shall consider an individual to whom this subsection applies as a full-need student under the commission's rules when determining the eligibility of the individual to receive financial aid administered by the commission under this chapter. [Pre-2007 Higher Education Recodification Citation: 20-12-21-6(a).] As added by P.L.2-2007, SEC.253. Amended by P.L.168-2007, SEC.6; P.L.7-2011, SEC.12; P.L.107-2012, SEC.16; P.L.281-2013, SEC.6; P.L.217-2015, SEC.1; P.L.165-2016, SEC.5.

Ind. Code § 21-12-3-2 Limitation on eligibility

Sec. 2. A higher education award recipient is not eligible for assistance after the recipient has received an award for the number of academic terms that constitutes four (4) undergraduate academic years. [Pre-2007 Higher Education Recodification Citation: 20-12-21-6(b).] As added by P.L.2-2007, SEC.253. Amended by P.L.281-2013, SEC.7.

Ind. Code § 21-12-3-3 Eligibility for awards

Sec. 3. To maintain eligibility a student is not required to: (1) attend an approved postsecondary educational institution; or (2) receive an award; in consecutive semesters or quarters. [Pre-2007 Higher Education Recodification Citation: 20-12-21-6(c).] As added by P.L.2-2007, SEC.253. Amended by P.L.125-2008, SEC.1.

Ind. Code § 21-12-3-4 Eligibility for awards; satisfactory progress

Sec. 4. A student who: (1) participates in: (A) a nursing diploma program that is accredited by the Indiana state board of nursing and operated by a hospital; (B) a technical certificate or associate degree program at Ivy Tech Community College; (C) a technical certificate or associate degree program at Vincennes University; or (D) an associate degree program at a postsecondary credit bearing proprietary educational institution that qualifies as an approved postsecondary educational institution; and (2) meets the requirements in sections 1 and 2 of this chapter for a first year higher education award except the requirement of satisfactory progress toward a first baccalaureate degree; is eligible to receive a state higher education award under this chapter. However, the student must make satisfactory progress toward obtaining the diploma, technical certificate, or associate degree to remain eligible for the award. [Pre-2007 Higher Education Recodification Citation: 20-12-21-6.1(a).] As added by P.L.2-2007, SEC.253. Amended by P.L.125-2008, SEC.2; P.L.107-2012, SEC.17; P.L.165-2016, SEC.6.

Ind. Code § 21-12-3-5 Expired

[Pre-2007 Higher Education Recodification Citation: 20-12-21-6.1(b).] As added by P.L.2-2007, SEC.253. Amended by P.L.107-2012, SEC.18. Expired 7-1-2014 by P.L.281-2013, SEC.8.

Ind. Code § 21-12-3-6 Financial resources available to student

Sec. 6. In determining the financial resources available to a student for a higher education award, the commission may not consider principal or interest, including an original issue discount that qualifies as interest excludable from gross income for federal income tax purposes, on a bond that is: (1) issued by a: (A) public body corporate and politic of the state; or (B) state educational institution; designated by the governor as a college savings bond and purchased after December 31, 1989; or (2) a United States savings bond purchased after December 31, 1989, if the interest is claimed as exempt from federal taxation under Section 135 of the Internal Revenue Code. [Pre-2007 Higher Education Recodification Citation: 20-12-21-6.2.] As added by P.L.2-2007, SEC.253.

Ind. Code § 21-12-3-7 Publication of rules

Sec. 7. The commission shall publish and make available to every applicant all its rules governing the awarding and denial of higher education awards. The rules must state specifically the conditions under which an award once issued may be withdrawn or reduced. [Pre-2007 Higher Education Recodification Citation: 20-12-21-6.5.] As added by P.L.2-2007, SEC.253.

Ind. Code § 21-12-3-8 Issuance of first year awards; priorities

Sec. 8. For each academic year, first year higher education awards shall be issued to as many qualified persons as the current biennial appropriation allows. Applicants who are least able to provide funds for the cost of education shall be given priority in the awarding of higher education award funds. [Pre-2007 Higher Education Recodification Citation: 20-12-21-7(a).] As added by P.L.2-2007, SEC.253.

