The Frank O’Bannon Grant is Indiana’s primary need-based state aid. It includes the Higher Education Award for public and certain providers and the Freedom of Choice Award for eligible private institutions. It may pay tuition and regularly assessed fees, not housing or unrestricted expenses. The Commission sets a schedule each year based on FAFSA and institution type.
Applicants must have been Indiana residents by December 31 before the aid year and remain residents during the year; hold a diploma or GED; attend full time toward a first associate or bachelor’s; and meet satisfactory progress. Certain Ivy Tech or Vincennes certificates may qualify. The state directory distinguishes campuses and award types, so confirm your exact school.
The 2026–27 FAFSA deadline was April 15, 2026, and has passed. The approved chart varies by SAI, sector, and credits earned: 30 or more credits may qualify for the “on-time” rate and 24–29 for “full-time.” Amounts vary by campus and may include incentives; a chart does not mean everyone receives the maximum.
If you filed FAFSA, check ScholarTrack, school choice, documents, and award notice. A change in campus, residency, or credits can affect eligibility. If you missed the date, file FAFSA anyway for Pell and federal aid, then ask whether your institution has internal funds or an exception; a late state award is not guaranteed.
For 2027–28, file FAFSA when available and check Indiana’s new date. The Frank O’Bannon profile explains use and eligibility, and the Commission profile links ScholarTrack and eligible schools.
Before budgeting, request a written offer separating tuition, mandatory fees, housing, meals, books, and transportation. State grants often reduce only eligible charges and may change after Pell or other scholarships are applied. Do not commit money based on a chart maximum.
Your campus office should confirm missing documents, institutional eligibility, and disbursement timing. The program profile expands on the criteria; the public-agency profile links to applications, deadlines, and official help.
Frank O’Bannon Grant — Indiana Commission for Higher Education.
2026–27 Frank O’Bannon Grant — Indiana Commission for Higher Education.
Eligible institutions — Indiana Commission for Higher Education.
Research checked on October 12, 2026 against official or institutional sources. Past deadlines are identified, and eligibility is distinguished from an actual award. Confirm the cycle, your file, and available funds with the agency and your college financial-aid office.
O’Bannon requires FAFSA and an eligible campus; confirm credits and award in ScholarTrack before relying on the funds.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
Frank O’Bannon Grant
Aid for tuition/regular fees based on FAFSA, institution sector, and credits. 2026–27 deadline: April 15.
Indiana need-based state grant
Indiana Commission for Higher Education — State Financial Aid
Publishes aid programs, eligible schools, deadlines, and ScholarTrack portal.
State higher-education and student-aid agency
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Indiana Commission for Higher Education · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Indiana Commission for Higher Education · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Indiana Commission for Higher Education · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
Indiana CHE · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Frank O’Bannon Grant ↗
Primary source
Indiana CHE · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
Indiana CHE · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Indiana Commission for Higher Education — State Financial Aid ↗
Primary source
Indiana CHE · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.