The Federal Pell Grant is the foundation of federal student aid, awarded to undergraduate students with the lowest Expected Family Contribution (EFC). The award amount changes annually and varies with your level of enrollment. Federal Pell Grant recipients must finalize all registration within the first 30 days of the semester. A student who withdraws from one or more courses within the first 30 days of the semester will have their Pell Grant award reduced to the adjusted level of enrollment. Pell Grant eligibility is limited to 12 full-time semesters or the equivalent. Learn more about federal pell grants.

Like the Pell Grant, the FSEOG is awarded to undergraduate students with the lowest EFC. Priority must be given to Pell Grant recipients. Very limited funds are available, so it is critical to apply as early as possible to be considered for this grant. Learn more about federal supplemental education opportunity grants.

The Minnesota State Grant is awarded to undergraduate Minnesota residents with a low EFC attending a MN post-secondary institution. Once a student has attempted the equivalent of 4 full-time years of post-secondary education, the student is no longer eligible for the grant. Awards change on a per credit basis for enrollment between 3 and 15 credits. The FAFSA has to be completed and received by the school within the first 30 days of the semester. Find more information about Minnesota’s state grants.

The MN Dream Act provides certain benefits to undocumented students who meet the following criteria: attended a MN high school for at least 3 years; graduated from a MN high school or earned a GED in MN; complied with Selective Service registration requirements (applies only to male students ages 18 to 25); provide documentation to show they have applied for lawful immigration status but only if a federal process exists for a student to do so (does not include applying for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals).  There is currently not a federal process in place so this documentation is not currently required.

Beginning in fall 2024, 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.

By making college accessible and affordable, NSP is intended to have a positive impact on multiple fronts:

• Help stabilize enrollment at Minnesota public institutions of higher education;
• Serve as an economic driver for Minnesota by educating qualified workers who are much needed to fill vacancies in the state’s labor force;
• Create a viable higher education path for Minnesota residents who may have previously thought education was not a possibility for them.

We estimate this program will impact 15,000-20,000 students in the first academic year.

Eligibility Requirements

Students do not need to submit an additional application for the North Star Promise Scholarship. Eligibility will be determined based on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Eligible students must:

• Be a Minnesota resident
• Have a family Adjusted Gross Income* (AGI) as reported on the FAFSA or Minnesota Dream Act Application below $80,000.
• Attend a Minnesota public higher education institution or Tribal College
• Not be in default on a state or federal student loan
• Be enrolled taking at least one credit
• Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards
• Have not already earned a baccalaureate degree (including those earned in a foreign country)
• Be enrolled in a program or course of study that applies to a degree, diploma, or certificate

What Does Family Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) Mean?

The Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) comes from the Federal 1040 Income Tax Return. The first year of the program is the 2024-2025 academic year and the corresponding FAFSA or Minnesota dream Act application asks about prior, prior year AGI. In other words, the AGI from 2022.  This can be found on line 11 of the 1040.

Dependent students will have the AGI of their parent(s), and stepparent if applicable, considered for the program’s family AGI threshold of below $80,000. The AGI of dependent students will not be considered.  When parents are divorced, separated or never married, and do not live together, the parent who provides more financial support to the student should be the parent of record for the FAFSA or Minnesota Dream Act.  This is the parent whose income will be reviewed when determining eligibility for North Star Promise.  If the parent who provides more financial support has remarried as of the date the FAFSA or Minnesota Dream Act is filed, the stepparent’s AGI will also be taken into account when determining eligibility.

Independent students will have the AGI of the student considered for program eligibility.   If the student is married, the student and spouse’s combined AGI must be below $80,000 in order to be eligible for the North Star Promise Scholarship. You can review what makes a student either dependent or independent here.

An Education and Training Voucher (ETV) provides up to $5,000 per award year to pay for post-secondary education, including:  tuition and fees, books, housing, transportation, child care, other school-related expenses. More information about the Minnesota Education and Teaching Voucher.

This program is designed to provide eligible Minnesota residents a tuition-free pathway for earning a certificate, diploma, associate’s degree and bachelor’s degree in high-need careers. Funding comes from the State of Minnesota and is awarded to eligible students after grants and scholarships have been paid.

