Minnesota is a midwestern state that houses more than 5.7 million people out of which more than 375,000 are higher education students. Minnesota has many universities and colleges providing top-notch education to students. It ranks #21 in education overall and #18 in higher education specifically.

Many students within the state study with the help of various types of financial aid. In general, most students take on student loans for this purpose which puts them under long-term debt and affects their future spending. This is because they have to repay the loan with a part of their income that they could have used on many other things. The total student debt in Minnesota is more than $26 billion and is continuing to rise with an increasing student population and need for loans.

Instead of loans, scholarships are a much better option to finance higher education. This is because scholarship awards are gift money that does not require any form of repayment and, therefore, does not increase debt in any way. Students can also find scholarships in Minnesota that can help pay the full cost of attendance. There are also grants offered by the state which students can look into.

We have a list of around 25 Minnesota scholarships, along with the relevant details, that can help pay off tuition and related expenses. There is also information provided on how to apply for scholarships in Minnesota, some useful tips for better chances of winning, where to find the best scholarships, and some state-provided grants as well.

Minnesota has around 108 colleges and universities out of which around 55 are private schools and the rest are public institutions. Around half of the total are 4-year colleges and universities. There are also about 42 community colleges and about 10 trade schools offering diplomas and certificates. The top three universities in Minnesota include the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, the University of St. Thomas (MN), and St. Catherine University.

University of Minnesota – Twin Cities located in Minneapolis, MN is the best institution for higher education in the state. It is a public institution that charges $16,488 for tuition and fees from in-state students and $36,402 from those that are out-of-state. It has a high undergraduate enrolment of 39,248 and a good acceptance rate of 75%. The room and board at the campus cost around $13,178 for the year 2023-24.

The University of St. Thomas, located in St. Paul, is a private institution with 5,942 undergraduate enrolments. It is one of the most expensive colleges in Minnesota as it charges around $52,284 for tuition and fees and the room and board here costs $13,764. It does have a good acceptance rate of 78% but most students enrolled have good GPAs and SAT scores.

St. Catherine University is also located in the city of St. Paul, MN. It is a private institution with an urban setting. It has a high acceptance rate of around 93% and charges $49,758 for tuition and fees. The room and board at this place is, however, more reasonable than the other options being $9,900 for the current year.

Students looking for a college that accepts a 3.0 GPA can consider applying at the Dunwoody College of Technology, Oak Hills Christian College, and Concordia University – St. Paul. These are all private 4-year colleges in the state of Minnesota.

Dunwoody College of Technology is located in the city of Minneapolis and has a very high acceptance rate of around 98%. It accepts students with a GPA of 2.83 too or higher or those who have at least a ‘B-’ grade in high school. SATs/ACTs are optional and if students submit them, only then they are considered. There is, however, an application fee at the university of $50.

The Oak Hills Christian College, or OHCC, is situated in Bemidji, MN. The average GPA of students accepted here falls around 3.07, which is equivalent to a ‘B’ grade. Students also need to submit either SAT or ACT scores for admission here and more applicants, around 77%, usually submit ACT scores at this university. This school is free to apply to as it does not charge any application fee.

The third option to consider is Concordia University located in St. Paul with an average accepted GPA of around 3.14. It has an open admission policy institution and generally accepts all that apply as long as the minimum eligibility requirements are met. This institution also does not require SAT/ACT scores for admission but they are considered if submitted. Submitting test scores can also increase the approval odds for applicants.

Tertiary institutions in Minnesota charge around $11,836 on average from in-state students studying in 4-year public institutions which is higher than the national average of $9,349. For out-of-state students, the cost more than doubles, and if students choose to stay on-campus, there is an added cost of room and board.

University of Minnesota, Twin Cities is one of the more affordable colleges in Minnesota as it is a public institution, and tuition and fees here cost around $16,488 for in-state students. Most other good reputable institutions in the state are mainly private and charge high tuition and fees from their students.

Some of the most expensive Minnesota institutions include the University of St. Thomas (MN) which charges $52,284 for tuition and fees, St. Catherine University with $49,758, and Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota which costs around $43,160. The room and board at these institutions cost between $9,900 and $13,764. Scholarships like the Minnesota Masonic Charities Signature Scholarship, Evans Scholars Program, and North Central Region 9 Scholarship can help pay off some of the cost of attendance to make studying at these private institutions more affordable.

Minnesota’s total college enrollment equals 375,125 approximately with almost 72% of the total being undergraduates and only 28% being graduate students. The state also has a larger female student population that makes up around 63.6% of the total student population.

In terms of ethnicity, there are around 218,850 white students in Minnesota and they make the biggest percentage of the total student population. The next biggest group is Black/African American contributing 56,162 students to the total. Hispanics come after with approximately 27,815 students and are closely followed by Asians who are around 22,529 in number. Native Hawaiians or Other Pacific Islanders contribute the smallest percentage, even less than 0.05%, to the state’s total college enrollments.

