Student Life Highlights
Financial Guidance & Resources
Studying can be expensive, but ISU offers competitive tuition rates, as well as various forms of financial support.
Tuition
To learn more about specific tuition costs involved in obtaining your Architecture degree at Iowa State, click here:
Additional Costs
In addition to regular tuition and fees, Studios in our program involve additional costs. These include field trips, which vary in cost depending on the course level and instructor. Students can expect to pay between $250 to $750 for field-trips (where these are part of the studio course). The more expensive trips are typically offered in semesters where there are other, less costly options on offer. There are also costs associated with model-making (the scope of which varies depending on studio and instructor), supplies and printing. Some of these costs may be reduced by taking advantage of used material supplies (the design closet) , or by moving to digital presentations rather than full scale print-outs. All studios have screens that enable students to display rather than print final work.
Laptop/Software Purchase
We require that students have a laptop and certain software in order to complete their course of study. Our laptop purchase program guides and supports students – allowing them to pay laptop costs incrementally, over the course of six semesters.
Financial Support:
In addition to general student financial support and services offered by ISU, the Department of Architecture offers more than 30 scholarships and awards totaling more than $100,000 annually to students enrolled in the professional program.
(see also: https://www.design.iastate.edu/current-students/scholarships/scholarship-search/)
AIA National/AIA Iowa Diversity Scholarship
Eligible Programs: Architecture
Categories: Current Students
Eligibility Criteria: GPA, Residency, Minority, Level or year
Deadlines: March 01
Description
The Iowa Chapter AIA and the National AIA have joined together to provide financial assistance to architecture students.
$500 – $1000 scholarship. Amount and number of awards vary based upon available funds.
Open to students who have completed their Core year and have been accepted into the undergraduate architecture professional program or who are currently enrolled in the undergraduate architecture professional program. The recipient is to be in good academic standing and a U.S. citizen. Preference is given to applicants belonging to an under-represented U.S. ethnic group and to applicants who are residents of Iowa. Applicants must be an AIA Iowa Student Affiliate Member – contact the AIA Iowa Chapter for information and instructions on registering.
Essay Requirements
The essay should be a short statement (one page or less) addressing professional and personal goals and accomplishments. Include any leadership activities. This is to be submitted as a Word file or pdf file.
AIA National/AIA Iowa Merit Scholarship
Eligible Programs: Architecture
Categories: Current Students
Eligibility Criteria: GPA, Level or year
Deadlines: March 01
Description
The National American Institute of Architects and the Iowa American Institute of Architects have joined to provide financial assistance to architecture students.
$500 – $1,000 scholarship. Amount and number of awards vary based upon available funds.
Open to undergraduate architecture students.
First preference shall be based on overall academic performance; 2nd preference based on demonstrated professional promise; and 3rd preference based on displayed leadership and participation in school and community activities.
Applicants must be an AIA Iowa Student Affiliate Member – contact the AIA Iowa Chapter office for information and instructions on registering
Essay Requirements
The essay should be a short statement (one page or less) addressing professional and personal goals and accomplishments. Essay should also include any leadership roles as well as school and community involvement. This should be submitted as a word or pdf document.
Arvid and Gayle Osterberg Design Scholarship
Eligible Programs: Architecture
Categories: Graduate Students
Eligibility Criteria: Level or year
Deadlines: February 15
Description
This award is being given by Arvid and Gayle Osterberg to recognize a student who has demonstrated interest and commitment to the concept of inclusive design.
$1,000 scholarship. One scholarship given
Application open for Graduate Students only – https://secure.design.iastate.edu/STUDENTS/SCHOLARSHIPS2/application.php.
Students will need to be on campus or will need to use a VPN connection to access the application portal from off campus. To use the VPN connection, go to https://vpn.iastate.edu This page will prompt you to download the Cisco AnyConnect application and guide you through set up.
Undergraduate students must apply through the ISU Financial Aid OneApp scholarship process https://www.financialaid.iastate.edu/scholarships/
.
.
