Grants

Federal Pell Grant

For 2025-2026 (July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026), The maximum Federal Pell Grant award is $7,395. Given that this grant is for students with low family income, the amount of could get depends on your Student Aid Index (SAI), among other factors. The SAI is an eligibility index number given by a college’s or career school’s financial aid office to determine how much federal student aid you would receive if you attended the institution. This number is based on the information submitted in your FAFSA.

You may receive a Pell Grant for your undergraduate study until you complete a bachelor’s degree or receive a grant for the equivalent of 12 full-time semesters, whichever comes first. You may use it at almost any college. In some cases, you may receive a Pell Grant for attending a post-graduate teacher certification program.

Pell Grant Eligibility

Be enrolled in a program leading to a certificate, degree or diploma at a college eligible to participate in the Federal Pell Grant program.
Have a high school diploma, including home school or GED. (Some exceptions apply).
Maintain satisfactory academic progress. If you are receiving federal student aid, you must maintain a “C” average and stay within your institution’s graduation standards. You must be completing enough courses each term to graduate in a timely manner.
Sign a statement that you do not owe a refund on a Pell Grant, are not in default on a federal loan, and that you agree to use your student aid only for educational purposes.
Be a United States citizen or eligible non-citizen.
You are an eligible non-citizen if you:
- Have a Permanent Resident Card (I-551).
- Are a conditional permanent resident with an 1-551C Card.
- Have an Arrival Departure Record (I-94) from the Department of Homeland Security with any of the following designations: refugee, asylum granted, parolee, victim of human trafficking, T-Visa holder, or Cuban-Haitian entrant.

By completing your FAFSA, you will automatically be reviewed for Pell Grant eligibility. There is not a separate application needed to be considered for this grant.

Minnesota State Grant

The Minnesota State Grant Program is a state-funded need-based program and is available for students who have not yet attended eight full-time semesters of postsecondary education or the equivalent. To receive a State Grant for a term, the FAFSA must be submitted to the federal processing center by the 30th day of the term. The average award for a full-time student for one year is about $3,406 (fiscal year 2024).

The program works in coordination with the Federal Pell Grant Program. It’s available to Minnesota residents who enroll for at least three credits as undergraduate students in programs leading to certificates, degrees or diplomas at a participating school within the state. Students are responsible to pay at least 50 percent of their cost of attendance from savings, earnings, loans, or other financial aid from the college or a private source.

MN State Grant Eligibility

Minnesota resident students who:

Are graduates of a secondary school or its equivalent or are at least 17 years of age.
Will be enrolled as undergraduates for at least three credits at one of more than 130 eligible schools in Minnesota.
Have not yet attended eight full-time semesters of postsecondary education or the equivalent. Students who have withdrawn for active military service or for a major medical illness while under the care of a physician after December 31, 2002 are given an extra term of eligibility.
Have NOT received a baccalaureate degree.

Other considerations

Students who are in default on a student loan or who are more than 30 days behind on child support owed to a public agency are NOT eligible, unless they have established payment plans with the appropriate agency and made a series of on-time monthly payments.
Students may receive State grants for four consecutive full-time quarters or three consecutive semesters during the course of a single fiscal year.
Students must reapply each year to be considered for a grant. A State grant can be renewed for up to six full-time semesters or nine quarters (or their equivalent). However, the student must make satisfactory progress and demonstrate financial need as defined in state law.

Dependents And Spouses Of Public Safety Officers

Dependent children and the surviving spouse of a public safety officer killed in the line of duty are eligible to receive educational benefits through the Public Safety Officers’ Survivor Grant Program.

Public Safety Officers’ Survivor Grant Eligibility

To qualify for this award, you must be a dependent or spouse of a public safety officer killed in the line of duty on or after January 1, 1973. Dependents must meet the following requirements:

Less than 23 years old or less than 30 years old if served on active military duty for 181 consecutive days or more, and was honorably discharged or released; and
Enroll in an undergraduate or certificate program at one of the postsecondary institutions in Minnesota that participate in the State Grant program Surviving spouses of all ages and dependents under age 23 are also eligible to use awards for graduate study.

Applicants need to take a certificate of eligibility to the financial aid office of the school they attend or plan to attend. This certificate can be obtained from:

Commissioner’s Office - Minnesota Department of Public Safety
Telephone: (651)201-7160

Minnesota Postsecondary Child Care Grant

Students who have children 12 and under (14 and under if disabled) and demonstrate financial need may receive assistance under the Minnesota Postsecondary Child Grant Program (MPCG) to help pay for child care.

