FINANCIAL AID RESOURCES

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® Form 2027-2028: Opens October 1, 2026
Filling Out the FAFSA® Form Instructions

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 Support Resources

MN Office of Higher Education Website
MN Office of Higher Education: Financial Aid Help Hotline: (651) 642-0567

Normandale Community College

Normandale Financial Aid Website

Normandale offers free virtual appointments for families in need of:

Support with completing their FAFSA or Minnesota Alternative Financial Aid Form
Help with answering questions about the status of their financial aid application
Help understanding their award letter

To schedule a virtual appointment, visit Normandale's Financial Aid website

Assistance by phone: Normandale's Student Support Line for assistance: 651-358-8100

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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