Essay Requirements
Submit a short essay (500 words or less) explaining the relevance of your student work to inclusive design. Inclusive design is defined as “design for all people regardless of physical or mental ability or age. Design should not discriminate or disadvantage individuals or groups based on variations in age, size, physical or mental ability, and ethic or cultural background.”
ASI Design Scholarship
Eligible Programs: Interior Design, Graphic Design, Architecture
Categories: Current Students
Eligibility Criteria: Residency
Deadlines: February 03
Description
Undergraduate students must apply through the ISU Financial Aid OneApp scholarship process: https://www.financialaid.iastate.edu/scholarships/
The ASI Design Scholarship recipient criteria:
- Recipients shall be undergraduates or graduate students studying graphic design, interior design or architecture
- Recipients shall be residents of the state of Iowa
- Recipients shall have a demonstrated interest in wayfinding and/or environmental graphics in architectural environments
Essay Requirements
Attach a 200-250 word essay demonstrating your interest and work in architectural signage and wayfinding.
College of Design Scholarship Fund
Eligible Programs: College of Design, Landscape Architecture, Interior Design, Industrial Design, Bachelor of Design, Graphic Design, Planning, Art and Visual Culture, Architecture
Categories: Transfer Students
Eligibility Criteria: GPA, Financial Need
Deadlines: December 01
Description
This scholarship is a nonrenewable award given to undergraduate community college transfer students entering the College of Design and who hold an Associate of Arts degree.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Have applied to and been offered admission to Iowa State University
- Plan to enter a College of Design degree program
- Have earned an Associate of Arts degree from an accredited community college in Iowa
- Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
- Have demonstrated financial need (FAFSA must be on file with ISU)
- Write a 500-word essay addressing the following:
- Individual determination to succeed
- Motivation to earn a four-year university degree
- Future goals and plan to achieve them
- Interest in the programs in the College of Design
Initial Selection
Based upon a review of the application information, the award(s) will be made by faculty from eligible programs.
Essay Requirements
Write a 500-word essay addressing the following:
- Individual determination to succeed
- Motivation to earn a four-year university degree
- Future goals and plan to achieve them
- Interest in the programs in the College of Design
DLR Architecture Scholarship
Eligible Programs: Architecture
Categories: Graduate Students, Current Students
Eligibility Criteria: Level or year
Deadlines: February 01
Description
Scholarship provided by DLR Group to recognize a student who has demonstrated social responsibility through volunteerism. Preference given to non-profit volunteering related to building.
$1,000 scholarship. One award given.
Application open for Graduate Students only – https://secure.design.iastate.edu/STUDENTS/SCHOLARSHIPS2/application.php
Students will need to be on campus or will need to use a VPN connection to access the application portal from off campus. To use the VPN connection, go to https://vpn.iastate.edu This page will prompt you to download the Cisco AnyConnect application and guide you through set up.
Undergraduate students must apply through the ISU Financial Aid OneApp scholarship process https://www.financialaid.iastate.edu/scholarships/ Students who have completed their Core year and have been accepted into the BArch program are also eligible.
Essay Requirements
The essay should be a short statement (one page or less) addressing professional and personal goals and accomplishments. Include information on any volunteerism. This is to be submitted as a Word file or pdf file
George W. Catt Scholarship
Eligible Programs: College of Design, Landscape Architecture, Industrial Design, Interior Design, Graphic Design, Planning, Art and Visual Culture, Bachelor of Design, Architecture
Categories: Current Students
Eligibility Criteria: GPA, Level or year, Financial Need
Deadlines: March 01
Description
The George W. Catt Scholarship should be awarded to a student who will be a senior by Fall 2014 and has a cumulative GPA of at least 2.50. The recipient must demonstrate financial need as determined by filing the FAFSA. The amount of the award is $500.
Heery Scholarship
Eligible Programs: Architecture
Categories: Current Students
Eligibility Criteria: GPA, Level or year
Deadlines: March 01
Description
Established by the Iowa City firm of Heery Inc. to recognize an outstanding student in the architecture program.