Ind. Code § 21-12-3-9 Renewal of awards; applying credits

Sec. 9. (a) A higher education award for a student in a program leading to a baccalaureate degree may be renewed for a total of three (3) undergraduate academic years following the academic year of the first award or until an earlier time as the student receives a degree normally obtained in four (4) undergraduate academic years. A higher education award for a student in a program leading to a technical certificate or an undergraduate associate degree may be renewed for the number of academic years normally required to obtain a certificate or degree in the student's program. The commission may grant a renewal only upon application and only upon its finding that: (1) the applicant has successfully completed the work of a preceding year; (2) the applicant remains domiciled in Indiana; (3) the recipient's financial situation continues to warrant an award, based on the financial requirements set forth in section 1(a)(3) of this chapter; (4) the applicant is eligible under section 2 of this chapter; (5) the student maintains satisfactory academic progress, as determined by the eligible institution; and (6) beginning in an academic year beginning after August 31, 2017, the student successfully completes: (A) at least twenty-four (24) credit hours or the equivalent during the last academic year in which the student received state financial aid; or (B) at least twenty-four (24) credit hours or the equivalent during the last academic year in which the student was enrolled in a postsecondary educational institution. (b) In determining eligibility under subsection (a)(6), the commission shall apply all the following types of credits regardless of whether the credits were completed during the last academic year described in subsection (a)(6)(A) or (a)(6)(B): (1) Credits earned from dual credit, advanced placement, Cambridge International, and international baccalaureate courses. (2) College credits earned during high school. (3) Credits earned exceeding thirty (30) credit hours during a previous academic year in which a student received state financial aid. [Pre-2007 Higher Education Recodification Citation: 20-12-21-7(b).] As added by P.L.2-2007, SEC.253. Amended by P.L.125-2008, SEC.3; P.L.169-2011, SEC.3; P.L.281-2013, SEC.9; P.L.165-2016, SEC.7; P.L.191-2018, SEC.22; P.L.10-2019, SEC.92; P.L.1-2025, SEC.199.

Ind. Code § 21-12-3-9.2 Requirement to meet with intermediary, employer, or labor organization; background check; waiver; annual report

Sec. 9.2. (a) As used in this section, "intermediary" has the meaning set forth in IC 21-18-1-3.5. (b) As used in this section, "labor organization" has the meaning set forth in IC 22-6-6-5. (c) Except as provided in subsection (g), a student who receives an award under this chapter shall, during the: (1) first undergraduate academic year that the student receives an award under this chapter; and (2) third undergraduate academic year that the student receives an award under this chapter; meet with at least one (1) intermediary, employer, or labor organization for not less than thirty (30) minutes to discuss current and future career opportunities and the necessary education levels for various careers. (d) For purposes of subsection (c), a student may meet only with an intermediary, an employer, or a labor organization that is included on the list prepared under IC 21-18-19-1. (e) The meeting required under subsection (c) must occur at a time and place convenient for the student. The approved postsecondary educational institution at which the student is enrolled in courses shall, upon request by the student, provide space for the meeting on property owned, used, or occupied by the educational institution. (f) Before meeting with a student under subsection (c), an employer, individual employed by an intermediary, or individual employed by a labor organization must pass any background checks required by the approved postsecondary educational institution at which the student is enrolled in courses. (g) If the approved postsecondary educational institution at which the student is enrolled in courses determines that no intermediaries, employers, or labor organizations are willing to meet with students under subsection (c), the educational institution may submit to the commission for higher education a written request to waive the meeting requirement. (h) An intermediary, an employer, or a labor organization that meets with a student under subsection (c) shall submit an annual report to the commission for higher education in the manner established by the commission for higher education under IC 21-18-19-1. As added by P.L.202-2023, SEC.72.

Ind. Code § 21-12-3-10 Additional awards

Sec. 10. Out of funds available after commitments have been met under sections 8 and 9 of this chapter, awards shall be issued to persons who have successfully completed at least one (1) academic year but not more than three (3) academic years in approved postsecondary educational institutions if they meet the eligibility requirements of: (1) sections 1, 2, and (if applicable) 9(a)(5) or 9(a)(6) of this chapter; or (2) sections 4 and (if applicable) 9(a)(5) or 9(a)(6) of this chapter. The awards shall be handled on the same basis as renewals under section 9 of this chapter. [Pre-2007 Higher Education Recodification Citation: 20-12-21-7(c).] As added by P.L.2-2007, SEC.253. Amended by P.L.125-2008, SEC.4; P.L.169-2011, SEC.4; P.L.281-2013, SEC.11; P.L.85-2017, SEC.86; P.L.10-2019, SEC.93.

Ind. Code § 21-12-3-11 Expired

[Pre-2007 Higher Education Recodification Citation: 20-12-21-7(d).] As added by P.L.2-2007, SEC.253. Expired 9-1-2014 by P.L.281-2013, SEC.12.

Ind. Code § 21-12-3-12 Applicants least able to provide funds for education; consideration of principal or interest on bonds; exemption

Sec. 12. In determining which applicants are least able to provide funds for the cost of education under section 8 of this chapter, the commission may not consider principal or interest, including an original issue discount that qualifies as interest excludable from gross income for federal income tax purposes, on a bond that is: (1) issued by a: (A) public body corporate and politic of the state; or (B) state educational institution; designated by the governor as a college savings bond and purchased after December 31, 1989; or (2) a United States savings bond purchased after December 31, 1989, if the interest is claimed as exempt from federal taxation under Section 135 of the Internal Revenue Code. [Pre-2007 Higher Education Recodification Citation: 20-12-21-7.1.] As added by P.L.2-2007, SEC.253.

