Scholarships

Scholarships are considered “gift aid”—a type of financial aid that does not have to be repaid. Funds are awarded to individual students and are often based on specific criteria, such as your major, GPA, financial need, etc. Admitted freshmen are considered for University-wide scholarships based on an overall assessment of their admission application.

Common scholarship sources


Undergraduate scholarship search

The undergraduate scholarship search provides an individualized list of scholarships that you are eligible to apply for based on your student profile.

Receiving a scholarship may affect the amount of other financial aid you are eligible to receive, and some scholarships are not included in the undergraduate scholarship search. Find additional scholarship resources below. 

Outside sources

Many students receive scholarships from outside sources, such as hometown organizations, civic organizations, churches, and other local donors, or from businesses and corporations.

FAFSA

When you complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), any scholarships that you receive will be considered when calculating your financial aid award.

FAN (Graduate students)

Graduate students will be given the opportunity to report scholarships online when responding to your Financial Aid Notice (FAN) through MyU.

Additional scholarship resources

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How scholarships affect financial aid

University scholarship awards disburse in accordance with the University's financial aid award policy. Consistent with University policy, the total annual aid amount awarded to a student, including all scholarships and grants, cannot exceed cost of attendance at the University of Minnesota.

Financial aid awards (e.g., loans, work study, scholarships, or grants) may be reduced for students whose total aid exceeds the cost of their program for the academic year, as determined by the Office of Student Finance.

When you receive a scholarship from an organization outside of the University of Minnesota, your existing financial aid awards will be reviewed and adjustments may be made based on the receipt of your scholarship(s). You may see a reduction in other types of aid, such as loans, work-study, or institutional aid.

The University of Minnesota will allow you to receive the maximum benefits of any scholarships within the US Department of Education guidelines.

Many scholarships require full-time enrollment. Information on eligibility for financial aid is available.

Office of Student Finance scholarships

The scholarships listed below are administered and awarded by the University of Minnesota's Office of Student Finance. A minimum 3.0 GPA is required for all scholarships unless noted otherwise. 

Thielen Family Scholarship Fund

This application is open annually from April through the end of June. Apply for the Thielen Family Scholarship.

J. Peter and Jan Thielen have created the Thielen Family Scholarship Fund to recognize the importance of higher education to career advancement and personal quality of life. The fund provides renewable scholarships to part-time students who are employed, realize the importance of a college degree to their success, and would have difficulty continuing their studies without financial assistance.

A successful candidate must:
  • Have junior or senior status in an undergraduate degree program at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
  • Demonstrate financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
  • Register for 1 to 11 credits during both fall and spring semesters
  • Maintain good academic standing at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities
  • Be employed during the school year
  • Be a US citizen

University of Minnesota Women's Club Scholarship

This application is open annually from April 1 through June 1. Apply for the Women's Club Scholarship

The University of Minnesota Women's Club has provided scholarships to University students for more than 40 years. The Women's Club created this scholarship fund to ensure that their legacy of generous support to students will continue for generations to come. It is awarded to students who are Minnesota residents and have demonstrated academic ability and leadership experience, and a breadth of skills, interests, and extracurricular activities.

Students may reapply for the scholarship each year, by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the scholarship application.

A successful candidate must:
  • Have sophomore, junior, or senior status in an undergraduate degree program at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities or Rochester campus
  • Register full-time, during both fall and spring semesters
  • Demonstrate financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
  • Have a 3.20 GPA or higher
  • Maintain good academic standing at the University and be making progress toward a degree

Nathan Lifson, Irving Lifson, and Gilda Lifson Bronsztein Scholarship, Harold B. and Helen N. Shapira Scholarship

This application is open annually from April through the end of June. Apply for the Lifeson/Shapira Scholarship

Because of his strong commitment to higher education, Nathan Lifson chose to honor the memory of his parents, Max and Anna Lifson, through a scholarship for Jewish-American students. Mr. Lifson hoped that the students he helped would, in turn, someday be able to help others.

The Harold B. and Helen N. Shapira Scholarship was established in 1987 and devotes assistance to Jewish students.

