UIU Scholarships for Students from Rural Areas

About UIU Scholarships for Students from Rural Areas

Upper Iowa University is proud to offer exclusive scholarship opportunities tailored to high school students from rural communities in Iowa and beyond. The Kauten Scholars Program, offering up to $6,000 per year in renewable funds for students from rural-serving school districts, and the Knight Endowed Scholarship, granting $1,800 to students from Fayette, Randalia, Wadena, Hawkeye, Maynard, and Arlington, and designed to make the first year college more affordable.

Rural Scholarships Overview

Kauten Scholars Program Overview

Renewable for all four years to support your journey at UIU.

Up to $6,000 per student (includes merit awards) renewable for all four years at UIU’s Fayette campus.
Awarded to 10 new students from communities with populations under 20,000
Kauten Scholars receive expanded career development opportunities including:
- An on-campus mentor
- Individual and group career development meetings
- Required on-campus employment
- Alumni mentorship opportunity

View all eligibility and selection process details.

Apply for the Kauten Scholarship

Knight Endowed Scholarship Overview

Making your first year of college at Upper Iowa more affordable

$1,800 per student for the first year at UIU.
Awarded to three students coming from the following towns: Fayette, Randalia, Wadena, Hawkeye, Maynard, and Arlington.
This scholarship will be stacked on top of the Merit Scholarship the student is awarded at the time of their acceptance.
This scholarship pays tribute to Carlton W. Knight and Maxine B. Knight, proprietors of the former Knight’s Hardware in Fayette.
Complete the Upper Iowa University admissions application today to qualify for the Knight Endowed Scholarship

Apply to UIU

Ralph and Erica Kauten

Strengthening rural communities through investing in educational opportunities

The granting of a scholarship will provide a person with encouragement and the resources to improve their capabilities allowing them to achieve their potential and improve the lives of the people they touch. With the right encouragement, support and their personal determination, these students will make life on earth better for all of us.

Kauten Scholarship Details

Kauten Scholarship Eligibility

The Kauten Scholarship is for students who:

Are from communities with populations under 20,000.
Attend UIU’s Fayette campus.
Maintain good academic standing to remain in the program.

The Kauten Scholarship is not for students who:

Receive an athletics scholarship
Receive the Peacock Promise or are enrolled in the Excellence in Experiential Learning Honors Program (UIU ExcEL)

Kauten Scholarship Selection Process

Students must apply and be accepted to UIU and fill out the Kauten Scholars Program application (opens in new tab) to be accepted. Application deadline is now open until filled. Apply now!
Kauten Scholars will be selected by a small committee
Preference will be given to students who show financial need

Request More Information

Interested in learning more about Upper Iowa University?

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Apply Today

Ready to take the next step? It takes just a few minutes to complete Upper Iowa’s free online application.

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On-Campus Visits

Experience Fayette campus during group and weekend visits, or sign up for an individual visit during the week. Schedule your visit today and earn a $500 scholarship upon acceptance!

Visit Fayette Campus

Virtual Visits

Schedule a personalized virtual visit and meet with UIU admissions counselors, current students and professors virtually. Or take a Virtual Tour!

Schedule Individual Virtual Visit