Ind. Code § 21-12-3-13 Prohibition; assistance to confined inmates

Sec. 13. The commission may not provide assistance under this chapter to a higher education award applicant or recipient who is: (1) convicted of a felony; (2) sentenced to a term of imprisonment for that felony; and (3) confined for that felony at a penal facility (as defined in IC 35-31.5-2-232). [Pre-2007 Higher Education Recodification Citation: 20-12-21-7.6.] As added by P.L.2-2007, SEC.253. Amended by P.L.229-2011, SEC.223; P.L.114-2012, SEC.43.

Ind. Code § 21-12-3-14 Certification of applicants

Sec. 14. The commission shall certify to the state comptroller the name and address of every applicant to whom an award has been issued. An award is effective during the academic year immediately following its award, and records and accounts relating to it shall be kept accordingly. [Pre-2007 Higher Education Recodification Citation: 20-12-21-9.] As added by P.L.2-2007, SEC.253. Amended by P.L.9-2024, SEC.419.

Ind. Code § 21-12-3-15 Enrollment

Sec. 15. An applicant to whom the commission has issued an award may apply for enrollment as a student in any approved postsecondary educational institution. However, the institution is not required to accept the applicant for enrollment, and the institution may require compliance with its own admissions requirements. If the institution accepts the applicant, it shall give written notice to the commission. The institution is entitled to the payments of tuition and other necessary fees and charges provided by the award that are incurred by the applicant. It shall provide facilities and instruction to the applicant on the same terms as to other students. [Pre-2007 Higher Education Recodification Citation: 20-12-21-10(a).] As added by P.L.2-2007, SEC.253.

Ind. Code § 21-12-3-16 Effect of termination of student status

Sec. 16. If during an academic period a student enrolled in an institution under an award under this chapter ceases for any reason to be a student in good standing, the institution shall promptly give written notice to the commission as to the change of status and the reason for it. If under its current standards a fee or charge that has been paid as part of an award under this chapter would otherwise be refunded by the institution to the student, it shall be remitted to the state comptroller. [Pre-2007 Higher Education Recodification Citation: 20-12-21-10(b).] As added by P.L.2-2007, SEC.253. Amended by P.L.9-2024, SEC.420.

Ind. Code § 21-12-3-17 Second year awards

Sec. 17. A student to whom a renewal award has been issued may either re-enroll in the approved postsecondary educational institution that the student attended during the preceding year or enroll in another approved postsecondary educational institution. In either event, the approved postsecondary educational institution accepting the student shall notify the commission. The approved postsecondary educational institution is entitled to payment and is contractually obligated as provided for first year awards. [Pre-2007 Higher Education Recodification Citation: 20-12-21-10(c).] As added by P.L.2-2007, SEC.253.

Ind. Code § 21-12-3-18 Award account and records

Sec. 18. The commission shall administer the higher education award account and related records of each student who is attending an approved postsecondary educational institution under an award issued under this chapter. At each appropriate time, it shall certify to the state comptroller, in the manner prescribed by law, the current payment to be made to the institution under the award. This shall be done in accordance with an appropriate certificate of the approved postsecondary educational institution presented by the time the payment is due under the rules of the approved postsecondary educational institution applicable to students generally, after the tuition and necessary fees have become fixed. [Pre-2007 Higher Education Recodification Citation: 20-12-21-11.] As added by P.L.2-2007, SEC.253. Amended by P.L.9-2024, SEC.421.

Ind. Code § 21-12-3-19 Higher education award fund

Sec. 19. (a) The state comptroller shall create a separate and segregated higher education award fund distinct from the freedom of choice grant fund. (b) All money disbursed from the higher education award fund shall be in accordance with this chapter. (c) The expense of administering the fund may be paid from money in the fund. (d) Money in the higher education award fund may be transferred to another fund under this article as directed by the commission under IC 21-12-1.2-2. [Pre-2007 Higher Education Recodification Citation: 20-12-21-11.5.] As added by P.L.2-2007, SEC.253. Amended by P.L.229-2011, SEC.224; P.L.234-2015, SEC.6; P.L.165-2016, SEC.8; P.L.9-2024, SEC.422; P.L.213-2025, SEC.242.

Ind. Code § 21-12-3-20 Unspent scholarship money; use

Sec. 20. If at the end of a fiscal year part of the money appropriated for that year for the purposes of this chapter remains unspent, it may be spent for those purposes during the next fiscal year, or it may be transferred to another fund under this article as directed by the commission under IC 21-12-1.2-2. [Pre-2007 Higher Education Recodification Citation: 20-12-21-12.] As added by P.L.2-2007, SEC.253. Amended by P.L.234-2015, SEC.7.

Ind. Code § 21-12-3-21 Repealed

[Pre-2007 Higher Education Recodification Citation: 20-12-21-12.5.] As added by P.L.2-2007, SEC.253. Amended by P.L.229-2011, SEC.225. Repealed by P.L.234-2015, SEC.8.
Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://iga.in.gov/laws/2026/ic/titles/21Fetched: 10/17/2026

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