Top 18 Minnesota Scholarships & Grants for 2026 - 2027

Minnesota Scholarships, Grants & Financial Aid Overview

What Is the Financial Hardship Grant in Minnesota?

The Financial Hardship Grant in Minnesota provides emergency assistance to students facing unexpected financial crises that could interrupt their education. Unlike traditional scholarships, these grants are designed for urgent situations such as sudden loss of income, medical emergencies, unexpected housing costs, or essential expenses that students cannot afford. Colleges and universities—including the University of Minnesota, Minnesota State colleges, and community and technical institutions—administer their own hardship grant programs through financial aid or student support offices. Awards vary, but most provide quick, short-term relief that allows students to stay enrolled and avoid withdrawing due to temporary financial strain.

Who Qualifies for the Minnesota State Grant?

The Minnesota State Grant is one of the most impactful sources of financial aid for Minnesota residents, helping thousands of undergraduate students attend public and private institutions each year. This grant is based primarily on financial need and is designed to fill the gap between a family’s ability to pay and the actual cost of attendance. Students who meet the following criteria are typically eligible:

• 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.
• Not have exceeded the lifetime limit of State Grant eligibility (generally 120 semester credits).

Awards adjust each year to reflect tuition levels and financial circumstances, ensuring equitable support for low- and middle-income students.

What Scholarships and Grants Are Available in Minnesota for Students?

Minnesota offers a wide range of scholarships and grants that support different types of learners—traditional students, adult learners, high achievers, and those with financial need. Notable programs include the Minnesota Academic Excellence Scholarship, awarded to outstanding students in fields like STEM and the arts; the Alliss Education Foundation Grant, which supports community and technical college students; and the Minnesota Indian Scholarship, which assists American Indian and Alaska Native students pursuing vocational, undergraduate, or graduate degrees. Additionally, Minnesota supports student parents through the Minnesota Child Care Grant, helping families balance educational and caregiving responsibilities.

What Scholarships Are Available for International Students in Minnesota?

International students in Minnesota can access several competitive scholarships offered by universities and private organizations. The Global Excellence Scholarship at the University of Minnesota provides substantial tuition reductions for academically outstanding international applicants. Minnesota State University, Mankato awards the International Maverick Scholarship, recognizing strong academic performance with multi-year tuition discounts. Many community foundations across Minnesota also offer merit-based awards for international students studying specific majors or participating in community initiatives.

What Scholarships Are Available for Undergraduate Students in Minnesota?

Undergraduate students in Minnesota have access to many scholarship programs designed to reward academic talent, financial need, and leadership. The Wallin Education Partners Scholarship offers not only financial support but also mentorship and career development, making it one of the most comprehensive undergraduate awards in the region. The Minnesota Future Together Grant provides tuition-free pathways into high-demand fields such as healthcare, IT, public service, and engineering. Many colleges—including the University of Minnesota, Gustavus Adolphus College, and Carleton College—offer institutional awards like the Presidential Scholarship for academic excellence.

What Scholarships Are Available in Minnesota for High School Students?

Minnesota high school students can access scholarships that recognize academic performance, resilience, leadership, and community involvement. The Horatio Alger Minnesota Scholarship helps students who have faced significant personal adversity while maintaining strong academic potential. The St. Paul Foundation Scholarships fund students pursuing postsecondary education in various fields, especially those who contribute to community well-being. The Page Education Foundation Scholarship supports students of color who agree to complete volunteer service projects, promoting both educational access and civic engagement.

What Grants Are Available for College in Minnesota?

Minnesota’s grant programs provide robust financial support for students at all stages of their education. The Minnesota State Grant remains the largest need-based program, while the Postsecondary Child Care Grant assists student parents with daycare expenses. The Minnesota GI Bill offers benefits to veterans, current service members, and eligible family members. Students entering high-demand careers can also benefit from Minnesota Workforce Development Scholarships and grants that help cover costs in growing industries like healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and information technology.

What Is the Eligibility for the Minnesota State Grant?

Eligibility for the Minnesota State Grant is based on residency, financial need, academic status, and enrollment level. 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 (typically 120 credits).

The grant recalculates yearly to reflect income, tuition changes, and available state funding, ensuring that students receive the maximum support for which they qualify.