The financial assistance may cover up to 40 hours per week per eligible child. The amount of the grant award is based on the income of the applicant and spouse, number in the applicant’s family, number of eligible children needing child care, the actual cost of child care, and whether the student is enrolled full or part time. Grants are available for both undergraduate and graduate students.

Child Care Grant Awards

The maximum award amount is $6,500 per eligible child per 9-month academic year. The amount of the award cannot exceed 40 hours of child care per week per eligible child, not exceeding provider rate caps ($10/hour center; $5/hour home care), and are reduced by other child care assistance. Students are eligible to receive an extra term of eligibility for summer term attendance.

Maximum Award per Term per Child: $3,250/semester or $2,167/quarter
Minimum Award per Term per Child: $50/Semester or $33/Quarter

Child Care Grant Eligibility

You are eligible to apply for a Postsecondary Child Care grant if you:

Are a resident of Minnesota
Must have a child 12 years old or younger (or a child 14 years old or younger if the child has a disability)
Must be either an Undergraduate or Graduate student enrolled in at least 1 credit per term at a participating Minnesota School
Has not received child care grant funds for a period of 10 semesters or the equivalent
Students who have withdrawn for active military service after December 31, 2002 are given an extra term of eligibility
Must not be in default on a student loan
Must be in good academic standing and making satisfactory academic progress
Must not be receiving full-time Child Care Assistance (40 hours or more per week)
Must not have child care costs covered by another source (scholarship, stipend, etc.)
Must not be a recipient of the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP)
Must already be paying out-of-pocket for child care expenses at the time of application

Application

To apply for the Postsecondary Child Care Grant, please complete the online application. You also must complete either the FAFSA or the MN Dream Act application.

Apply Online Now: Postsecondary Child Care Grant Student Application

After completing the online application, make sure to:

Print your application and provide it to your child care provider to complete Section B.
Review both Section A and Section B for accuracy and completeness.
Submit the full application to the financial aid office at your college or university.
A financial aid administrator at your school will determine your eligibility and award amount and will notify you of the outcome. If you have any questions regarding your application, your schools contact information is found in Section B of the application and also in the confirmation email.

Note: Child Care Grant awards may be processed after other types of financial aid. Please plan accordingly.

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Fostering Independence Higher Education Grants

The Fostering Independence Higher Education Grants (Foster Grants) seeks to eliminate the cost barrier to access college for Minnesota students who were in the foster care system.

If you are a Minnesota resident student 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. This includes tuition and fees, supplies, rent/room and board, childcare, and transportation. If you are eligible to receive the grant, your postsecondary institution will award the grant as part of your financial aid package.

Eligible institutions include the state universities, the University of Minnesota, public community and technical colleges, participating tribal colleges and private institutions. Foster Grants may not be used at out-of-state schools.

Foster Grants Eligibility

You are a Minnesota resident, including students who apply for state financial aid via the MN Dream Act Application
You are younger than 27 years of age
You are attending a Minnesota public or participating private higher education institution
You are eligible for the Education Vouchers for Former Youth in Foster Care OR after your 13th birthday have been in in foster care in Minnesota, including any of the following:
- Placement in foster care at any time while 13 years of age or older;
- Adoption from foster care at any time after reaching 13 years of age; or
- Placement from foster care with a permanent legal custodian at any time after reaching 13 years of age
You have graduated from high school or completed the equivalent as approved by the Department of Education
You have been accepted for admission to, or are currently attending, an eligible institution
You have submitted a FAFSA or Minnesota Dream Act application
You are meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress as defined by your institution

Foster Grants Application

To apply for the grant, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form OR the Minnesota Dream Act application. Completing the applicable form will serve as the application for receiving a Foster Grant, as well as other grants and financial aid resources.

If you receive a Foster Grant, each year you will need to reapply via the FAFSA or Minnesota Dream Act to be considered for the grant.

The application priority deadline is May 1, 2025 for the 2025-2026 award year.

Foster Grants Awards

Once you have completed your FAFSA or Minnesota Dream Act application, the Minnesota Department of Human Services will confirm your foster youth status. The first choice school you list on your application will be notified of your eligibility for the Foster Grant and will complete a school certification. If you are eligible for a Foster Grant, the award will be included on your financial aid award notice from your postsecondary institution.

How Much Money Does the Grant Provide?

The Fostering Independence Higher Education Grant is intended as a 'last dollar' financial aid program.

