New Tuition-free Pathway to Earn a Degree in High Need Fields

• Minnesota Future Together Grants will provide eligible Minnesotans with a tuition-free pathway for earning a certificate, diploma, associate’s degree, or bachelor’s degree at any public institution in the state. The grants are available starting spring 2022 through 2024.

• If you are currently studying healthcare, STEM, business, industry and technology, education, or public service at a public institution, reach out to your college's financial aid office. And if you're a perspective student looking to go into one of these fields, talk with an admissions representative about the opportunity.

HOW TO APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID

To receive financial aid, students must apply for it by filling out and submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

• Complete the FAFSA HERE.

Note: You need to register for at least 12 college credits for a Pell Grant, but there may be other financial aid (Workforce Development grant) that colleges can help you with if less than 12 credits.

Undocumented students don't qualify for federal financial aid and are not able to submit a federal FAFSA. However, these students can submit a MN Dream Act application to be considered for state financial aid.

• Learn more about the MN Dream Act and how to apply for these benefits.

• Spanish-language materials:

• Cómo crear y utilizar la credencial FSA ID (studentaid.gov)

• MNDreamActFactSheet_ES.pdf (state.mn.us)

• College Planning Workbook_Spanish - Make a copy (google.com)

• Un resume sobre la ley Dream de MN https://youtu.be/eFAD5YDoQHg

WRAP-AROUND SUPPORT SERVICES

• FAFSA and Dream Act Events FAFSA/Dream Act. Completion events provide free information and assistance to students and families in the process of applying for financial aid.

• State- and Federal-Funded Services. Many adults need help overcoming obstacles in the way of achieving their career and educational goals. This site lists state- and federal-funded programs, as well as non-profit organizations, offering support services for adults:

• Child Care Grant. The Postsecondary Child Care Grant Program helps low-income students who have young children pay for child care while the student attends classes:

2 -Year COMMUNITY Colleges (Associate, Associate to Bachelor's)

MN State Colleges - New Resource "Skill Up"

Skill Up (link) by Minnesota State: An easier way to find good jobs that are in demand, locate short-term training options available at our campuses, and help job seekers navigate their career changes

Tips for Adult Learners (link)

How can your past training count toward your future training?

• Did you complete college courses five, 10 or 20 years ago? Talk to an admissions counselor or academic advisor to see which courses may fit with the program you choose. A counselor will explain how your courses may transfer.  

• Did you complete training in your community or in a past job? Those may count toward your degree.  You also may have gained skills and knowledge through hands-on experiences at work, home or in your community.  Some of that learning may be college-level and meet course requirements in a degree program.

  1. The colleges and universities of Minnesota State have credit for prior learning options to find out how your past experiences might help your future goals.

  2. Your past learning may give you options to add to your stackable credentials. Stackable credentials can advance your education and career. A credit for prior learning assessment will let you know which of your experiences might translate to a credential.

• You can save time and money when you can apply your prior learning. Minnesota State has a brief survey to help you identify credit for prior learning option