Minnesota State Programs

Minnesota State Grant

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

North Star Promise

The 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.

Postsecondary Child Care Grant

This 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. Applications are open August 1st, 2024.

2024-2025 APPLICATION

Minnesota Indian Scholarship

This 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.

Fostering Independence Higher Education Grants

If 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.

Minnesota Student Teacher Grants

The 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.

American Indian Scholars Program

The 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.

Program Application

Minnesota Dream Act

Effective 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.

Military Service Education Benefits

Each 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.