GROUPS Scholars Program

The community at IU Columbus is uniquely equipped to understand and support the needs of first-generation students.

• Approximately 33% of IU Columbus undergraduates identify as first-generation students.
• An estimated 80% of undergraduate students balance their studies with full- or part-time employment.
• Small class sizes provide the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with other students and faculty.

Eligibility Requirements

• Must be a resident of Indiana who can commute to programming 

• Must qualify as a first-year first-generation student. 

• Are U.S. citizens, or an eligible non-citizen (i.e., has a green card) 

• Must have graduated high school with a 2.5 GPA or higher. 

• Must be a recent graduate, having completed your high school education Spring of 2026 

• Must file the FASFA – deadline April 15

The IU Columbus Groups Scholars Program accepts recommendations from teachers, counselors, local community leaders, mentors, employers, supervisors, and ministers throughout Indiana to help identify students who demonstrate promise and a commitment to succeed with the support of this program. 

If you know a deserving student, have them come to this page and fill out an application, then you can complete the attestation form for them.

Complete the Attestation Form

If you are attesting for a student who has completed the Groups Scholar application form, follow the link below to complete the attestation form.

Go to Attestation Form