Minnesota State Grant

Minnesota residents enrolled at least part-time (3+ credits) as undergraduates at one of 130+ eligible Minnesota institutions, who have not exceeded 8 semesters of receipt or earned a bachelor's degree. Award size is based on FAFSA-determined need. Students ineligible for the FAFSA, including DACA and Dream Act students, may use the Minnesota Alternative State Financial Aid Application.

The Minnesota State Grant helps low- and moderate-income undergraduates pay for college at more than 130 eligible Minnesota public and private institutions. Eligibility and award size are determined from the FAFSA, or from the Minnesota Alternative State Financial Aid Application for students who are Minnesota residents but ineligible to file the FAFSA. Awards use a Shared Responsibility formula that divides the cost of attendance among the student and family, the Pell Grant, and the State Grant, with the student expected to contribute at least 50% of cost from other sources. Because the award is formula-derived there is no flat maximum: the average award in 2023-24 was about $3,406, ranging from roughly $1,415 at a public two-year college to about $6,439 at a four-year institution. Eligibility is capped at eight full-time semesters (twelve quarters) and ends once a bachelor's degree is earned.

Renewal terms: Must refile the FAFSA (or Minnesota Alternative Application) each year. Renewable up to 8 full-time semesters or 12 quarters total, contingent on continued financial need and satisfactory academic progress.