Minnesota students owe around $26.5 in student loans in total, and $33,604 on average. The average student debt here is above the national average of $28,950. The total debt is spread over 788,600 students approximately and more than 57% of them are under the age of 35. Moreover, the highest proportion of student borrowers in Minnesota owes between $20,000 to $40,000 in student loans. Around 15% owe less than $5,000 a minimal proportion of students owe very high amounts.

How To Apply

The following are the main steps to apply for any scholarship:

1. Check Eligibility:

Scholarship websites are the easiest place to find most scholarship opportunities as they list all the available options under one roof. They also list scholarships according to state, college major, demographic, and grade level. You can also filter them according to the parameters provided to narrow down the list. This makes it easier to find scholarships that are best suited to you. Go through the eligibility requirements of the scholarships thoroughly to make sure that you qualify to save time. Some scholarships may be need-based and are awarded based on the financial need of the student, while others may be based on merit.

2. Understand the Application Requirements:

It is important to understand what the scholarship demands for submitting a strong application.

Scholarship applications may require some or all of the following:

• Scholarship Application Form: Scholarship application is unique for each scholarship and is a must to be considered as an applicant. It usually asks for general information about the application like their name, date of birth, education, address, and so on. It may also contain a few short answer questions relevant to the scholarship.
• Essay: Many scholarships require an essay along with the application form. Applicants can make themselves stand out via their essays. Therefore, you should take proper time and put in good effort when writing one. It’s important that your essay is original, and represents your personality and opinions.
• Letters of Recommendation: A letter of recommendation can be written by your personal or professional references. Some scholarships specifically demand letters of recommendation from teachers. The letter basically contains reasons for why the applicant is a deserving one. It assesses the applicant’s qualities, characteristics, strengths, capabilities, and academic performance, which kind of acts as a character certificate when applying for scholarships.
• Grade Transcripts: Many scholarships whether they are merit-based or need-based usually require school transcripts that show the academic performance of an individual. You can get a copy through your school’s website or the office and attach it to the application form.
• Resume: A resume is where an applicant can highlight their skills and accomplishments. It does not have to have work experiences only but can also include mentions of any societies or extra-curricular activities that you have been a part of, and any special courses that you have completed that equipped you with a certain skill.
• Financial Information: Many need-based scholarships may ask you to provide financial information that may include information about your family income and any financial aid that you may have received.
• FAFSA: Some scholarships require applicants to apply for Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be eligible for them. These are mainly need-based scholarships.
• Portfolio or Video Submission: There are a few scholarships that ask for video or portfolio submissions. This usually applies to art major scholarships as videos and portfolios are how an applicant can show their skills. Some scholarships do not have other requirements and are like contests where participants have to make a project and provide a picture or video of it to enter and win.
• School Verification: A school verification letter verifies which school the candidate is attending or has attended, the dates when they started and finished a program, and also includes a list of any certificates or degrees earned.
• Standardized Test Scores: Occasionally, you may need to provide a copy of your SAT or ACT scores. These are standardized test scores that most colleges and universities require for admission.

3. Order Scholarships According to Submission Deadlines:

It is important to arrange the scholarships according to the deadlines to make sure that you do not miss out on any opportunity. Timing is very important and the earlier you apply the better it is. It is always wise to start early too because it may take time to complete all the submission requirements like writing essays and getting letters of recommendation in hand. Time should, especially, be invested in scholarships that require an essay as it takes a lot of time, planning, and effort to write a good one.

4. Proofread:

Once you have completed your application and the associated requirements, make sure to go through them all thoroughly at least once. You can also get a friend or someone from the family to help you proofread for mistakes and errors.

5. Submit your Application:

After you have taken your time filling out the application form, writing the essay, collecting all the required documents, and proofreading – it is time to submit. Most applications now require online submissions and may take a few minutes only if you have everything ready to upload. Keep track of the status of your application process and keep in mind that it may take some time to receive an answer. You may put in a follow-up email if you have been waiting to receive a reply for some time.

Tips For Applying

• Start looking early: Don’t wait until the last minute to look for Minnesota scholarships. Many organizations have deadlines that are months before the school year even starts, so it pays to begin your search as soon as possible. Make sure you research, apply, and submit all necessary documents on time in order to maximize your chances of winning scholarships.
• Network: Many of the scholarship opportunities come through networking and contacts, so make sure you take full advantage of your connections. Utilize family members, friends, contacts from any organizations or clubs you are part of, and even faculty members at your school to learn about different scholarship options in the area.
• Seek out local scholarships: Many organizations in Minnesota offer scholarships specifically for local students. Look up businesses and community groups in the area, as they often have scholarship programs available. You can also check with your school’s guidance office or college counseling department to see if they know of any opportunities.
• Read the requirements carefully: Once you have a narrowed-down list of scholarships, make sure to read the requirements carefully so you fully understand what is required.
• Do not rush when applying: Take your time and apply early. This allows sufficient time to gather all the required documents and also write a great essay if needed.
• Brainstorm for an essay and outline: If an essay is required, always start with brainstorming, then arrange your ideas and make an outline to follow. Unique, personalized, and lively essays have a better chance of qualifying than general and dull ones. Make sure that you understand the topic before starting.
• Customize application: Some students submit the same application, essays, and letters of recommendation to all organizations. It is better to thoroughly research the organization and what they are actually looking for before and customize your application and essays accordingly. You can also mention what the organization is looking for to people who are writing your recommendation letters so they can make it more relevant rather than general. However, it is important to be honest and avoid including things just to qualify and get a scholarship.
• Check and Proofread: You may be surprised at the amount of grammatical mistakes and other errors that you may come across when rereading your application and essays. Those applicants who submit applications full of errors appear irresponsible and undetermined to scholarship providers.