Eligible Bemidji State University Programs:

• Accounting
• Addictions
• Applied Engineering
• Applied Management
• Aquatic Biology
• Biochemistry, Cellular & Molecular Biology
• Biology
• Business Administration
• Chemistry
• Coaching
• Community Health
• Computer Information Systems (CIS)
• Computer Science
• Criminal Justice
• Design
• Economics
• Elementary Teacher Education
• Engineering Technology
• English
• English Education
• Environmental Studies
• Exercise Science
• Geography
• Global Studies
• Health Education
• History
• Indigenous Studies
• Indigenous Sustainability Studies
• Lean Six Sigma
• Marketing Communication
• Mass Communications
• Mathematics
• Mathematics Education
• Medical Laboratory Science
• Music
• Music Education
• Nursing
• Physical Education
• Political Science
• Project Management
• Psychology
• Science Education
• Social Studies
• Social Studies Education
• Social Work
• Spanish
• Spanish Education
• Sports Management
• Sustainability & Resource Management
• Technology Manager
• Wildlife Biology

Income Eligibility

• Have a Family Adjusted Gross Income (AGI)* reported on FAFSA or MN Dream Act Application of less than $50,000
• Have a Family AGI* reported on FAFSA or State Aid Application of less than $100,000 and have worked in a critical industry listed in Executive Order 20-74 at least part-time between March 1, 2020 – December 31, 2021; OR received unemployment benefits between March 1, 2020 – December 31, 2021

*Family AGI for a dependent student includes parent and student AGI and for an independent student it includes student and spouse AGI.

Other Eligibility Factors:

• You first enrolled during the 2021-22 or later OR you are returning to college and have not been enrolled at any college in the last three semesters
• Meet the Minnesota residency criteria
• Not have already earned a baccalaureate degree
• Not in default on a state or federal student loan
• Not on a SAP/FA suspension

Student eligibility for the grant will be determined every semester. You will need to fill out the FAFSA each year. A student who receives a grant one semester is not guaranteed to receive funding for the next semester. Eligibility is subject to the availability of funds and any changes in your enrollment, FAFSA or other financial aid may change the amount you receive each semester.

More details about the Minnesota Future Together Grant. 

If you are eligible for a Minnesota Future Together Grant, your college will contact you with an award amount or additional questions to determine your eligibility.

If you do not receive a communication from the Financial Aid Office but believe that you are eligible, please send us an email to review your file.

The MN GI Bill program provides assistance to eligible MN Veterans, currently serving military, National Guard and Reserve members who served after September 11, 2001 and eligible spouse and children. Additional information and Minnesota’s GI Bill application.

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.

Apply Now!

How much money can you get?

This program provides a first-dollar tuition and fee-free pathway for eligible students.

Who is eligible?

In general, students must:

• Be enrolled in an undergraduate certificate, diploma, or degree program at a Minnesota State institution or a campus of the University of Minnesota;
• Not have already obtained a bachelor’s degree;
• Have fewer than 180 credits attended at the college-level; and
• Be either a:
  • Minnesota resident who qualifies for resident tuition and an enrolled member or citizen of a federally recognized American Indian Tribe or Canadian First Nation; or
  • Student who does not qualify for resident tuition but is an enrolled member or citizen of a Minnesota Tribal Nation

Minnesota residents who are one-fourth or more American Indian or who are an enrolled member or citizen of a federally-recognized American Indian tribe or Canadian First Nation may be eligible for the Minnesota Indian Scholarship Program. Students of American Indian ancestry may also be eligible for a Tribal Grant. Students should contact their individual Tribal Education Office for specific information and application forms.

We know that the cost of higher education is a barrier for many Minnesotans. The Fostering Independence Higher Education Grants is a financial aid program that seeks to eliminate that barrier for Minnesota students who were in the foster care system.

If you are a Minnesota resident under age 27 and were in the Minnesota foster care system at any point after your thirteenth birthday, this grant may cover the cost of attendance at any eligible Minnesota public or participating private college and university. Accessing the grant is as simple as filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)  OR Minnesota Dream Act application. Both applications include a question about foster care; the Minnesota Department of Human Services confirms your information. If you are eligible, your postsecondary institution will award the grant as part of your financial aid package.

Who is Eligible?

• 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.

What is the Application Process?

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

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

How is the Award Determined?

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 Fostering Independence Higher Education Grant, the award will be included on your financial aid offer 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.

Public Institutions

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

For How Long Can You Receive the Grant?

In order to be considered for the grant, you must reapply via the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or MN Dream Act each year.  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 8 full time semesters, or received a Foster Grant for five years.  Additionally, students enrolled in a 2-year degree, certificate or diploma programs are limited to 3 annual awards or the equivalent.  Students enrolled in a 4-year undergraduate degree program are limited to 5 annual awards or the equivalent.

Additional Resources

Minnesota Education and Training Voucher Program (ETV)
Extended Foster Care Benefits

Available to undergraduate and graduate students who are Minnesota residents, meet income guidelines and have out of pocket child care expenses are considered for this grant. The student must have a dependent child 12 years of age or younger or a dependent child with a disability 14 year or younger who will be receiving care regularly. Eligibility is restricted to those students who are not receiving Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) benefits. Funds are limited and applications are processed until all funds are awarded. Learn more about the Minnesota Postsecondary Child Care Grant or submit your application now.

