Minnesota Scholarships & Grants for 2025 - 2026

Overview of Minnesota Scholarships & Grants

Minnesota offers a wide range of scholarships, grants, and financial aid programs for both in-state and out-of-state students. This guide covers automatic merit scholarships from major universities, full-ride opportunities, statewide grants, and private-school awards. Whether you’re a high school senior, current college student, or parent planning ahead, you’ll find reliable information to help make higher education in Minnesota more affordable.

The Minnesota State Grant and North Star Promise (tuition-free for many) lead statewide aid.

What Is the Financial Hardship Grant in Minnesota?

The Financial Hardship Grant in Minnesota provides short-term emergency funding to college students experiencing unexpected financial difficulties that could disrupt their education. These grants are typically used to cover essential expenses such as housing, food, transportation, childcare, or medical costs. Many colleges and universities, including the University of Minnesota and Minnesota State campuses, offer these grants directly through their student financial aid or student affairs offices. Eligibility and award amounts vary by institution, but most programs are designed to provide rapid assistance to students facing emergencies like job loss, family crises, or medical expenses.

Who Qualifies for the Minnesota State Grant?

The Minnesota State Grant is one of the most significant sources of need-based financial aid for undergraduate students in the state. It helps low- and middle-income Minnesota residents afford tuition at eligible public and private institutions. To qualify, students must:

• Be a Minnesota resident and U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen.
• Enroll at least half-time in a degree, diploma, or certificate program at a participating institution.
• Demonstrate financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Minnesota Dream Act for undocumented students.
• Not have exceeded the lifetime limit of State Grant eligibility (generally 120 semester credits).

Awards are adjusted based on financial need, cost of attendance, and enrollment level, ensuring that more aid goes to students with the greatest need.

What Scholarships and Grants Are Available in Minnesota for Students?

Minnesota students can apply for a variety of scholarships and grants designed to reward achievement and meet different financial needs. Notable programs include the Minnesota Academic Excellence Scholarship, which recognizes high-performing students in fields such as science, math, and the arts; the Alliss Education Foundation Grant, which assists community and technical college students; and the Minnesota Indian Scholarship, which supports American Indian and Alaska Native students pursuing postsecondary education. Additionally, the Minnesota Child Care Grant helps student parents cover childcare costs, allowing them to balance family responsibilities while completing their degrees.

What Scholarships Are Available for International Students in Minnesota?

International students studying in Minnesota can access several competitive scholarships. The Global Excellence Scholarship at the University of Minnesota provides partial to full tuition awards based on academic merit, leadership, and extracurricular accomplishments. Similarly, Minnesota State University, Mankato offers the International Maverick Scholarship, which awards non-resident students who demonstrate strong academic performance. In addition to these institutional programs, private organizations and local community foundations throughout Minnesota sponsor merit-based awards that help international students manage tuition and living costs.

What Scholarships Are Available for Undergraduate Students in Minnesota?

Undergraduate students in Minnesota can apply for several major scholarship programs that reward both academic excellence and financial need. The Wallin Education Partners Scholarship supports students from the Twin Cities area with financial aid, mentoring, and career development resources. The Minnesota Future Together Grant provides tuition-free access for students pursuing degrees in high-demand fields such as healthcare, STEM, education, and public service. Additionally, universities like the University of Minnesota offer institutional scholarships such as the Presidential Scholarship for exceptional academic achievement and leadership.

What Scholarships Are Available in Minnesota for High School Students?

High school students in Minnesota can prepare for college with scholarships that recognize leadership, service, and academic achievement. The Horatio Alger Minnesota Scholarship supports students who have overcome personal challenges while maintaining strong academic performance. The St. Paul Foundation Scholarships offer multiple awards for students in the Twin Cities area pursuing higher education in various fields. The Page Education Foundation Scholarship promotes diversity and civic engagement by providing financial assistance to students of color who commit to volunteer service projects with younger students in their communities.

What Grants Are Available for College in Minnesota?

In addition to scholarships, Minnesota provides several grant programs that help reduce college costs. The Minnesota State Grant remains the cornerstone of need-based aid, while the Postsecondary Child Care Grant offers support for students who are parents. Veterans and their families can apply for the Minnesota GI Bill, which provides educational benefits for those who have served in the military. Other programs, such as the SELF Loan Repayment Grant and Minnesota Workforce Development Scholarships, help students pursuing education in high-demand industries such as healthcare, information technology, and advanced manufacturing.

What Is the Eligibility for the Minnesota State Grant?

To be eligible for the Minnesota State Grant, students must meet the following criteria:

• Be a permanent resident of Minnesota.
• Enroll in an eligible undergraduate degree, diploma, or certificate program.
• Complete the FAFSA or the Minnesota Dream Act application to determine financial need.
• Meet satisfactory academic progress (SAP) standards as defined by their college.
• Not have previously earned a bachelor’s degree.
• Remain within the program’s lifetime credit limit, generally up to 120 credits for full-time students.

Grant awards are recalculated each year based on family income, the cost of attendance, and available state funding, ensuring that students receive the maximum aid for which they qualify.