Minnesota has almost 200 colleges, universities, and technical schools for students to choose from. Students can find virtually any program or major imaginable at a Minnesota school. However, tuition at most institutions is not cheap, and many students have to take on thousands of dollars in debt to afford their education.
Fortunately, students can apply for the many grants and scholarships that are available in Minnesota. These scholarships are provided by businesses, organizations, and educational institutions, and they can make paying for college much less stressful.
1. Minnesota Academic Excellence Scholarships
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The Minnesota Academic Excellence Scholarships are awarded to graduating high school seniors who plan to attend a Minnesota college or university and have an outstanding academic history in English, foreign language, math, science, fine arts, or social science. Students can apply for the scholarship through the college or university they plan to attend. The scholarship amounts vary but may cover the full tuition and fees, and the award can be renewed for up to three years if the student meets the GPA qualifications.
You can learn more about the Minnesota Academic Excellence Scholarships here.
2. The Minnesota Masonic Charities Signature Scholarships
The are awarded to graduating high school seniors in Minnesota who are enrolled in public or private four-year colleges. Recipients must have a minimum GPA of 3.8 and must submit two letters of recommendation and an essay. The scholarship committee also considers extracurricular activities and community service. They award five $5,000 scholarship every year.
You can learn more about the The Minnesota Masonic Charities Signature Scholarships here.
3. The Minnesota Masonic Charities Legacy Scholarships
The Minnesota Masonic Charities Legacy Scholarships are awarded to students who are enrolled or plan to enroll in a four-year college or university and have a GPA between 3.79 and 3.9. Students must submit two letters of recommendation and a values statement. Minnesota Masonic Charities awards ten $4,000 scholarships every year.
4. The Minnesota Masonic Charities Heritage Scholarship
Minnesota Masonic Charities awards 20 every year to Minnesota students who have a GPA between 3.0 and 3.59. To apply, students must be graduating high school seniors enrolled in a four-year college or university. The scholarship committee considers GPA, extracurriculars, and community service. The scholarships are worth $2,500.
You can learn more about the The Minnesota Masonic Charities Heritage Scholarship here.
5. The Minnesota State Grant
The Minnesota State Grant is available for Minnesota students who have financial need. About 36 percent of recipients have a household income of less than $20,000, and 37 percent have a household income between $20,000 and $50,000. Applicants must complete the FAFSA and must be enrolled as an undergraduate at a Minnesota school. The maximum scholarship amount is $10,745 for four-year colleges and $6,927 at two-year colleges, but the average price is about $1,700. Awards can be renewed yearly.
You can learn more about the The Minnesota State Grant here.
6. The Page Education Foundation Grant
The Page Education Foundation Grant scholarships are awarded to students of color who are Minnesota residents and plan to attend Minnesota schools. Applicants must participate in community service projects with children every year to renew the grant. To apply, students must submit two letters of recommendation, their high school transcript, a copy of their FAFSA report, and an essay explaining their educational goals and why they value education. The awards range in value from $1,000 to $2,500.
You can learn more about The Page Education Foundation Grant here.
7. The PFund Scholarship
The PFund Foundation provides a scholarship to a Minnesota student in the LGBTQ community who shows strong leadership skills and a vision for improving the community. To apply, students must be enrolled or plan to enroll in a college or university. When choosing the recipient, the scholarship committee considers community service and participation in improving the LGBTQ community. The scholarship amount ranges from $2,000 to $10,000.
You can learn more about the The PFund Scholarship here.
8. Minnesota Public Safety Officers’ Survivor Grant
The Minnesota Public Safety Officers’ Survivor Grant is awarded to the child or spouse of a public safety officer who was killed in the line of duty. Applicants must be enrolled as an undergraduate or a graduate at a Minnesota school. To apply, students must show a certificate of eligibility to their school’s financial aid office. The scholarship amount varies depending on the school’s tuition, but the maximum amount is $13,840 for students enrolled in a four-year program and $5,736 for students enrolled in a two-year program.
