Minnesota State Grant
The Minnesota Office of Higher Education has announced that, due to a historic increase in enrollment across the Minnesota State system, the University of Minnesota system, and many private colleges, the Minnesota State Grant program is projected to face a funding shortfall.
To address this challenge and extend funding to as many students as possible, the following measures have been implemented:
- Summer 2025 (based on the results of 2024-25 FAFSA): No Minnesota State Grant funding is available for the Summer 2025 term for any student.
- School Year 2025-26: The 2025-26 FAFSA submission deadline to be considered for the Minnesota State Grant for a term is 30 days after the start of the term. The Fall 2025 semester deadline is September 23, 2025, the Spring 2026 semester is February 10, 2026, and the Summer 2026 term is June 24, 2026.
If you have not yet completed your FAFSA for the 2025-26 school year, we strongly encourage you to do so as soon as possible.
The Minnesota State Grant provides undergraduate students, who demonstrate financial need, with assistance in meeting the cost of attendance at eligible Minnesota public and private post-secondary institutions. It is funded through the MN Office of Higher Education. Program funds are allocated to MOHE by the State Legislature. The Minnesota State Grant is money that does not have to be repaid.
What are the requirements of the Minnesota State Grant?
Students must meet Minnesota Resident criteria as defined by the Minnesota Office of Higher Education. The most common criteria are: dependent students must have graduated from a Minnesota high school, and independent students must have resided in Minnesota for 12 months prior to becoming a post secondary student. Students who have been granted reciprocity from another state do not qualify for the Minnesota State Grant. More information on eligibility and the State Grant program is available through the Minnesota Office of Higher Education.
What is the application process to receive a Minnesota State Grant?
To apply for a Minnesota State Grant you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually. Eligibility for the Minnesota State Grant is based upon Federal Pell Grant eligibility and the results of your FAFSA. Complete the FAFSA online at https://studentaid.gov.
