FINANCIAL AID

FAFSA |MN Dream Act | Scholarships | North Star Promise

HOW FINANCIAL AID WORKS

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.

FAFSA® Issue Alerts

Verify your identity without a Social Security Number (SSN)

Need Additional Help? FAFSA® Support Line: 1-800-433-3243

Minnesota Alternative State Financial Aid Application (formerly called MN Dream Act)

Under the Minnesota Alternative State Financial Aid Application, formerly called the Minnesota Dream Act, undocumented students may be eligible for in-state tuition rates, privately funded financial aid administered by Minnesota public colleges and universities and can apply for state financial aid.

For more information check out the Minnesota Alternative State Financial Aid Application webpage.

Minnesota Alternative State Financial Aid Support Contact Information:

Support Line: 651-355-0615

Email: financialaid.ohe@state.mn.us

FAFSA & Minnesota Alternative State Financial Aid Application Support

MN Office of Higher Education: Free FAFSA Support Resources

Free FAFSA/Minnesota Alternative State Financial Aid Application Completion Support: MN Office of Higher Education Website
Resources for Undocumented and Minnesota Alternative State Financial Aid Application: 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: Link to Fall 2026 dates and previous recordings

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
- Prior to the Appointment:
  - To successfully complete a FAFSA, you will need an FSA ID. It is best to apply for an FSA ID at least 3 days prior to ensure it has been fully processed.*
  - If you are a dependent student, your parent will also need to bring their tax information and have their own FSA ID.

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.

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 Alternative State Financial Aid Application.

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)

The FIG Grant covers the full cost of attendance at participating MN colleges and universities for eligible Fosters.

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

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

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

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 Reimbursement Programs: Many employers offer tuition assistance for employees pursuing higher education. Check with your employer for available benefits.

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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