FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

Students who are planning to attend a post-secondary institution next year should apply for financial aid using the FAFSA. The FAFSA is available to students on October 1st each year. If you are a Senior planning to go to college the following Fall, you and your parents/guardian should complete the FAFSA as soon as possible after it is available for application. Colleges will use this information to help determine if you are in need of financial support through loans, grants, work study, or need-based scholarships. 

FAFSA Step-by-Step Guide: The Standout College Prep FAFSA guide walks students and families through each question of the FAFSA. This includes screenshots, explanations and a FAQ page for studens with special circumstances. 

Scholarships

Local Scholarships: Students can access a list of available local scholarships through Xello which they can access through their OmniPortal. We will continue to update scholarships as they become available. 

Minnesota Scholarships: Students can search a list of over 100 vetted Minnesota-specific scholarships through Standout College Prep. 

Other scholarship opportunities are available through the following websites:

• Cappex: www.cappex.com/scholarships/

• Chegg: www.chegg.com/scholarships

• College Board: https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/

• Golden Door Scholars: www.goldendoorscholars.org

• Fastweb: www.fastweb.com

• Dollars for Scholars: www.mankatoarea.dollarsforscholars.org

• Mankato Area Foundation: https://www.mankatoareafoundation.com/

• Office of Higher Education: http://www.ohe.state.mn.us/sPages/scholarshipsAll.cfm 

• Raise Me: https://www.raise.me/

• Scholarships.com: www.scholarships.com

• Scholarship America: www.scholarshipamerica.org

• The college/university you’re planning to attend