Financial Aid & Scholarships 

How Do I Pay for College?

Let's face it, college can be expensive! If you think you can't pay for college, think again! According to the Minnesota Office of Higher Education, an estimated $120 billion is provided each year in the form of grants, work-study, and loans. Nearly 13 million students who pursue college or career school benefit from this funding.

Xello Paying for College Informational Video 

In Minnesota, ALL students should apply for financial aid using one of two applications-

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Or Minnesota Dream Act. 

Learn More About the Types of Financial Aid Available?

Explore the Types of Financial Aid page to learn more!

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): 

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)form is an online application used to award federal, college-based financial aid, and state aid. You may learn more about the types of aid here. Completing the FAFSA is the most important step for receiving funding for college, regardless of the program (4-year, 2-year, Trade school). Many colleges require students who are receiving scholarships require students to complete the FAFSA.

The FAFSA is used to determine the amount of money a family is expected to contribute to the price of one's college or program. This is a required form for any student seeking federal aid. 

The FAFSA typically opens towards the beginning of December for the following school year. Deadlines for completion vary by college. Please be sure to check college websites carefully for FAFSA deadlines. FAFSA filers are reporting income and tax figures from two years prior

The 2025-2026 Free Application for Student Financial Aid is now open.

When completing the FAFSA, parents will request what colleges will need to receive your FASFA. You are able to request more than one college to receive your FAFSA.  If a student has not submitted their application for admission for a school, you can still submit the FAFSA for the college to receive the FAFSA application.

If you would like to send your FAFSA information to more colleges than originally listed, please go back to www.fafsa.gov and add additional colleges as a correction. Expect to receive financial aid information from colleges in the spring.

Start Here:

Free Application for Student Aid Checklist

Applying for Financial Aid with the FASFA Form 

Completing the FASFA 

Ready Set FAFSA Virtual Events:

A series of virtual college and financial aid events - free to students and families. Find event information and recordings of previous informational meetings here.

Additional Resources:

FSA ID How-To Guide

Determining Your Dependency Status 

FAFSA Eligibility for Non-U.S. Citizens

Studentaid.gov/understand-aid/eligibility/requirements/non-us-citizens?alpha=j 

Minnesota Dream Act:  

Eligible undocumented students can access state financial aid by submitting the current Minnesota Dream Act application. Students who meet the qualifications for the Minnesota Dream Act will qualify for the following:

• In-state resident tuition rates at Minnesota public colleges and universities.   

• Minnesota state financial aid is available to students who meet state residency requirements.  

• Privately funded financial aid through Minnesota public colleges and universities.  

Please review the resources below regarding the Minnesota Dream Act:

Eligibility for the Minnesota Dream Act

Minnesota Dream Act Application 

Financial Aid for Undocumented Students- Informational Video

Un resúmen sobre la ley Dream de Minnesota 

Minnesota Office of Higher Education Minnesota Dream Act Fact Sheet 

Un resúmen sobre la ley Dream de Minnesota 

Need Additional Assistance Applying for Additional Questions:

College Minnesota is an organization that assists students with college readiness and preparation. College Minnesota offers FREE 1:1 meetings for students and families who need assistance applying for financial aid. You can schedule a 1:1 meeting here.