The Indiana Commission for Higher Education is seeking public input on the methodology used in establishing funding for the Frank O’Bannon Grant scholarship, Indiana’s primary need-based financial aid program for residents.
In a Thursday release, the Commission said it’s never shared its methodology used in doling out about $168 million to about 37,000 grant winners across the state to support students from low-income families.
The commission is seeking feedback from colleges and universities, financial aid organizations and other stakeholders.
“Every dollar matters when it comes to helping students access and complete college,” said Katie Jenner, Indiana Secretary of Education.
Commission officials said it relies on two forecasting models to administer the O’Bannon Grant – the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Claims model.
The release said both models guide development of the award program and serve as fiscal controls to ensure spending remains within the appropriation.
“Sharing the methodology will ensure the state maximized its resources so more students can attend college without financial barriers,” said Jenner, who heads the Department of Education and the Commission for Higher Education.
The FAFSA model uses historical FAFSA-filing data through the state’s April 15 priority deadline and historical O’Bannon Grant utilization patterns.
It predicts future student financial need and enrollment behavior to develop an annual award schedule to maximize the state appropriation without overspending, the release said.
The Claims model tracks fall college O’Bannon Grant claims data through October to project total fiscal year spending. The model tracks payments in real-time as the fiscal year progresses and acts as fiscal control once institutions begin submitting claims.
The 2026-27 awards are based on the results of the FAFSA model to guide institutions in developing financial aid packages for both prospective and current students. The projected total spend is $156 million in fiscal year 2026 and $157 million in fiscal year 2027.
By law, the O’Bannon Grant includes both the Higher Education Award and the Freedom of Choice Award. As the state’s primary need-based student aid program, officials said it assisted more than 37,000 Indiana students who attended state public and private schools last year.
To provide feedback or comments to the Commission regarding the methodology, complete this JotForm by March 25. For questions about state financial aid, students can contact the Commission by phone at 888-528-4719 or via email at awards@che.in.gov.
Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.