FINANCIAL AID
FAFSA |MN Dream Act | Scholarships | North Star Promise
Embedded Files
Virtual Financial Aid Night: Tuesday, October 7, 2025 at 6PM
Virtual Financial Aid Night: Tuesday, October 7, 2025 at 6PM
The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is now open! To help guide families through the FAFSA process, Susan Ant, Director of Financial Aid and Scholarships at Normandale, will host a virtual presentation for Bloomington Families:
Date: Tuesday, 10/7/25
Time: 6:00 PM
Link to join: https://minnstate.zoom.us/j/92056187195
Link to presentation slides: Click HERE
HOW FINANCIAL AID WORKS
HOW FINANCIAL AID WORKS
FREE APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL AID (FAFSA)
FREE APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL AID (FAFSA)
If you are a US Citizen or eligible non-citizen, you are eligible to complete the Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is used for both Federal and State financial aid. Please complete your FAFSA by going to the following website: www.studentaid.gov.
Need Additional Help? FAFSA® Support Line: 1-800-433-3243
FREE FAFSA & MN DREAM ACT SUPPORT
The College Planning Series: Free Virtual Webinars
The College Planning Series: Free Virtual Webinars
Session date and times:
1/20/2026 @ 7pm – Earn College Credit in High School
2/3/2026 @ 7pm – Scholarships 101
2/10/2026 @ 7pm – FAFSA 101
2/17/2026 @ 7pm – Understand Your Financial Aid Offer
2/24/2026 @ 7pm – Understanding Your Transfer Credit
4/21/2026 @ 7pm – Key Conversations Before College Begins
Click here for more information and to register!
MN Office of Higher Education: Free FAFSA Support Resources
Free FAFSA/MN Dream Act Completion Support: MN Office of Higher Education Website
Resources for Undocumented and MN Dream Act: Click HERE
Resources for Completing the FAFSA: Click HERE
MN Office of Higher Education: Financial Aid Help Hotline: (651) 642-0567
Free Virtual Financial Aid Webinar (Ready, Set, FAFSA) for Students/Families: View Previous Recording Links and Materials
Normandale Community College
Free FAFSA/MN Dream Act Completion Support: Normandale Financial Aid Website
Normandale Student Support Line: 651-358-8100
Chat Online: Chat Now
Have a quick question? A Student Services Coach is ready to help. Monday - Thursday 10am - 4pm, (No chat on Fridays)
Virtual Appointment: Meet with a Student Services Coach
Student Services hosts in person completion sessions several times per week to help you complete your FAFSA or MN Dream Act Application.
Attend a FAFSA/MN Dream Act Completion Workshops: Book Online
If you have questions about what you need to complete your Financial Aid Application, please contact Student Services. If you do not have the information needed above, you may be asked to reschedule your Financial Aid Completion Session.
College Possible
Free FAFSA/MN Dream Act Completion Support: College Possible Website
Virtual Appointments: Schedule Your 1:1 Meeting
College Possible Additional Resources:
Financial Aid Information Packet and Checklist
MN DREAM ACT
MN DREAM ACT
Undocumented students can apply for state financial aid by completing the MN Dream Act Application online.
Need Additional Help? MN Dream Act Support Line: 651-355-0615
NORTH STAR PROMISE
NORTH STAR PROMISE
The North Star Promise program provides tuition-free access to higher education for Minnesota residents with a family Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $80,000 or less, as reported on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Minnesota Dream Act Application.
AMERICAN INDIAN SCHOLARSHIP
AMERICAN INDIAN SCHOLARSHIP
Minnesota Indian Scholarship Program provides up to $4,000 for undergraduates and up to $6,000 for graduate students of financial assistance to eligible Minnesota resident students who demonstrate financial need for an award.
FOSTERING INDEPENDENCE GRANT (FIG)
FOSTERING INDEPENDENCE GRANT (FIG)
The FIG Grant covers the full cost of attendance at participating MN colleges and universities for eligible Fosters.
EDUCATION & TRAINING VOUCHER
EDUCATION & TRAINING VOUCHER
The Education & Training Voucher (ETV) provides up to $5,000 annually for school-related and living expenses (housing, transportation, supplies) for eligible Fosters.
CSS Profile
CSS Profile
The CSS Profile is a financial aid application administered by the College Board, required by approximately 260 private colleges and universities for undergraduate admissions. In addition to the FAFSA, students applying to these schools must complete the CSS Profile to be considered for institutional need-based aid.
While all PROFILE schools use the FAFSA to determine eligibility for federal and state financial aid, they also require the CSS Profile for a more detailed financial assessment. This allows them to allocate their own institutional aid more precisely.
To see if a college requires the CSS Profile, check the school's financial aid website or visit the College Board CSS Profile website.
TUITION SAVINGS PROGRAMS FOR MINNESOTA RESIDENTS
Tuition Reciprocity
Tuition Reciprocity
Minnesota residents can attend public colleges and universities in Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Manitoba at a reduced tuition rate.
For details on eligibility and application requirements, visit the Minnesota Office of Higher Education Reciprocity website.
Midwest Student Exchange Program
Midwest Student Exchange Program
The Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP) offers residents of Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, and Nebraska the opportunity to attend participating colleges and universities in other member states at a reduced tuition rate. Select institutions in the province of Manitoba also participate.
For a list of participating schools and more details, visit the MSEP website.
ADDITIONAL WEBSITES/RESOURCES
FAFSA & Federal Aid
Federal Student Aid Estimator (FAFSA 4Caster): Get an early estimate of your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and potential eligibility for federal aid before completing the FAFSA.
U.S. Department of Education: College Affordability and Transparency Center: A tool to compare college tuition, fees, and net price to help families make informed financial decisions.
Minnesota-Specific Financial Aid
Minnesota Office of Higher Education: A resource to help students understand financial aid options, including grants, scholarships, loans, and earning college credit in high school.
Minnesota Goes to College: Free virtual events related to financial aid, MN Dream Act, scholarships, understanding financial aid offers, and more.
Minnesota State Grant Program: A need-based grant for Minnesota residents attending eligible postsecondary institutions in the state.
Minnesota Work-Study Program: Provides part-time jobs for students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay for education expenses.
Tuition Assistance & Loan Repayment Programs
Tuition Assistance & Loan Repayment Programs
Tuition Reimbursement Programs: Many employers offer tuition assistance for employees pursuing higher education. Check with your employer for available benefits.
College Cost Calculators & Budgeting Tools
College Cost Calculators & Budgeting Tools
Net Price Calculator Center: Find the estimated cost of attendance for colleges, including tuition, fees, and living expenses.
Student Loan Calculator (Finaid): Estimate monthly student loan payments and total repayment costs.
TuitionFit: Provides real college pricing information to help students make informed decisions about tuition costs.
MyinTuition: Helps students estimate their college costs after financial aid is factored in.
College Savings Plans Network (CSPN): Provides information on 529 college savings plans, which offer tax advantages to help families save for higher education expenses.
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