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Grants & Scholarships

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The best types of financial aid are those you don't have to pay back after you graduate. It comes in two forms:

  • Grants are like gifts and are usually awarded to students with the fewest financial resources. Grants are considered need-based aid. This need is determined when you fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Grants usually come from federal and state governments and are sent directly to the school.
  • Scholarships are awarded based on a student's academic or athletic achievement, cultural or religious background, or special skills and talents. While you might wonder how to find scholarships, in reality the majority of students receive scholarships given to them from the institution they attend. An institution might offer you a scholarship when you apply. Or, you might need to complete a separate application to receive an institutional scholarship.
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Students outside a college building
North Star Promise
North Star Promise provides free college tuition to help make education after high school possible for more Minnesota students and families.

Free tuition is available at all Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, all University of Minnesota campuses, and all Tribal Colleges.
About North Star Promise
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Grant

Fostering Independence Higher Education Grants

We know that the cost of higher education is a barrier for many Minnesotans. The Fostering Independence Higher Education Grants (FIG) is a financial aid program that seeks to eliminate that barrier for Minnesota students who were in the foster care system.

Minnesota Public Safety Officer's Survivor Grant

The Public Safety Officer's Survivor Grant provides educational benefits to dependent children and the surviving spouse of a public safety officer killed in the line of duty on or after January 1, 1973.

Minnesota State Grant

State Grants help students from low- and moderate-income families pay for educational expenses at eligible Minnesota colleges or universities.

Minnesota Student Teacher Grant

The Minnesota Student Teacher Grants (STG) is a financial aid program that aims to support students in becoming teachers in Minnesota.

Postsecondary Child Care Grant

The Postsecondary Child Care Grant Program helps low income students who have young children pay for child care while the student attends classes.

Scholarship

Minnesota Indian Scholarship

Providing postsecondary financial assistance to eligible Minnesota resident students who demonstrate financial need for an award.

Minnesota Paramedic Scholarship

The Minnesota Paramedic Scholarship is a temporary scholarship program for Minnesota residents completing a paramedic diploma or degree.
Apply for Financial Aid
Learn about the FAFSA
To receive financial aid, you must apply for it. Learn about the FAFSA, how to apply and tips for applying.
Learn about the MN Dream Act
Are you an undocumented student? You can apply for state financial aid by accessing the online Minnesota Dream Act
Minnesota is highly educated
Data from the 2016 Minnesota Measures Higher Education Report
49%
of Minnesotans have an associates degree or higher
72%
of Minnesotans stay in Minnesota for college
72%
of Minnesotans are employed two years after graduating
See the report
Explore More Resources
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Student Loans
Student loan programs allow you to borrow money at interest rates that are lower than loans not intended for education.
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Tuition Reciprocity
Minnesota has agreements with neighboring states to provide lower tuition for Minnesota residents to attend public colleges and universities in those states.
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Grants and Scholarships from Other Sources