If you attend a Minnesota public institution, the award will be determined after subtracting the following from your cost of attendance:

Your Expected Family Contribution (as determined by the FAFSA or MN Dream Act Application)
All federal and state gift aid (grants and scholarships)
All tribal scholarships
The Education and Training Voucher (ETV)
Extended foster care benefits
All private grants or scholarships
All institutional grants, scholarships and tuition waiver or remission amounts

If you attend a participating Minnesota private institution, the recognized cost of attendance will the lesser of the federal Title IV cost of attendance at the institution or the highest federal Title IV cost of attendance for a public two-year institution or public four-year institution in Minnesota. The cost of attendance used for federal Title IV financial aid includes tuition and fees, an allowance for books, supplies, transportation, miscellaneous expenses, and room and board.

At participating private institutions, the award will be determined after subtracting the following from the recognized cost of attendance:

Your Expected Family Contribution (as determined by the FAFSA or MN Dream Act Application)
All federal and state gift aid (grants and scholarships)
All tribal scholarships
The Education and Training Voucher (ETV)
Extended foster care benefits
All private grants or scholarships not provided by the private institution you are attending

Participating private institutions have agreed to provide institutional grants, scholarships, tuition waivers or remission to cover the gap between what is not covered from the list above and the school's federal Title IV cost of attendance.

For How Long Can You Receive the Grant?

An eligible undergraduate student may receive a Foster Grant in any year of study unless: the student has earned a baccalaureate degree, has attended the equivalent of eight full-time semesters, or received a Foster Grant for five years. Additionally, students enrolled in a two-year degree, certificate or diploma programs are limited to three annual awards or the equivalent. Students enrolled in a four-year undergraduate degree program are limited to five annual awards or the equivalent.

Minnesota Student Teacher Grants

The Minnesota Student Teacher Grants provides financial assistance to eligible postsecondary 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. There are two grants available based on eligibility:

The Minnesota Student Teachers in Shortage Areas Grant helps eligible students who intend to teach in a license shortage area or rural school district after graduating and receiving their teaching license.
The Minnesota Underrepresented Student Teacher Grant helps eligible students who belong to a racial or ethnic group underrepresented in the Minnesota teacher workforce.

Depending on the availability of funds, selected undergraduate and graduate students may receive awards of up to $7,500 for one term.

Student Teacher Grants Eligibility

Be enrolled in an eligible Minnesota college or university in an eligible teacher preparation program that requires at least 12 weeks of student teaching in order for the teacher candidate to be recommended for a full professional teaching license;
Intend to teach in an identified license field or geographical shortage area or belong to a racial or ethnic group underrepresented in the Minnesota teacher workforce; and
Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Minnesota Dream Act application for the aid year; and Demonstrate financial need.
Meet one or more of the following requirements:
1. Intend to teach in a designated rural school district in Minnesota
2. Intend to teach in an identified license shortage area
3. Belong to a racial or ethnic group underrepresented in the Minnesota teacher workforce.

"License shortage area” means a licensure area that is identified by the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board in coordination with the commissioner using data collected for the teacher supply and demand report under MN Statute 122A.091, subdivision 5. Only licensure areas within the following fields may be identified as a license shortage area:

English as a second language
Early childhood
Special education
Career and technical education
Science, technology, engineering, arts, and math
World languages

The eligible teacher preparation program/licensure areas considered to be designated teacher shortage areas are available here. The rural school districts in Minnesota for the Student Teachers in Shortage Areas Grant is available here.

Eligible Colleges and Universities

Augsburg University
Bemidji State University
Bethany Lutheran College
Bethel University
Carleton College
College of St. Benedict
College of St. Scholastica
Concordia College, Moorhead
Concordia University, St. Paul
Crown College
Gustavus Adolphus College
Hamline University
Martin Luther College
Metropolitan State University
Minnesota State University, Mankato
Minnesota State University, Moorhead
North Central University
Southwest Minnesota State University
St. Catherine University
St. Cloud State University
St. John's University
St. Mary's University of Minnesota
St. Olaf College
University of Minnesota, Crookston
University of Minnesota, Duluth
University of Minnesota, Morris
University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
University of Northwestern, St. Paul
University of St. Thomas
Walden University
Winona State University

The full list of eligible programs at each College and University are available here.

Student Teacher Grants Application

A student must submit a complete application to the Minnesota Office of Higher Education for the term in which the student is completing a required 12-week or more student teaching experience.

Priority Deadlines for Student Teaching Terms:
Spring 2026: November 14, 2025

2025-2026 Application opens on June 1, 2025 and closes on April 17, 2026. Incomplete applications will not be processed.

