Coe College commits to remain Iowa Ready in the face of ongoing FAFSA uncertainty
On the heels of the Department of Education’s announcement of another Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) delay, Coe College is recommitting to ensuring Iowans have economic clarity regarding college pricing and access to a transformative higher education. With a broad FAFSA launch now planned for December instead of October, Coe will cap out-of-pocket costs for first-year incoming students from Iowa at $24,000.
This is the next iteration of the college’s Iowa Ready initiative which was created to provide economic certainty so families have a clear understanding of costs at Coe to make informed decisions during the initial college search phase. The Iowa Ready initiative is driven by additional scholarships and grants for first-time college students from Iowa and is designed to create a cost comparable to the out-of-pocket average of the state’s public universities.
“Due to the 14% drop in Iowa FAFSA filers last year, we were hoping for a smooth FAFSA rollout this fall. With news confirming the form won’t be fully operational in a timely manner, we have decided to continue our support of Iowa’s students and families to assure they have the necessary information to support their college search,” said Coe College President David Hayes ’93.
For all Iowa residents meeting the Iowa Ready eligibility criteria, Coe will provide additional financial aid in the form of scholarships or grants toward Coe’s listed direct cost (tuition, fees, housing and meal plan) to ensure an out-of-pocket cost for first-time students equal to or less than $24,000. The $24,000 figure is within 10% of the 2024-2025 average Iowa regent universities' cost (including tuition, fees, housing and meal plan). Many students will see an out-of-pocket cost less than $24,000 as additional scholarships, grants, work-study and loans are applied.
This initiative aims to make a Coe education more accessible and affordable, allowing students to benefit from the exceptional educational experience and increased earning potential that a Coe College degree provides. By offering economic certainty to families, Coe College is ensuring that students can focus on their studies and future careers without the stress of finances.
In order to be eligible for the Iowa Ready initiative, one must be a current Iowa resident attending college for the first time in Fall 2025. Students should apply for admission to be considered. Full eligibility criteria can be found at www.coe.edu/iowa-ready and includes being admitted unconditionally, enrolling full-time, visiting campus and living on campus for the academic year.
Half of Coe's student body hails from Iowa, and in recent years, an even higher percentage have stayed in Iowa post-graduation. Recent changes in FAFSA calculations have had a challenging impact on Iowans, creating a stark need for action to support local students and their families.
“We stand firm in our belief that an Iowa high school student should have every opportunity to pursue their higher education right here within their home state and Coe offers a wonderful opportunity to do just that. We will continue to support our high school students….we remain Iowa Ready,” Hayes said.
Iowans who enroll at Coe will have unique opportunities and advantages, especially considering the college’s Cedar Rapids location which encourages professional connections. Coe is the only college or university in Iowa to earn national ranks for accessible professors and career services.