Financial Aid
FREE Application Opportunities
During College Knowledge Month (October) many Minnesota colleges and universities offer free application options for students.
For a list of colleges that offer free applications go to the FY26 Free Application Opportunities document.
For additional free college planning resources and financial aid resources, go to the Minnesota Goes to College Website.
FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) Information
If you are a senior or parent/guardian of a senior looking to learn about Financial Aid, you are in the right place.
The FAFSA form for students entering college for the 2026-2027 the FAFSA will open on or before Oct 1, 2025.
Filling out the FAFSA Form:
The Federal Student Aid Website has resources to help, including support on:
- Creating a StudentAid.gov account.
- Gathering needed documents.
- Tools that offer additional help.
- Starting your FAFSA form.
- Determining dependency status.
- Listing Colleges and/or Career Schools.
- Reporting parent(s) information, and more!
North Star Promise Scholarship - Tuition-Free Pathway for Eligible MN Residents
Beginning in fall 2024, the North Star Promise (NSP) Scholarship program will make college accessible and affordable for any eligible Minnesotan who has the desire to earn a credential. The program will cover the full cost of tuition and fees for eligible Minnesotans at public institutions and tribal colleges in the state.
Eligibility Requirements:
- You must be a Minnesota resident.
- Have a family Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) as reported on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Minnesota Dream Act Application below $80,000.
- Attend a Minnesota public higher education institution or tribal college.
- Not be in default on a state or federal student loan.
- Be enrolled taking at least one credit.
- Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards.
- Have not already earned a baccalaureate degree.
- Be enrolled in a program or course of study that applies to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
Eligible Institutions:
- All Minnesota State Colleges and Universities
- All University of Minnesota campuses
- All Tribal Colleges
More Information can be found by going to the Minnesota Office of Higher Education North Star Promise Website
Additional Financial Aid Resources:
- Minnesota Goes to College
- Minnesota Goes to College Virtual Events
- MN Goes to College has created a series of zoom sessions specifically for students and families to help them prepare for the financial aid process. This is intended for 12th grade students and their families.
- All sessions will last approximately an hour.
- They will be led by college and financial aid experts.
- Families will have a chance to ask questions in a live chat.
- Students who attend a session or watch one of the recordings will be eligible to win a $1,000 scholarship!
- MN Goes to College has created a series of zoom sessions specifically for students and families to help them prepare for the financial aid process. This is intended for 12th grade students and their families.
- Minnesota Office of Higher Education Resources