Financial Aid Events

What are Financial Aid events?

Students applying for Federal Student Aid must complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Undocumented Minnesota students should apply for the Minnesota Dream Act to have access to state grants and reduced tuition rates. FAFSA/Dream Act completion events provide free information and assistance to students and families in this process. These events are facilitated by partnering high schools, youth college access programs and colleges  across the state. FAFSA/Dream Act events are usually held outside of school hours - in the evenings or on the weekend. Most events include one-on-one assistance to families completing the financial aid forms. 

Students and schools share their FAFSA/Dream Act event stories on social media by using the hashtags: #MNGoesToCollege #IAppliedMN #MNFAFSA

Visit the FAFSA Filing page for data about Minnesota FAFSA completion.

Who can participate?

High schools, college access programs and postsecondary institutions host a scheduled event at their site for students and family members to complete the FAFSA and/or provide information about financial aid and the Dream Act. These events can be held for families of the site only - or open to the public.

Postsecondary financial aid volunteers from local colleges  and  universities help students and their families complete the FAFSA/Dream Act applications at these events or present on financial aid topics.

What support is provided to sites?

Visit the Site Support page to find out all the ways in which Minnesota Goes to College supports site coordinators and host sites with their FAFSA/Dream Act events. 

What are some financial aid resources for students and families?

Make sure to also visit our College Knowledge Month page for college application resources.

Worksheets and handouts:

• FSA ID Worksheet - This worksheet will help students remember their FSA ID account information.

• 2023-2024 FAFSA & Dream Act Worksheet - This worksheet is designed to help Minnesota FAFSA or Dream Act filers prepare to submit their online applications. Use this worksheet to gather the information needed to complete these applications and determine dependency status. Also available in Spanish.

• Am I Dependent or Independent? - A worksheet to help students determine their dependency status when filling out the FAFSA. Please note: this form can also be used to determine dependency status for the Minnesota Dream Act application. Also available in Spanish.

• College Planning Workbook - This complete workbook was created in Google Sheets so it is easy for you to gather and organize all the information you will need to submit your college and scholarship applications. Also available in Spanish.

Financial aid, FAFSA and Dream Act information:

• Creating and Using the FSA ID - An explanation of what the FSA ID is, how you get one, and what you use it for. Includes top tips for using an FSA ID. Copy onto the back of the FSA ID Worksheet (above)! Also available in Spanish. 

• Minnesota Dream Act Application

• Minnesota Dream Act Fact Sheet | Also available in Spanish.

• The FAFSA Process Graphic - A graphic that walks through the process of preparing for, completing, and submitting a FAFSA. Includes information on what happens after a FAFSA is submitted. 

• Who is My Parent on Financial Aid Forms? A graphic that helps dependent students determine which parent's information to include on the FAFSA or Dream Act Application. Also available in Spanish.

• 7 Things You Need Before Filling Out the FAFSA Form and 8 Steps to Completing the FAFSA Form

Free publications:

• FAFSA & MN Dream Act - This booklet describes to families the details of filling out the FAFSA and applying for the MN Dream Act. It also provides overview of the procedures, eligibility, and factors in the financial aid process. Also available in Spanish, Somali, Hmong.

• Financial Aid Basics - An overview of the application process for financial aid. This booklet includes the steps and types to obtain educational aid in Minnesota. 

• Grants & Scholarships (Free Money) - There is student aid you do not need to repay. This booklet outlines the many types of financial aid available that students do not need to repay and how to obtain that support.  Also available in Spanish, Somali, Hmong.

• Loans and Consumer Protection - Both federal and state loans are options when it comes to paying for college. This booklet provides insight to those different options, how to apply, and what to look out for.