You can learn more about the Minnesota Public Safety Officers’ Survivor Grant here.
9. Scholarship for People With Disabilities
The scholarship for people with disabilities is awarded to a Minnesota resident who has a physical disability or sensory impairment. The recipient must be enrolled at a four-year college or technical school and must show financial need and academic achievement. To apply, students must submit an application explaining their employment history, community service, and educational achievements. They also must provide a personal essay describing they’re educational and career goals. All finalists will be invited for a personal interview. The scholarship is worth $1,000.
You can learn more about the Scholarship for People With Disabilities here.
10. Linden Scholarship
The Salvation Army awards the Linden Scholarship to a student in Ramsey, Washington, or Dakota County, who has financial need. The recipient must be a graduating senior who is enrolled in an undergraduate program and has a history of volunteerism. Applicants must provide a copy of their FAFSA form and a resume with their community service history. The scholarship is worth $3,000 for students enrolled in a four-year college and $1,500 for students enrolled in a two-year college.
You can learn more about the Linden Scholarship here.
11. White Earth Scholarship
The White Earth Scholarship is awarded to a member of the White Earth Band of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe, who is enrolled or plans to enroll in a college or technical institute as a graduate or undergraduate. Applicants must submit a copy of their FAFSA form, their high school diploma and transcript, and a form explaining their academic plan. The number of awards and the monetary amount varies yearly. Students can renew the scholarship if they maintain a GPA of at least 2.0.
You can learn more about the White Earth Scholarship here.
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13. Vernetta Wilson Memorial Scholarship
The Minneapolis/St. Paul Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta awards the Vernetta Wilson Memorial Scholarship to an African American high school senior in Minnesota. The recipient must be enrolled in a two-year or four-year school and must have a minimum GPA of 2.7, a history of volunteerism, and leadership skills. The scholarship amount varies yearly but is usually between $1,000 and $2,500.
You can learn more about the Vernetta Wilson Memorial Scholarship here.
14. MSU Presidential Scholarship
The Michigan State University Presidential Scholarship is available to graduating high school seniors who plan to attend MSU. The recipients must have a GPA of 3.8 or rank in the top 10 percent of their graduating class. Students must submit a letter of recommendation and two essays, one describing one of their leadership experiences and their educational plans, and another explaining what they think is the world’s most pressing issue. The scholarship is worth $5,000 and is renewable for four years.
You can learn more about the MSU Presidential Scholarship here.
15. UMN Maroon and Gold Leadership Awards
The Maroon and Gold Leadership Awards are available for incoming University of Minnesota freshmen who were in the top three percent of their graduating high school class. The scholarship committee chooses the recipients based on GPA, ACT or SAT scores, community service, and personal background. The scholarship is worth $12,000 each year and can be renewed for up to four years. Students are considered for the award upon applying to the university.
You can learn more about the UMN Maroon and Gold Leadership Awards here.
16. Alliss Two Year College Opportunity Grant Program
The Alliss Educational Foundation provides for students who are enrolled in Associate of Arts, Associate of Fine Arts, or Associate of Science programs at a Minnesota State College. Students are considered for the grants during their college’s financial aid process; no application is necessary. The awards range in amount from $500 to $2,000, and they can be renewed until the student has completed the program.
You can learn more about the Alliss Two Year College Opportunity Grant Program here.
17. Alliss University Grant Program
Alliss University Grants are available to students who are enrolled full-time in an undergraduate program. Students must be attending a Minnesota State University and must have financial need. Students of any academic ranking can apply, but priority is given to those in the top 40 percent of their class. The scholarship amounts range between $500 and $2,000, depending on the recipient’s financial need.
You can learn more about the Alliss University Grant Program here.