To apply for the grant, you must submit:

Student Teacher Grants application: Go to MNAid Student Portal to complete and submit the online application. Review the instructions here. Paper application is available upon request via email to financialaid.ohe@state.mn.us
Completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Minnesota Dream Act application; and
Financial data form submitted by the Financial Aid Office at the institution the student attends.

Selection Process

Eligible students submitting a complete application by the priority dates below will be considered for awards in the specified term. If there are insufficient funds to provide an award to all eligible applicants, the applications will be prioritize based on:

the financial need of an applicant; and
the program which the student qualifies for.

Eligible students who are not selected for an award will be placed on a waitlist. Application status can be tracked on the MNAid Student Portal.

Federal Grants for Students in Teacher Preparation Programs

The federal government offers the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant, which provides grants of up to $4,000 per year to students who intend to teach in an elementary or secondary school that serves students from low-income families. In exchange for receiving a TEACH Grant, students must agree to serve as a full-time teacher in a public or private school serving low income students for at least four academic years within eight calendar years of completing the program of study for which they received a TEACH Grant. An important detail: If a student doesn't complete their service obligation, the TEACH Grant will be converted to a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan that they must repay with interest.

If you are interested in becoming an early childhood educator, the T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® MINNESOTA offers pathways to earning a postsecondary credential through their scholarship program. T.E.A.C.H. Scholarships can cover up to 85% of the cost of tuition and books for 18 credits per year to help teachers continue their education, increase their wages, and solidify their professional commitment. Visit Child Care Aware to learn about eligibility and application process.

Alliss Opportunity Grant Program for Adults Returning to College

Grants are available to students who are attending a two-year college with financial need. They must be attending Minnesota State Colleges, enrolled in Associate of Arts (A.A.), Associate of Science (A.S.) and Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.), Associate of Fine Arts (A.F.A.), diplomas, certificates, and Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC) courses designed to transfer to baccalaureate programs.

Alliss Opportunity Grant Eligibility

Recipients cannot have already received a baccalaureate degree.
Recipients do not have to be Minnesota residents.
Grants will be processed and awarded through the college’s normal financial aid application process and may be used to meet remaining need after the student has received Pell and/or Minnesota State grants.
Recipients will be required to meet with an advisor to create a baccalaureate degree-completion plan. This meeting must occur during the semester for which the award is granted.

The procedure for selecting recipients of the Alliss Opportunity Grant varies from campus to campus. Please contact the financial aid office at the college you attend (or plan to attend) for more information.

Assistance for Dislocated Workers

The Dislocated Worker Programs serve individuals dislocated from long-held jobs. These programs focus on upgrading current job skills, retraining, and providing support services. Inquire about Dislocated Worker Programs at CareerForce locations or call 651-259-7537 for more information.

Students Who Are Deaf or Blind

Minnesota resident students admitted to the University of Minnesota who are blind may be eligible for a tuition waiver from the university. Minnesota residents who are deaf and who qualify for either a Pell or State Grant may be eligible for tuition and fee assistance at the public college or university to which they have been admitted. Contact the college’s financial aid office to learn more.

Grants for Students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (ID Grant)

This program provides students with intellectual and developmental disabilities with financial assistance for tuition and fees (funds may vary each year) at eligible and participating institutions.

ID Grant Eligibility

To qualify for this program, a student must:

Be enrolled in and attending an eligible comprehensive transition program.
Have tuition and fees not covered by the Federal Pell Grant, State Grant, or institutional aid.
Be a Minnesota resident.
Complete a current Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Minnesota Dream Act application

Participating Minnesota Institutions:

ID Grant Application

Get in touch directly with the program at any of the participating institutions:

Bethel University BUILD Program | Phone: 651.635.8799 | Email: build-program@bethel.edu
Central Lakes College Occupational Skills Program | Phone: 218.855.8075 | Email: psloan@clcmn.edu
Ridgewater College Occupational Skills Program | Phone: 320.222.8040 | Email: benjamin.larson@ridgewater.edu

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant Program makes awards to exceptionally needy students and can add $100 to $4,000 in grant money to the financial aid package. The award amount is set by the institution’s financial aid office and depends on the availability of funds at your school and the amount of other aid you are receiving. The financial aid office at your school will use your FAFSA results to determine the size of your award.

SEOG Eligibility

Only undergraduate students are eligible, and priority is given to students already receiving a Pell Grant. Students must be United States citizens or eligible non-citizens.