The Indiana State Budget Committee recently reviewed the administration’s request to increase by 35% the maximum Frank O’Bannon Grant base award amounts.
This is the largest funding increase in award history and when combined with the Federal Pell Grant will allow thousands of Hoosier students to have their tuition and fees completely covered by financial aid.
Administered by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education, the Frank O’Bannon Grant includes both the Higher Education Award and the Freedom of Choice Award. It is the state’s primary need-based financial aid program and annually helps around 40,000 Hoosiers afford college at both public and private institutions.
“Indiana is a national leader in annually providing $385 million in available financial aid, yet our current college-going rate needs improvement,” Gov. Eric Holcomb said. “The Commission for Higher Education in partnership with legislative fiscal leaders is setting a bold course to change the trajectory by increasing the Frank O’Bannon Grant award. By making the cost of higher education more affordable for Hoosier families, hopefully more individuals will pursue college.”
Although the O’Bannon grant provides generous aid, the program was cut significantly during the Great Recession due to increased demand. The 35% increase brings the award back to 2008-09 levels when adjusting for inflation. Under the approved increase, the maximum award for a student attending a private institution is $12,400 and $6,200 for a student at a public institution.
“Increasing the Frank O’Bannon Grant is a significant victory for Hoosier students, families and the commission,” Indiana Commissioner for Higher Education Chris Lowery said. “Cost is the main factor for those who are deciding to pursue education beyond high school. The approval from the state budget committee makes more financial aid available to students who already qualified for the O’Bannon grant and spreads the eligibility scale to reach additional students who may have been on the cusp of qualifying.”
Eligibility for the O’Bannon grant is based on financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Students do not need to apply for the grant; however, they must have a current FAFSA on file for the academic year to qualify.
“This bold act by the state of Indiana is a visible commitment by the state’s political leadership both to make a college education possible for more Hoosiers and to give Hoosiers the freedom to select a college or university that best suits their educational needs,” President and Chief Executive Officer of Independent Colleges of Indiana Kurt D. Dykstra said. “Once again, Indiana is leading the way for college access for all its residents.”
The approved Frank O’Bannon Grant award amounts will go into effect during the 2023-24 academic year.
For questions about state financial aid, students can contact the Indiana Commission for Higher Education by phone at 888-528-4719 or via email at [email protected].
