Grants and waivers

Grants and waivers are gift aid that does not need to be repaid. Financial aid is based on your financial need (as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), any eligibility criteria specific to the source, and availability of funds.

When you complete the FAFSA and are admitted to the University of Minnesota, you will be considered for the following federal, state, and University grants:

The total amount of financial aid offered to a student, including all scholarships and grants, cannot exceed the cost of attendance at the University of Minnesota for that aid year. Financial aid offers (e.g., loans, work study, scholarships, or grants) may be reduced for students whose total aid exceeds the cost of attendance.

New state programs

As announced by the Minnesota Office of Higher Education, the University of Minnesota is excited about implementing the following state programs:

  • American Indian Scholars Program
    • This program is designed to cover tuition and certain fees for eligible students.
    • If you meet the eligibility requirements, you can complete the American Indian Scholars Program Application. To be considered eligible, you must:
      • Be pursuing your first degree and enrolled in an undergraduate degree program.
      • Have fewer than 180 credits at the college-level.
      • Be a Minnesota resident who qualifies for resident tuition and an enrolled member or citizen of a federally recognized American Indian Tribe or Canadian First Nation.
      • If you do not qualify for resident tuition, you are still eligible for this program if you are an enrolled member or citizen of a Minnesota Tribal Nation.
  • North Star Promise Program starting in 2024-2025

We will share additional information about these programs as it becomes available.

Grants and waivers that you must apply to 

There are several grants and waivers that require you to submit an application or take some other action. Information on some common grants and waivers is available below.

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Employment or service-related

Demographic or family-related

Reciprocity information (for North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin and Manitoba residents).