The Minnesota Legislature passed the Fostering Independence Higher Education Grants (FIG) in the 2021 higher education omnibus bill signed by the Governor Tim Walz.
The initial appropriation for FIG in fiscal year 2024 was $4,509,000, which included $127,410 for administration costs, leaving $4,381,590 for grants to students. During fiscal year 2024, given the demand for the program and increased number of eligible students making the choice to attend a FIG-eligible institution, it was determined the initial appropriation would not be enough to fund all eligible students for the aid year. Therefore, a transfer of $2,811,000 was made from the Minnesota State Grant program to FIG in November 2023. A second transfer of $550,000 was made from the State Work-Study program to FIG in June 2024 to cover any remaining eligible students enrolled in the Summer 2024 term.
For fiscal year 2024, 679 students received a FIG for a total of $7,247,355. The average award was $10,674. Sixteen students received FIG at one institution and then transferred to a different institution to receive FIG during fiscal year 2024.