18. Evelyn Lenander Scholarship
The Evelyn Lenander Scholarship is available for third and fourth-year elementary education majors attending a Minnesota college or university. Preference is given to students who live within 25 miles of Buffalo Lake. To apply, students must submit a two-page essay describing what person or event has had the biggest influence on their life, a statement of financial need, two letters of recommendation, and a list of extracurricular activities. The scholarship amount ranges from $1,000 to $4,500.
You can learn more about the Evelyn Lenander Scholarship here.
19. MinnesotaJobs.com Scholarships
MinnesotaJobs.com awards several college scholarships each year to students who are currently enrolled in a college or university in Minnesota and plan to use their degree to work in the Minnesota job market. The scholarship amounts vary but are usually between $500 and $1,000. Applicants must earn at least 75 percent of credits through life classrooms. Students who attend school online are not eligible.
You can learn more about the MinnesotaJobs.com Scholarships here.
20. Gunnar Isberg Student Scholarship
The Minnesota Chapter of the American Planning Association awards the Gunnar Isberg Student Scholarship to a student pursuing a degree in planning or a related field. Students must either be from Minnesota or attend a Minnesota college or university. The scholarship committee selects the recipient based on academic record, employment history, and goals in the planning field. Applicants must submit a transcript, a letter of recommendation, a resume, and a cover letter stating their professional goals. The scholarship is worth $1,000.
You can learn more about the Gunnar Isberg Student Scholarship here.
21. MAPA Scholarship
The Minnesota Association of Public Accountants awards a scholarship to a Minnesota student entering their junior year at a four-year college or university. Applicants must major in accounting, plan to pursue a career in public accounting, and have a GPA of at least 2.5. To apply, students must submit their official transcript, a letter of recommendation, and a form detailing their academic history and financial need. The scholarship amount varies yearly, but it is usually around $750.
You can learn more about the MAPA Scholarship here.
22. Minnesota Power Community Involvement Scholarships
Minnesota Power awards several scholarships every year to students who are involved with community service. Students must be graduating high school seniors who live in Minnesota Power’s service area and have a GPA of at least 3.0. To apply, students must submit their transcript, documentation from their community leaders who can vouch for their community service, and a resume listing all volunteer activities. Each scholarship is worth $2,500.
You can learn more about the Minnesota Power Community Involvement Scholarships here.
23. American Legion Memorial Scholarships
The Minnesota Department of the American Legion provides several scholarships for the children, stepchildren, and grandchildren of American Legion members. Recipients must be enrolled at a Minnesota college, university, or vocational school and demonstrate leadership qualities. To apply, students must submit their high school or college transcript, two letters of recommendation, and a personal letter. The organization awards at least six scholarships every year with a maximum amount of $500.
You can learn more about the American Legion Memorial Scholarships here.
24. Coss Family Foundation Traditional Scholarship
The Coss Family Foundation awards a scholarship to a graduating high school senior in Dakota or Ramsey Counties. Students must be enrolled at least half-time in a college, university, or technical school. Applicants should submit their high school transcript, two letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. The scholarship committee chooses the recipient based on academic history, leadership, community service involvement, and financial need. The award amount ranges from $500 to $3,500 and can be renewed for three years if the student maintains a GPA of at least 2.0.
You can learn more about the Coss Family Foundation Traditional Scholarship here.
25. Minnesota GI Bill
The Minnesota GI Bill provides educational grants to Minnesota veterans who served in any U.S. armed forces branch, non-veterans who served for at least five years in the U.S. armed forces, and the spouses and children of people who served in the military and have died. Students can apply through the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs. The monetary amounts vary depending on the school and financial need, but full-time students can receive up to $1,000 per year, and part-time students can receive a maximum of $500 per semester.
26. Education Vouchers for Former Youth in Care
The Education Vouchers are available for students who were in foster care between the ages of 16 to 18 or were adopted after their 16th birthday. Students can apply through the Minnesota Department of Human Services website by submitting a copy of their FAFSA form, their college acceptance letter, and their transcript. The highest scholarship amount awarded is $5,000, and students can renew the award yearly.