$1,000 scholarship – one award given
Open to undergraduate architecture students entering the fifth year of the professional program in fall 2018. Selection is based on academic achievement, departmental service and leadership, and professional promise.
Essay Requirements
The essay should be a short statement (one page or less) addressing professional and personal goals and accomplishments. The essay needs to include departmental service and leadership roles.
Henningson, Durham & Richardson Architecture Award
Eligible Programs: Architecture
Categories: Current Students
Eligibility Criteria: GPA, Level or year, Financial Need
Deadlines: March 01
Description
Established by the Omaha based firm Henningson, Durham & Richardson to recognize academic achievement.
$1,000 scholarship. One award given.
Open to undergraduate architecture students who will be entering the fifth year of the professional program in fall 2018, who have maintained at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA, demonstrated ability, scholarship and financial need.
Essay Requirements
A short statement (one page or less) addressing professional and personal goals and accomplishments.
IFMA Scholarship
Eligible Programs: Interior Design, Architecture
Categories: Current Students
Deadlines: April 24
Description
You will find current information under education and then scholarship information.
Iowa Chapter AIA Scholarship
Eligible Programs: Architecture
Categories: Current Students
Eligibility Criteria: Level or year
Deadlines: March 01
Description
Scholarship established by the Iowa Chapter of the American Institute of Architects to recognize student involvement and contribution to the activities of the AIAS.
$500 – $800 Scholarship. One scholarship given.
Open to current undergraduate architecture students in the professional program. (For students who apply during their first year of study the award is contingent upon their acceptance into the professional program.) Applicants must be an AIA Iowa Student Affiliate Member – contact the AIA Iowa Chapter for information and instructions on registering.
Selection is based upon demonstrated involvement in the AIAS and demonstrated potential in design.
Essay Requirements
Include a short statement (one page or less) addressing professional and personal goals and accomplishments. The essay should include examples of AIAS involvement.
Jeffrey J. Pilling Architecture Scholarship
Eligible Programs: Architecture
Categories: Study Abroad, Graduate Students, Current Students
Eligibility Criteria: GPA, Level or year, Financial Need
Deadlines: February 15
Description
Family, friends, and alumni of Iowa State established this scholarship in 1993 in memory of Jeffrey J. Pilling. The award is to provide financial assistance for students participating in one of the department’s foreign study programs.
$1,000 scholarship. Three awards to be given.
This award is contingent upon participation in one of the department’s foreign study programs. Participation must be during the 2020-2021 academic year. Selection is based upon financial need and/or academic achievement and/or professional promise.
Application open for Graduate Students only – https://secure.design.iastate.edu/STUDENTS/SCHOLARSHIPS2/application.php.
Students will need to be on campus or will need to use a VPN connection to access the application portal from off campus. To use the VPN connection, go to https://vpn.iastate.edu This page will prompt you to download the Cisco AnyConnect application and guide you through set up.
Undergraduate students must apply through the ISU Financial Aid OneApp scholarship process https://www.financialaid.iastate.edu/scholarships/
Essay Requirements
The essay should be a short statement (one page or less) addressing professional and personal goals and accomplishments as well as how a study abroad experience will benefit you.
Lane-Wells Scholarship
Eligible Programs: College of Design, Landscape Architecture, Industrial Design, Interior Design, Graphic Design, Planning, Bachelor of Design, Art and Visual Culture, Architecture
Categories: Current Students
Eligibility Criteria: Student Income, Financial Need
Deadlines: March 01
Description
The Lane-Wells Scholarship will be awarded to a student who is earning a good share of their college expenses through work. There is no GPA or grade level restriction, but the recipient must also demonstrate financial need as determined by filing the FAFSA . The amount of the award is $500.
Essay Requirements
Attach an essay (no more than 500 words) providing information on how you are earning a good share of your college expenses.
