If you think you can’t afford to go to college, think again! Financial aid has helped millions of students pay for their education beyond high school. In fact, an estimated $120 billion is provided each year in the form of grants, work-study, and loan funds to help more than 13 million students pursue college or career school.
Paying for college can be difficult, but there are people and resources to help you.
State Grants help students from low- and moderate-income families pay for educational expenses at eligible Minnesota colleges or universities.
MN State GrantThe North Star Promise (NSP) Scholarship program will create a tuition and fee-free pathway to higher education for eligible Minnesota residents at eligible institutions as a "last-dollar" program by covering the balance of tuition and fees remaining after other scholarships, grants, stipends and tuition waivers have been applied.
North Star PromiseThis program helps low income students who have young children pay for child care while the student attends classes. Minnesota residents who have a child 12 years old or younger (or 14 or younger if the child is handicapped) and whose family size and income qualify for the program.
Postsecondary Child Care GrantThis scholarship provides postsecondary financial assistance to students who are one-fourth or more of American Indian ancestry OR an enrolled member or citizen of a federally-recognized American Indian tribe or Canadian First Nation. Students must also be Minnesota State residents.
Minnesota Indian ScholarshipIf you are a Minnesota resident under age 27 and were in the Minnesota foster care system at any point after you thirteenth birthday, this grant may cover the cost of attendance at any eligible Minnesota public or participating private college and university.
Fostering Independence Higher Education GrantsThe Minnesota Student Teacher Grants provides postsecondary financial assistance to eligible students enrolled in Minnesota teacher preparation programs during one term in which the student is completing a required 12-week or more student teaching experience.
Minnesota Student Teacher GrantsThe American Indian Scholars Program was established in the 2023 Legislative Session. This program provides a first-dollar tuition and fee-free pathway for Minnesotans eligible for resident tuition who are enrolled members or citizens of any federally recognized tribe or Canadian First Nation to attend a Minnesota State institution or the University of Minnesota. Students not eligible for resident tuition who are enrolled members or citizens of a Minnesota Tribal Nation are also eligible for the program.
American Indian Scholars ProgramEffective July 1, 2013, undocumented students who meet the conditions in the MN Dream Act are also considered to be Minnesota residents eligible for state financial aid. Completion of the MN Dream Act state financial aid application is required to determine your eligibility for Minnesota state financial aid programs.
Minnesota Dream ActEach branch of the U.S. military has education programs to help members pay for college. To participate in these programs, you must meet certain eligibility criteria. Generally, benefits are based on the type and/or length of service.
Military Service Education BenefitsTo the full list of programs, the State of Minnesota has to offer to go their webpage!