(Des Moines, Iowa) – Drake University will offer two new financial aid options for certain students, with the hopes of expanding educational opportunities for those seeking associate or bachelor’s degrees. The Iowa Capital Dispatch says the university announced Monday in a news release that both the Bulldog Promise and Bright College Pathway scholarships will cover 100% of tuition for Iowa students who meet eligibility requirements.

“We believe that access to opportunity is a fundamental right,” said Marty Martin, Drake University president, in the release. “These programs provide the hardworking, talented students of Iowa access to a world-class education with aid that is equitable to their financial situation.” The Bulldog Promise provides first-year, in-state students with up to four years of full tuition coverage after other aid is factored in, according to the release. To qualify, students must have at least a 3.8 grade-point average at the time of admission, file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid by July 1 before the fall semester, and be Pell Grant eligible.

Drake University announced two programs that will cover 100% of tuition for certain students seeking their degree. (Photo courtesy of Drake University)

The Bright College Pathway scholarship is meant for students pursuing an associate degree through the university’s Bright College. The college offers two-year programs in business, organization and professional studies and integrated arts, sciences and humanities, and students who complete a program will have guaranteed admission to four-year programs at Drake.

Students who are residents of Iowa and are Pell Grant eligible will receive full tuition coverage for up to two years through the scholarship, according to the release. Both scholarships will be available for students starting in Fall 2025.

“A Drake education unlocks a return on investment that ranks in the top 3% nationally, and we want to provide that opportunity to more students, while helping the state of Iowa retain the best and the brightest future leaders,” Martin said in the release.