OPN Architects Scholarship
Eligible Programs: Architecture
Categories: Current Students
Eligibility Criteria: Residency, Level or year
Deadlines: March 01
Description
Established by the Iowa-based firm of OPN Architects, Inc. to recognize a student for professional promise. OPN is a full-service design and sustainability oriented firm of 60+ architects, landscape architects, and interior designers.
$1,000 scholarship. One award is given.
Open to undergraduate architecture students who will be entering the fifth year of the professional program fall 2018 with preference given to students from Eastern Iowa.
Essay Requirements
The essay should be a short statement (one page or less) addressing professional and personal goals and accomplishments.
Paul M. Heffernan Travel Abroad Scholarship Fund
Eligible Programs: Architecture
Categories: Study Abroad, Graduate Students, Current Students
Eligibility Criteria: Level or year
Deadlines: February 15
Description
Established by Paul Heffernan to support student(s) travel abroad for the purpose of enriching their learning experience.
$1,000 – $2,000 Scholarship. Amount and number of awards based upon available funds.
Award is contingent upon participation in a university approved study abroad program. Participation must be during the 2021-2022 academic year.
Application open for Graduate Students only – https://secure.design.iastate.edu/STUDENTS/SCHOLARSHIPS2/application.php
Students will need to be on campus or will need to use a VPN connection to access the application portal from off campus. To use the VPN connection, go to https://vpn.iastate.edu This page will prompt you to download the Cisco AnyConnect application and guide you through set up.
Undergraduate students must apply through the ISU Financial Aid OneApp scholarship process https://www.financialaid.iastate.edu/scholarships/
Essay Requirements
The essay should be a short statement (one page or less) addressing professional and personal goals and accomplishments as well as what benefit may be achieved from participation in a study abroad program.
Piper Lamberson International Study
Eligible Programs: College of Design, Landscape Architecture, Industrial Design, Interior Design, Graphic Design, Planning, Bachelor of Design, Art and Visual Culture, Architecture
Categories: Current Students, Study Abroad
Eligibility Criteria: GPA, Financial Need
Deadlines: December 04
Description
This is a travel scholarship of at least $500, awarded to an undergraduate student in the College of Design planning to participate in the Rome program or other international study opportunity offered by the College of Design.
Students must have a minimum grade point average of 2.0 and have demonstrated financial need determined by the FAFSA on file with the Student Financial Aid Office.
Essay Requirements
On the online application form attach a 200-250 word essay on how the study abroad program relates to your educational goals. On the right hand corner of the essay, please include your name, the international study program you plan to participate in, and what semester you plan to attend.
The scholarship committee makes its selection primarily on the basis of essay quality.
Robert and Elizabeth Carlson Scholarship
Eligible Programs: Architecture
Categories: Current Students
Eligibility Criteria: GPA, Minority, Level or year, Financial Need
Deadlines: March 01
Description
Robert and Elizabeth Carlson established this scholarship in 2001 to recognize a full-time student in good standing enrolled in the undergraduate architecture program.
$1,000 Scholarship. One award is given.
Open to undergraduate architecture students enrolled full-time in the professional program (first year students are considered if admitted into professional program). Selection is based upon financial need and professional promise as expressed through a portfolio review. Preference is given to minority students.
Essay Requirements
A portfolio of personal work and a short essay (one page or less) addressing professional and personal goals and accomplishments is required.
Rohrbach Associates P.C. Scholarship
Eligible Programs: Architecture
Categories: Current Students
Eligibility Criteria: Level or year, Financial Need
Deadlines: March 01
Description
Established by Rohrbach Associates P.C. to provide financial assistance to architecture students pursuing their professional degree.
$1,000 scholarship. One award is given.
Open to full-time undergraduate architecture students enrolled in the professional program (first year students accepted into the professional program may be considered). Preference is given to students interested in pursuing a career in hospital or institutional design and who have demonstrated financial need.
Essay Requirements
The essay should be a short statement (one page or less) demonstrating interests in hospital or institutional design. The essay is to also include information relevant to the applicant’s interest in hospital or institutional design.