A successful candidate must:
  • Be involved in the Jewish community
  • Be enrolled full-time in a degree-seeking program during both fall and spring semesters at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities or Rochester campus
  • Maintain good academic standing and be making progress toward a degree

LaVerne Noyes Scholarship

This application is open annually from April through the end of June. Apply for the Noyes Scholarship

"The purpose of LaVerne Noyes in establishing these scholarships was to express his gratitude to, and in a slight degree to reward, those who ventured the supreme sacrifice of life for this country and for mankind in this war for the liberty of the world, and, also, to aid in keeping alive, for generations to come, the spirit of unselfish patriotic devotion which these men displayed and without which no free government can long endure." - Estate of LaVerne Noyes

Students may reapply for the scholarship each year by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the University of Minnesota Online Scholarship Application. The supporting documentation only needs to be provided once and will be kept on file for future years.

A successful candidate must:
  • Be a US citizen and a direct descendant of an American Army or Navy veteran of World War I whose service was terminated by death or an honorable discharge (must be able to provide supporting documentation to prove direct descent)
  • Demonstrate financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
  • Be enrolled full-time in a degree-seeking program during both fall and spring semesters at any of the University of Minnesota system schools (Crookston, Duluth, Morris, Rochester, or Twin Cities)
  • Maintain good academic standing and be making progress toward a degree

The Dr. A.A. Granovsky Scholarship

This application is open annually from April through the end of June. Apply for the Granovsky Scholarship

The Dr. A. A. Granovsky Scholarship funds students with Ukrainian ancestry who are conscious of their nationality, are concerned with the improvement of and help for other students of like background, and who have financial need. The number of scholarships awarded and the award amount varies annually based on available funding.

A successful candidate must:
  • Provide proof of Ukrainian descent
  • Compose an essay describing activities and involvement in the Ukrainian community
  • Demonstrate financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
  • Have at least sophomore standing in an undergraduate program at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
  • Maintain good academic standing

Office of Undergraduate Education scholarships

The scholarships listed below are administered and awarded by the Office of Undergraduate Education.

The Ecolab Scholars Program

The application for the upcoming aid year opens annually in March through mid April. During this timeframe, apply for the Ecolab Scholars Program.

Every day, University of Minnesota researchers and students focus on finding scientific and social solutions for vexing problems related to sustainability and the environment. Ecolab, a local company with an international reach, is also committed to innovation, environmental problem solving, and talent development. In partnership with the University, Ecolab created the Ecolab Scholars Program to support students, with financial need, who are committed to advancing their communities on issues of sustainability and the environment.

The Ecolab Scholars Program is an undergraduate scholarship awarded for a student’s second or third year at UMTC. This means students should be in their first or second year when they apply. The scholarship may be renewable provided the recipient completes the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), participates in engagement activities, and meets award eligibility criteria. Students starting the scholarship in their second year will have up to three years of funding and students starting the scholarship in the third year will have up to two years of funding. Direct questions to OUE Special Scholarships at [email protected].

A successful candidate must:
  • Be a current student in their first or second year at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
  • Be registered full-time in a degree-seeking program during both fall and spring semesters
  • Demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainability and the environment
  • Demonstrate financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
  • Maintain good academic standing and be making satisfactory progress toward a degree
  • Not be a degree seeking student in the Carlson School of Management. Carlson students are encouraged to apply for CSOM’s Ecolab Scholars program instead.

The Lynn Johnson – Johnson Brothers Scholarship in Entrepreneurship

The application for the upcoming aid year opens annually in February through mid March. During this timeframe, apply for the Lynn Johnson - Johnson Brothers Scholarship in Entrepreneurship.

The Johnson Family created the Lynn Johnson – Johnson Brothers Scholarship in Entrepreneurship in honor of their late father to support students who display the same inspiring entrepreneurial spirit they saw in their father. This scholarship supports full-time UMTC juniors and seniors, with financial need, who have a strong, demonstrated interest in entrepreneurial initiatives.

The scholarship will be awarded for one academic year and may be renewable for up to one additional year provided the recipient completes the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), meets award eligibility criteria, and submits a renewal request. Direct questions to OUE Special Scholarships at [email protected].

A successful candidate must:
  • Have junior or senior status in an undergraduate degree granting program at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
  • Be registered full-time, during both fall and spring semesters
  • Demonstrate evidence of a strong commitment to entrepreneurial initiatives (e.g. classes, internships, student groups and activities, work experiences, major or minor choices, etc.)
  • Demonstrate financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
  • Maintain good academic standing and be making satisfactory progress toward a degree

The University of Minnesota Scholarship in Honor of George Floyd: Twin Cities Award

The application for the upcoming aid year opens annually in March through mid April. During this timeframe, apply for the University of Minnesota Scholarship in Honor of George Floyd.

This fund honors George Perry Floyd Jr., a Black father and grandfather who grew up in Houston and moved to Minneapolis in 2014, where he worked as a truck driver and security guard. He was killed at the hands of an on-duty Minneapolis police officer on May 25, 2020. During Mr. Floyd's memorial service, universities were called upon to create a scholarship in his honor that will support efforts to create a more just and equitable world. This scholarship honors George Floyd and was established to support undergraduate students, including those with financial need and those who have been victims of police violence.

The University of Minnesota Scholarship in Honor of George Floyd is a one-year scholarship awarded to two current University of Minnesota Twin Cities students. Direct questions to OUE Special Scholarships at [email protected].

A successful candidate must:
  • Be a current undergraduate student at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
  • Be registered full-time in a degree-seeking program during both fall and spring semesters
  • To the maximum extent possible, preference will be given to students who will enhance the diversity of the student body as described by the University. In evaluating student body diversity, after the eligible pool of candidates is selected, an additional consideration will be given to Black and African American students if they are underrepresented in the University at the time of the award.

The Nonprofit Scholarship

The application for the upcoming aid year opens annually in March through mid April. During this timeframe, apply for the Nonprofit Scholarship.

The Nonprofit Scholarship recognizes and supports students who have a passion for nonprofit work that makes the world a better place. This undergraduate scholarship supports full-time UMTC juniors and seniors, with financial need, who have a strong academic history, and have demonstrated a dedicated commitment to nonprofit work along with an interest in fundraising.

The scholarship will be awarded for one academic year and may be renewable for up to one additional year provided the recipient completes the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), meets award eligibility criteria, and submits a renewal request. Direct questions to OUE Special Scholarships at [email protected].

A successful candidate must:
  • Have junior or senior status (when the scholarship starts) in an undergraduate degree granting program at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
  • Be registered full-time, during both fall and spring semesters
  • Be interested in a career in the nonprofit sector as demonstrated through volunteerism, academic studies, work history, etc.
  • Demonstrate financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
  • Maintain good academic standing and be making satisfactory progress toward a degree
  • Preference is given for students with an interest in fundraising

Collegiate, cooperative, and additional campus-wide scholarships

Collegiate scholarships 

University departments select recipients of their departmental scholarships according to their own process. For more information on eligibility requirements and application procedures, look for a link to your departmental scholarships page from these college scholarship resources:

Cooperative scholarships 

Cooperative scholarships are often given to University of Minnesota students, but they are administered and awarded by outside agencies or organizations.

Additional campus-wide resources

Tillman Scholars military scholarship

Every year, Pat Tillman Foundation receives thousands of applications from military veterans and their spouses nationwide. Up to 60 of the best-poised leaders, who show strength in character, academic excellence and incredible potential, are chosen as Tillman Scholars. They are individuals who will apply the best lessons they’ve learned in life and the military to impact our country for years to come in medicine, business, law, science, education and the arts.

The University of Minnesota is proud to be a Pat Tillman Foundation partner institution.

Visit the Pat Tillman Foundation to learn more about applying to be a Tillman Scholar.

Regents Scholarship for University employees

The Regents Scholarship Program covers a portion of tuition costs for eligible University of Minnesota employees enrolled in University of Minnesota credit-bearing courses. More information on the Regents Scholarship Program is available. 

Information on athletic scholarships

Student athletic scholarships are awarded to varsity athletes by their coaches in compliance with the policies and procedures of the University, the Big Ten Conference, the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA), and The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Athletic Awards can cover all or part of your tuition, fees, books, room, board, and miscellaneous expenses up to the University's cost of attendance.

Each team is assigned a scholarship limit by the NCAA based on the total number of full grant-in-aid awards the sport is allowed to offer during the academic year. The head coach decides how to distribute the funds among the student athletes.

Outside Scholarships

Any scholarships you receive from any outside organization (such as your high school, parent's employer, or local civic organization) must be reported to the student-athlete financial aid coordinator. The student and the donor will need to fill out the Student-Athlete Outside Aid Award form and submit back to the student-athlete financial aid coordinator to provide documentation of the award to verify that your award complies with NCAA rules and ensure that the award amount is disbursed properly. NCAA bylaws restrict you, the student-athlete, from cashing scholarship checks yourself. Any scholarship checks must be submitted to a One Stop Student Services employee at 333 Robert H. Bruininks Hall or be sent to the following address:

University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Office of Student Finance, Fiscal Unit
160 Williamson Hall
231 Pillsbury Dr. SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455

Be sure that your full name and University of Minnesota student ID number are listed on the check.

International Student Athletes

If you are an international student, you may have up to 14% of your award amount withheld from the room and board portion of your athletic award for U.S. income tax purposes.

If the U.S. has a tax treaty with your home country you may be exempt from tax withholding. For students with tax treaties you must have a US tax identification number to avoid the tax withholding

Financial Aid help for Student Athletes

Please contact either of the following staff if you have questions about your Athletic Awards or other Financial Aid questions:

Molly Nelson
Financial Aid Coordinator for Student Athletes
Phone: 612-625-5357
Email: [email protected]

Jim Praska
Asst Director of Athletic Compliance & Scholarships
Phone: 612-626-7117
Email: [email protected]

Information on submitting outside scholarship checks (for organizations)

Please include the following information with each scholarship check:

  • Student's full legal name
  • Student's University ID number. If the student's University ID number is not available, please include home address or the last 4 digits of their Social Security number.
  • Scholarship donor's name, address, and phone number.
  • Letter from donor with any scholarship stipulations. If the full scholarship is intended for a particular term, please include it on the donor's letter or the memo section of the check (e.g. "Fall only," "Check 1/2"...).
  • If the check is made out to both the student and the University, the student must visit One Stop Student Services in person to endorse the check. 

Please send scholarship checks to:

University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Office of Student Finance, Fiscal Unit
160 Williamson Hall
231 Pillsbury Dr. SE 
Minneapolis, MN 55455

Information on submitting outside scholarship checks (for students)

If you receive any scholarship from organizations outside of the University of Minnesota (e.g., a local community organization, church, etc.), it is your responsibility to forward the check(s) to the Office of Student Finance for processing. You should endorse any check that is made payable to you and the University of Minnesota. 

Additional scholarship search resources

Requests for your financial aid information

With your permission, the University of Minnesota is able to share information from your financial aid data or Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) with scholarship-granting organizations or tribal organizations. You must have provided written permission for the information to be shared.

To enable the University to share your information do one or both of the following:

Tips for writing a scholarship Thank You note

A letter of thanks to your donor(s) is one of the best ways to convey your gratitude and let them know the impact their generosity is having on you.

Guidelines to help you craft your letter:

  • Brevity is key, but tell the donor(s) about yourself and the impact their generosity has on your education and future goals.
  • Be genuine and sincere in your tone, and try to show your personality.
  • Acknowledge your enthusiasm and excitement about receiving the scholarship.
  • Grammar and spelling should be correct, so be sure to proofread.
  • If you choose to handwrite your message, please make sure it is neat and legible.
  • Above all, convey your message of thanks clearly and concisely.
Consider sharing your background:
  • Hometown
  • Family background
  • Experiences and life situations that led you to pursue a degree at the U of M
Include information about your current situation:
  • Degree(s) and study plans
  • Involvement and/or activities both on- and off-campus
  • Research and/or internships in which you have taken part, or plan to

Describe how the scholarship support will help you meet, or exceed, your educational goals.

Finally, consider including your future plans:
  • What you hope to accomplish while a U of M student
  • Plans for after graduation, i.e. graduate school or career aspirations

If you have questions about your scholarship, please contact the college/department that awarded the scholarship. You may also contact us.