Indiana offers a one-time scholarship for certain students who finish high school at least one year early. The Mitch Daniels Early Graduation Scholarship provides up to $4,000 for use at an eligible Indiana postsecondary institution. Simply graduating early is not enough: students must complete the Early Graduation Program requirements, earn the required diploma and certificate, and satisfy state criteria.
The commission requires Indiana residency, citizenship or eligible status, graduation from a public high school with a Core 40 diploma at the end of grade 11 without attending grade 12, and full-time college enrollment by the fall after graduation. FAFSA and a ScholarTrack record are also checked. Students with dual-enrollment credits should ask the college how those credits affect progress and enrollment timing rather than assume high-school credit replaces admission steps.
The application for the class of 2027 opens November 1, 2026 and closes August 31, 2027; students apply through ScholarTrack and file FAFSA. Prospective early graduates should speak with their counselor and the state administrator before changing their school schedule. Request written confirmation that the diploma qualifies for EGP and ask which tuition, books, or fees the one-time award may cover.
Before accepting aid, compare net cost and uncovered charges. Confirm residency, program, credits, deadlines, renewal, and service obligations in writing with the responsible financial-aid office.
Read the official program profile and FAFSA guide; request an individual review before enrolling.
Mitch Daniels Early Graduation Scholarship — Indiana Commission for Higher Education.
Indiana state financial aid by program — Indiana Commission for Higher Education.
Checked October 13, 2026 against official sources. Eligibility, funding, requirements, and dates can change each cycle; this guide distinguishes past and upcoming deadlines. Before enrolling, ask financial aid for an individual net-cost review and written confirmation of excluded charges.
Compare net costs and confirm requirements, funding, and obligations with the program and institution before committing.
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Mitch Daniels Early Graduation Scholarship
Indiana offers a one-time scholarship for certain students who finish high school at least one year early. The Mitch Daniels Early Graduation Scholarship provides up to $4,000 for use at an eligible Indiana postsecondary institution. Simply graduating early is not enough: students must complete the Early Graduation Program requirements, earn the required diploma and certificate, and satisfy state criteria. The commission requires Indiana residency, citizenship or eligible sta
College financial-aid program
Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education
The agency sets rates, eligibility, and caps; the college certifies need, cost, and the individual amount within those limits.
Public student-aid administering office
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 13, 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 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
Indiana Commission for Higher Education · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Mitch Daniels Early Graduation Scholarship ↗
Primary source
Indiana Commission for Higher Education · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.