Rome and International Study Scholarship
Eligible Programs: Landscape Architecture, Industrial Design, Interior Design, Graphic Design, Planning, Bachelor of Design, Art and Visual Culture, Architecture, College of Design
Categories: Study Abroad, Current Students
Deadlines: December 04
Description
This is a travel scholarship of $500 minimum, awarded to an undergraduate or graduate student in the College of Design planning to participate in the Rome program and/or other international study programs in the College of Design.
Essay Requirements
Attach a written essay of no more than 200-250 words. The scholarship committee makes it selection primarily on the basis of essay quality. The essay should include your reasons for studying abroad as well as a description of what you hope to gain and accomplish abroad. On the right hand corner of the essay, please include your name, the study abroad program, and the semester you plan to study abroad. On the right hand corner of the essay, please include your name, the study abroad program, and the semester you plan to study abroad
Please verify that all your information is correct before submitting your application. Once you hit submit, you will not be able to edit in the future.
SACI ICFAD Full-Tuition Scholarship
Eligible Programs: Industrial Design, College of Design, Landscape Architecture, Interior Design, Graphic Design, Planning, Bachelor of Design, Art and Visual Culture, Architecture
Categories: Current Students
Description
The SACI ICFAD scholarship covers tuition for a full semester at SACI and is for a talented or academically gifted undergraduate student. Financial need will also be taken into consideration. A student may receive this scholarship for his or her first semester of study at SACI during the fall or Springterms. (Scholarship applicants who are not awarded the SACI iCFAD Full-Tuition Scholarship are automatically reviewed for other SACI scholarship awards).
For more information about this scholarship, visit www.saci-florence.edu and hit the “scholarships” button on the ride side of the home page then “SACI ICFAD Scholarship” in the middle-column menu.
Sally Kress Tompkins
Eligible Programs: Landscape Architecture, Architecture
Categories: Current Students
Description
Check website below for deadlines and availability of funds as it can change from year to year.
http://www.sah.org/jobs-and-careers/sah-fellowships-and-grants/research-fellowships
SOM Prize and Travel Fellowship for Architecture, Design and Urban Design
Eligible Programs: Landscape Architecture, Industrial Design, Interior Design, Graphic Design, Planning, Bachelor of Design, Art and Visual Culture, Architecture, College of Design
Categories: Current Students
Description
The SOM Prize is a $50,000 Research and Travel Fellowship which enables an outstanding student to do in-depth research, meet with other professionals in the field, and pursue independent study outside the realm of established patterns. A $20,000 Travel Fellowship will be awarded to a runner-up.
Program Guidelines can be found on the SOM Foundation website at www.somfoundation.som.com, along with submission forms.
William M. Dikis, FAIA Architecture Service Scholarship
Eligible Programs: Architecture
Categories: Graduate Students, Current Students
Eligibility Criteria: GPA
Deadlines: February 15
Description
William M. Dikis, FAIA, has served the public and profession throughout his career in architecture. This named scholarship has been established by the AIA Iowa Chapter Board to recognize students that exemplify Dikis’ spirit of professional service. Recipients should demonstrate service to the profession, the Department of Architecture, or the public using their professional education and skills gained as a student of architecture.
Up to $1,200 will be awarded; one or more awards may be given.
Open to both undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in the Department of Architecture. Must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and must have demonstrated volunteerism, leadership and service to the public or profession, utilizing professional education or skills. Must be a student affiliate member of The American Institute of Architecture, Iowa Chapter.
Application open for Graduate Students only – https://secure.design.iastate.edu/STUDENTS/SCHOLARSHIPS2/application.php.
Students will need to be on campus or will need to use a VPN connection to access the application portal from off campus. To use the VPN connection, go to https://vpn.iastate.edu This page will prompt you to download the Cisco AnyConnect application and guide you through set up.
Undergraduate students must apply through the ISU Financial Aid OneApp scholarship process https://www.financialaid.iastate.edu/scholarships/
Essay Requirements
The essay should be a short statement (one page or less) addressing your volunteerism, leadership and service to the public or the profession and how your professional education or skills were utilized.