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Financial Aid

The North Star Promise Program-   This is a recently new opportunity open to all MN residents with a family Adjusted Gross Income below $80,000 as reported on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid  (FAFSA).   The North Star Promise provides free college tuition; and is available at all MN State Colleges, all University of MN campuses, and all Tribal Colleges. For more information visit:   https://www.ohe.state.mn.us/sPages/northstarpromise.cfm

 

Students planning to enroll in college for Fall 2023 should fill out the 2023-2024 school year FAFSA application. You can begin filing your FAFSA anytime after October 1st. The earlier you fill out this information, the better, because it helps ensure you receive the maximum amount of loan and grant money that you are eligible for. It is a good rule of thumb to complete your college applications in October or November, then start completing the FAFSA immediately thereafter.  Please view the information below because it walks you through step by step regarding how to apply for financial aid. It also answers many of the frequently asked questions that people have. You will not have to fill this out in one sitting; you will be able to "save" it and return to it at your convenience.  Here is also a good introductory video which is a nice starting point for parents to watch around the topic of financial aid:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5rQX7Pbd94&feature=emb_logo

Steps for filling out your Financial Aid Application/FAFSA

  1. Here is the information you will need to fill out FAFSA:  Student and parents/guardians' Social Security information, student's drivers license, W2 forms and your parents/guardians' federal tax return information, and bank/investment statements and any other records of untaxed income such as child support received or veteran's benefits, etc.
  2. Click the following link to set up an account and apply for Financial Aid: FAFSA Online Form  As you are filling out the information, you have the option to click "save" and continue filling out the application later.  I highly recommend using the following website since it is very helpful and walks you through the FAFSA process step-by-step:  https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/filling-out               Another helpful website is https://www.collegexpress.com/articles-and-advice/financial-aid/articles/applying-financial-aid/how-fill-out-fafsa-step-step/
  3. Note important deadlines from your college/university for submitting your FAFSA paperwork. It's a good idea to try to complete your application as soon as possible after completing your college applications.
  4. A few weeks after completing your FAFSA you will receive a "Student Aid Report" (SAR). This Report breaks down the costs of college and it shows you all of the loans and grants you are eligible for from Federal Student Aid. Review the SAR to make sure the information on there is correct. Re-submit the SAR if you see something incorrect on the form. The SAR tells you how much money you will be expected to contribute towards college costs. This is called your "Expected Family Contribution" (EFC). This number helps determine the amount of your federal student aid eligibility.
  5. Review award letters from schools you included as part of your FAFSA application to compare amounts and types of aid being offered. This information may affect the school you decide on attending based on how affordable the school is when taking into account the aid they are offering. Contact the school's financial aid office if you have questions about the aid being offered.

Sources of Financial Aid

The vast majority of financial aid gets to students through the following sources:

  • Local Scholarships: Local organizations, companies, and individuals in our community provide scholarships for our students. Students access this "Local Scholarship Application" on our school website under the "Counseling" tab.  Generally the deadline to apply is around mid-March.
  • Loans:  Filling out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)  will show you which loans are available for you. Loans are money that can be borrowed but you will eventually have to pay back. Note that not all loans are created equal. For a subsidized loan, as long as you keep attending college at least half-time you are not responsible for paying off any of the interest while enrolled in college. Because of this interest not accruing for subsidized loans; you will want to take out subsidized loans that are available to you more than taking out unsubsidized loans. For an unsubsidized loan, the interest starts accruing when you take out the loan.  You have the option to pay off the interest while you are in college;  or you can wait until you are done with college. It is recommended to pay off the interest while in college to minimize your overall debt; otherwise the interest gets added to the overall principal of the loan.   If Federal loans don't quite meet your needs; you can also look into private loans from a bank or a MN SELF loan.
  • Grants:  Filling out the FAFSA will show you which grants are available to you. Depending on your parents/guardians' financial status, you may be eligible for grants. Grants are funds that you will not have to pay back. 
  • Work-study:  Colleges may offer work on Campus as a type of financial aid. 
  • Other Sources:  Fastweb.com is the most commonly used website for students to search for scholarships offered all throughout the country. By setting up a profile, a student is able to use their search engine to find thousands of scholarship opportunities. Participation in the military, ROTC, AmeriCorps, and other programs can provide funds. 
  • Loan and Grant money can be used for:  College tuition/fees,  room and board or rent, books and supplies, transportation, and other personal expenses. 
  • Tuition Reciprocity-   Minnesota has an agreement between Wisconsin and North and South Dakota; so a Minnesotan can attend a college in one of those states and pay tuition at the same rate as a regular resident of that State. 

Helpful Documents

Financial Aid Basics pdf

Grants and Scholarships for College pdf

Helpful Websites

FAFSA Financial Aid Application Site:   https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa

State of MN Information on Financial Aid:   https://www.ohe.state.mn.us/