You can learn more about the Education Vouchers for Former Youth in Care here.
27. Riley Burnell Criminal Justice Memorial Scholarship
The Riley Burnell Scholarship is awarded to a graduating high school senior in Koochiching County, who plans to pursue a criminal justice career. Preference is given to students planning to pursue law enforcement, but the scholarship committee also considers students pursuing careers as correction officers and border patrol officers. Applicants must have a GPA of at least 3.0. The scholarship is usually worth $2,500 and is awarded in two installments, one in the fall and one in the spring.
You can learn more about the Riley Burnell Criminal Justice Memorial Scholarship here.
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29. ACEC of Minnesota Scholarships
The American Council of Engineering Companies awards several Minnesota scholarships every year, usually ranging in amount from $1,500 to $3,500. Applicants must be entering their junior or senior year in an undergraduate engineering or land surveying program, or they must be in a Master of Science engineering program. Recipients are chosen based on academic achievement, extracurricular activities, leadership, and employment history.
You can learn more about the ACEC of Minnesota Scholarships here.
30. Nellie Stone Johnson Scholarship
The Nellie Stone Johnson Scholarship is awarded to a student who is enrolled or plans to enroll in a Minnesota State College or University. The recipient must be a racial minority and must be a union member or the child or grandchild of a union member. Applicants must submit two letters of recommendation, a transcript, and a personal essay about their academic history and career goals. The scholarship is worth $1,200 for full-time students and $500 for part-time students.
You can learn more about the Nellie Stone Johnson Scholarship here.
31. Minnesota Indian Scholarships
The Minnesota Indian Scholarships are available to students who are at least one-fourth American Indian and are enrolled at least half-time as an undergraduate or graduate student at a Minnesota school. To apply, students must complete the FAFSA, fill out an online application, and submit documentation of their American Indian ancestry. The scholarship amounts vary depending on financial need, but can be up to $4,000 per year for undergraduates and $6,000 for graduate students. The scholarship can be renewed for up to ten years to cover both undergraduate and graduate studies.
You can learn more about the Minnesota Indian Scholarships here.
32. Alys Mayman Misho Endowed Freshmen Scholarship
The Alys Mayman Misho Scholarship is awarded to an upcoming college freshman who ranks in the top 25 percent of their graduating high school class, has a GPA of at least 3.3, and has an ACT score of at least 23. The recipient should have strong leadership qualities and a history of community service. Priority is given to students who graduated from high schools in Central Minnesota. The award ranges in amount from $700 to $1,000.
You can learn more about the Alys Mayman Misho Endowed Freshmen Scholarship here.
33. McKerrow Scholarship
The Minnesota Livestock Breeders’ Association awards the McKerrow Scholarship to a Minnesota student who is a current or former member of 4-H and studies animal science. The recipient must attend the University of Minnesota at the St. Paul or Crookston campuses and must be entering their sophomore, junior, or senior year. The scholarship amount varies yearly but is usually around $500. To apply, students must submit a form detailing their academic history and their career goals.
You can learn more about the McKerrow Scholarship here.
34. Blandin Foundation Education Grants
The Blandin Foundation awards their Education Grants to students in Itasca County who plan to attend a college, university, or certificate program. To be considered for the grant, students must submit an online application and their Student Aid Report. Depending on financial need, the grants range in value from $1,000 to $4,500. The grants are not automatically renewed, but students can reapply every year.
You can learn more about the Blandin Foundation Education Grants here.
35. East Polk County Fair Scholarship Fund
The East Polk County Fair Board awards three $1,000 scholarships to students who reside in Polk County District 4. The scholarship committee gives priority to students with a GPA of at least 3.0 and students who plan to pursue agriculture, agri-business, or a related field. To apply, students must submit their high school transcript, a record of extra-curricular activities and community service, and an essay explaining they’re educational and career goals.
You can learn more about the East Polk County Fair Scholarship Fund here.
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