MN Student Teacher Grants provide postsecondary financial assistance to eligible students enrolled in MN teacher preparation programs during one term in which the student is completing a required 12-week or more student teaching experience.  The grant is intended to serve low-income students who meet one or more of three eligible definitions.

These are the three ways a student may be eligible for one of the programs: Belong to an underrepresented racial or ethnic group; intend to teach in a license shortage area; intend to teach in a rural school district in MN after graduating and receiving their teaching license.

Students must complete the FAFSA or MN Dream Act application for the aid year, showing demonstrated financial need. Apply for a Minnesota Student Teacher Grant.

Minnesota Aspiring Teachers of Color Scholarship Pilot Program provides postsecondary financial assistance to eligible undergraduate and graduate students who are preparing to become teachers, have demonstrated financial need, and belong to racial or ethnic groups underrepresented in the state’s teacher workforce.

Who is Eligible?

To be eligible, students must:

• Be enrolled at an eligible institution located in Minnesota in a:
  • Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) approved teacher preparation program seeking initial licensure; or
  • Two-year program specifically designed to prepare early childhood educators;
• Be a person of color or American Indian;
• Be meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements as defined by the institution;
• Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or MN Dream Act application for aid year; and
• Demonstrate financial need.

How Much Money Can You Get?

The annual award for full-time students is up to $10,000.

Awards for students enrolled less than full-time are prorated on a per-credit basis.

For undergraduate students, full-time means enrollment in a minimum of 15 or more credits per term. For graduate students, full-time means enrollment in a minimum of six graduate credits or equivalent.

Students may receive up to $25,000 in a lifetime.

What Is the Application Process?

Interested students should complete the FAFSA or MN Dream Act application before completing the Minnesota Aspiring Teachers of Color Scholarship application.

2023-2024 Application

The 2023-2024 Student Section of the application is available here. Students should contact their school’s Financial Aid Office to submit the College or University Section of the application.

The priority deadline is July 7th, 2023.

Paper application forms are available upon request.
Tel: 651-642-0567
Email: info.ohe@state.mn.us

Complete applications must include the following:

• Student Section including all the required information;
• College or University Section completed by an authorized representative at the college or university you attend that includes all of the required information; and
• Completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Minnesota Dream Act application.

Incomplete applications will not be processed.

What’s the Selection Process?

If there are insufficient funds to make full awards to all eligible applicants with complete applications received by the priority application deadline, awards are prioritized using a combination of the student’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and application completion date.

• Eligible applicants with the lowest EFC are awarded first
• Eligible applicants with identical EFCs are prioritized by student application completion date

Eligible applicants with complete applications received by the priority application deadline who are not awarded are placed on a waiting list by order of student application completion date.

Complete applications from eligible applicants received after the priority application deadline are placed on the waiting list by order of student application completion date.

What if You are Selected for an Award?

Applicants selected to receive an award are expected serve as a full-time teacher in Minnesota after completing the program for which the grant was awarded.

Awarded to undergraduate and graduate students admitted into a designated high-need subject area at BSU with a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher. Within 8 years of completing/ceasing their program, the student must teach full time for four years in their high-need area in a designated low income school or the TEACH Grant will become an unsubsidized loan with accrued interest. Additional information can be found in the TEACH Grant Application and the TEACH Grant Information Sheet.

BSU provides individual grants to deserving athletes. The grants are awarded by the coaches in each sport and may vary in amounts based upon individual athletic ability. Athletic grants are regulated by BSU, NCAA and league rules and regulations.

The Ethel Curry American Indian Leadership Scholarship (ECS) is an annual award administered by the Minnesota Department of Education. This scholarship aids American Indian students in their pursuit of higher education.

Awards generally range from $1000-$5000 per academic year, but may vary. The scholarship is open from March 1 to May 31 annually.

To be eligible for priority consideration, an applicant must meet the following requirements:

• An enrolled member of a Federally recognized tribe;
• Attending an accredited college or university in Minnesota;
• Pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree;
• Have a minimum GPA of 2.0 for undergraduate applicants and a 3.0 for graduate applicants.
• Applicants must be able to demonstrate leadership qualities within the American Indian community.

The Ethel Curry American Indian Leadership Scholarship Application is a fillable form and must be downloaded prior to use. Applicants who are not able to use fillable forms may print the application and fill it out by hand. Applications must be submitted March 1 – May 31.

Educational benefits for tuition assistance may be available through the Rural MN CEP Office for students who are in their senior year of college. This program is income based as well.

Veterans may earn educational benefits based on their U.S. military service. 

Educational benefits are available for people with disabilities to help achieve their employment and independent living goals. More about eligibility criteria.