The state aid picture
Minnesota administers state aid through the Office of Higher Education (OHE), and in 2024 launched the North Star Promise — free college tuition for residents under an income threshold. Undocumented students apply via the Minnesota Dream Act Application.
Need-based state grants
- Minnesota State GrantThe state's main need-based grant, using a shared-responsibility model between the student, family, and state.
- Minnesota Indian ScholarshipAid for eligible American Indian students.
Promise & free-college programs
North Star Promise provides free tuition and required fees at all Minnesota public colleges/universities and Tribal Colleges for residents with a family AGI under $80,000. It's a last-dollar award (covering what's left after other gift aid), and the only application is the FAFSA or Minnesota Dream Act Application.
College savings (529 plan)
Minnesota's MNSAVES 529 plan offers tax-advantaged saving with a state tax credit or deduction.
Applying & the state agency
Nearly all state aid starts with the FAFSA (or the Minnesota Dream Act Application). From there:
- File the FAFSA earlyIt's the trigger for state grants and many scholarships
- Register with Minnesota Office of Higher EducationCreate the state agency's student account to track and claim awards
- Confirm your detailsVerify residency, GPA, and enrollment as required
- Meet any extra requirementsSome programs need a separate form, GPA, or service commitment
- Reapply every yearState aid is awarded annually
Deadlines & timing
State deadlines are typically much earlier than the federal FAFSA deadline, and some aid is first-come, first-served until funds run out. File the FAFSA as soon as it opens (in the fall) and confirm the state's specific priority date.
Tips to maximize state aid
- File the FAFSA as early as possiblePriority deadlines and limited funds reward early filers
- Confirm your residency and eligibilityMost state aid is for residents attending in-state schools
- Maintain the required GPAMerit awards usually require you keep a minimum GPA to renew
- Use the state agency's portalTrack, confirm, and claim your awards there
- Check renewal rules each yearKnow what keeps your award going
Frequently asked questions
- How do I get Minnesota state aid?File the FAFSA (and any state form) by the deadline; Minnesota Office of Higher Education administers the programs.
- Is it need-based or merit?Both — Minnesota offers need-based grants and merit scholarships.
- Are the deadlines earlier than federal?Usually yes — file early, as some aid is first-come.
- Can I use it out of state?Most Minnesota aid is for in-state schools; check each program.
- Does this list private scholarships?No — this guide covers official state programs only.
Key facts
- Free tuitionNorth Star Promise (AGI under $80k, last-dollar)
- Need-basedMinnesota State Grant
- 529MNSAVES
- ApplyFAFSA or MN Dream Act Application
- AgencyMN Office of Higher Education
Where to learn more
Confirm current programs, amounts, and deadlines with the state agency: