Financial Aid in Minnesota (2026–27)
Your FAFSA deadline, Minnesota's grant programs, and how to get every dollar you qualify for: federal, state, and scholarships.
Minnesota FAFSA deadline for state aid
State Grant and North Star Promise: by the 30th day of your term.
The FAFSA for 2026–27 opened October 1, 2025; the federal deadline is June 30, 2027. State and school funds often run out well before deadlines, so file early either way.
Not sure what you'll get? Estimate your federal aid in 2 minutes
Minnesota grant programs
Minnesota State Grant
Need-based grant for Minnesota residents, sized to your school's cost and your family's resources.
North Star Promise
Free tuition at Minnesota public colleges for resident families earning under $80,000.
Administered by Minnesota Office of Higher Education. Filing the FAFSA is how you're considered for most state programs.
Scholarships for Minnesota students
Grants and federal aid have income cutoffs. Scholarships don't, and they stack on top of everything above. Award Scholar matches Minnesotastudents with scholarships they actually qualify for (including state-specific awards) and writes the application essays. It's free.
Common questions
When is the FAFSA deadline in Minnesota?
For 2026–27 state aid: State Grant and North Star Promise: by the 30th day of your term. The federal FAFSA deadline is June 30, 2027, but state and school money often runs out far earlier, so file as soon as you can.
What grants does Minnesota offer?
Minnesota State Grant: Need-based grant for Minnesota residents, sized to your school's cost and your family's resources. North Star Promise: Free tuition at Minnesota public colleges for resident families earning under $80,000. You're considered for most of these automatically when you file the FAFSA as a Minnesota resident.
How do I apply for financial aid in Minnesota?
File the FAFSA at studentaid.gov. It covers federal aid (Pell Grants, loans, work-study) and is how Minnesota Office of Higher Education determines state awards. Then apply to scholarships separately; they stack on top of everything else.