Applicant Requirements

Applicants must be an Iowa resident planning to attend an in-state college or university during the upcoming school year and not previously been a Robert D. Blue Scholarship recipient. The applicant can be a current high school senior or someone already enrolled in a higher education institution. Applications are only accepted online, and the deadline is May 10 for each year the scholarship is offered. 

Scoring

Each applicant is scored on high school GPA, financial need, references and essay. The scale is listed below.

• Recommendations: 10%
• Academic Performance: 20%
• Essay: 25%
• Financial Need: 45%

Essay 

Select an individual from your community (not a family member) who has demonstrated the responsibilities of being a citizen. Write a 500-word essay on what this individual has done for your community.

Recommendations

Each applicant must provide the name and address of two individuals, not family members, who are willing to write a letter of recommendation on their behalf. The applicant may submit the letters of recommendation with their paperwork or the individual writing the letter of recommendation may mail the letter. 

The letter and other documentation can be mailed to: 

State of Iowa Treasurer
Robert D. Blue Scholarship
State Capitol Building
Des Moines, IA 50319

Application Process

The application is only accepted online. Before beginning the application process, it is recommended to have the following available to you: 

• Transcripts: High school and/or higher education
• Federal tax return(s): If you are claimed as a dependent, your parent’s or guardian’s return(s); if you are not claimed as a dependent, you and your spouses’ return(s)
• Awards/Grants: Statement of awards/grants you will receive from the college financial aid office
• Recommendations: The name and addresses of two people, other than family members, who are willing to write a letter of recommendation on your behalf
• Essay: An original 500-word essay on the topic described above

While the application is only accepted online, the following must be submitted by mail after completing the application: 

• Signed signature page: This will be generated after completing the application
• Two letters of recommendation 
• Award letter from the college: If the student is not receiving financial aid, please submit a letter from the college stating financial aid will not be granted
• Transcript(s): High school and college if student is currently attending college

Documentation should be mailed to:

State of Iowa Treasurer
Robert D. Blue Scholarship
State Capitol Building
Des Moines, IA 50319