Minnesota Indian Scholarship

Scholarships are available to students who:

• Are one-fourth or more American Indian ancestry OR an enrolled member or citizen of a federally-recognized American Indian tribe or Canadian First Nation
• Are a Minnesota resident student
• Apply for other existing state and federal scholarship and grant programs
• Enroll at least ¾ time as an undergraduate OR ½ time as a graduate student in an education program leading to a certificate, diploma, or degree at an eligible accredited postsecondary institution in Minnesota
• Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
• Are not in default on a federal or state student loan or, if in default, have regained eligibility for federal or state student aid
• Qualify for either a Pell or State Grant and demonstrate financial need as an undergraduate student OR demonstrate financial need as a graduate student.

Minnesota Indian Scholarships are available to eligible Minnesota students attending an eligible accredited postsecondary institution in the state. Eligible Institutions include Minnesota state universities, the University of Minnesota campuses, public community and technical colleges, participating tribal colleges and private institutions. Minnesota Indian Scholarships are not available at out-of-state schools. Please see the list of eligible institutions here.

The annual award amount is up to $4,000 per academic year for undergraduate students and up to $6,000 per academic year for graduate students.

• Students enrolled in two-year degree, certificate, or diploma programs are limited to 3 annual awards or the equivalent (6 semesters, 8 quarters).
• Students enrolled in four-year degree programs are limited to 5 annual awards or the equivalent, including any awards received while enrolled in a less than 4-year degree program (10 semesters, 14 quarters).
• Students enrolled in graduate or professional degree programs are limited to 5 annual awards or the equivalent (10 semesters, 14 quarters).

An annual award may include one eligible summer term, which will count towards the equivalent annual maximums.

Students may receive up to 10 annual awards or the equivalent in a lifetime (5 awards at undergraduate level + 5 awards at graduate level).

Students may receive the scholarship for only one degree per educational level and one terminal graduate degree.

Interested students should complete the Minnesota Indian Scholarship application below. They should also complete the FAFSA or MN Dream Act application and an application for tribal education funds.

Apply Online Now:

• MISP Online Student Application
  • Application available in a downloadable PDF format upon request
• Creating a MNAid Student Portal Account/Applying for MISP
• Uploading Ancestry Documents

Students are encouraged to contact the school financial aid administrator at their campus and their tribal education program (see list below). The priority deadline is July 1. Information and application forms also are available from:

Minnesota Indian Scholarship Program
Minnesota Office of Higher Education
1450 Energy Park Drive, Suite 350
St. Paul, MN 55108
Tel: (651) 642-0567 or (800) 657-3866
Fax: (651) 642-0675

Lara Gerhardson, Outreach Liaison
Tel: (651) 259-3939
E-mail: Lara.Gerhardson@state.mn.us