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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 2026 should fill out the 2026-2027 school year FAFSA application. The FAFSA form will be available on Oct. 1st 2025.  This form is what parents fill out; and based on income and other information provided; is used to determine eligibility for Federal Loans and Grants for students.  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.    Here is a very good resource to get you started; and it also provides you with step-by-step info about applying for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for college:    https://ohe.mn.gov/paying-college/how-apply-financial-aid

 

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 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/