High school students should try and apply for as many scholarships as possible to collect more funds for college. This can help them afford college independently with loans or money from parents. Following are some options to consider.

1. Minnesota Masonic Charities Signature Scholarship
2. ISL Midwest Senior Scholarship
3. InspirASIAN Scholarship Program
4. Evans Scholars Program

Following are the best scholarships for undergraduates to apply to. These Minnesota scholarships can help especially those from low-income families to afford college easily. Undergraduates in all year levels from the freshmen year to seniors can consider these scholarships.

1. LeadMN Leadership Scholarship
2. MN AWWA Community College Scholarship
3. Minnesota Indian Scholarships
4. UMSA Foundation Scholarship Program
5. North Central Region 9 Scholarship

Following are some of the top scholarships for graduate students to consider:

1. Upper Midwest Chapter Emmy Student scholarships
2. Erickson Merkel Foundation Scholarships
3. ¡Lánzate!/Take Off! Higher Education Travel Award program
4. Minnesota Indian Scholarships
5. MN AWWA Advanced Degree Scholarship
6. Minnesota Section One AWWA Operator Scholarship

Evelyn Lenander Education Scholarship was established by an elementary school teacher for students pursuing degrees in elementary education in the state of Minnesota. It is only available to those who have gone past their first two years of college successfully and have a GPA of at least 3.0. This scholarship also considers passion for teaching, non-academic achievement, and financial need. Selected applicants can receive up to $4,500 for tuition.

There are limited scholarships available to nursing students in Minnesota. However, students aspiring to become nurses can apply for all those scholarships that are not limited by any specific major.

1. EMPOWER Scholarships
2. Christine Rice Annual Scholarship

Women make up around 64% of total Minnesota student enrolment. The following opportunities can help support women’s college education and help them graduate.

1. American Transmission Co. Scholarship
2. Christine Rice Annual Scholarship

The McCormick Leadership Scholarship is merit-based and provided by LeadMN. It provides $1,500 to undergraduate and graduate students in Minnesota with excellent leadership qualities and academic achievements. Other merit-based scholarships by LeadMN include the Linda Olson Memorial Scholarship, and the Maryan G. And James H. Mccormick Leadership Endowed Scholarship.

The University of Minnesota also provides merit-based scholarships to in-house students. It provides university-wide academic scholarships based on coursework performance, grades, GPA, SAT/ACT scores, English Proficiency test scores (if applicable), and applicant’s academic interests.

Students studying at Minnesota State University – Mankato can also access scholarships at the university. Their Maverick Scholarship does not require a separate application and provides $750 to $1,250 to students and students must have at least a 3.5 GPA to be considered for the award. Some other scholarships with higher amounts at Minnesota State University that may require separate applications include the Presidential Scholarships, the Meredith Scholarship Award, the North Star Promise Scholarship, the Graham Chemistry Scholarship, and the National Merit Finalist Scholarship. These scholarships range from $2,500 per year to the full cost of tuition.

The University of St.Thomas also provides students with such scholarships enough to cover the full cost of tuition. Some of their scholarships include the St. Thomas Scholarships providing $20,000 to $30,000, the Board of Trustees Academic Scholarships awarding up to $4,000, and the Board of Governors Scholarships with a renewable award of $10,000.

Students can also find merit-based scholarships provided by the state on the Minnesota Office of Higher Education website. Their MN Academic Excellence Scholarship is one of the most sought-after scholarships that provide the successful applicant with amounts covering their full price of tuition and fees for one academic year.

There are around 25 Minnesota scholarships listed above for students from all backgrounds and year levels. You can find the relevant scholarships by using the filters provided.

The Minnesota Office of Higher Education also provides various scholarships to students within the state. They have multiple scholarships available that they distribute on varying factors including academic excellence, athletic achievement, cultural or religious background, financial need, or special skills and talents. You can refer to the state-based scholarships through another website named MyHigherEd.

LeadMN is another organization dedicated to supporting students living in Minnesota. They provide many scholarships for both the spring and the fall semester and some of their scholarships are full-ride and can help students cover the full cost of tuition. It awards more than 80 scholarships every year and the total amount disbursed in scholarships goes over $225,000 each year. Their scholarships are also based on varying factors like academic achievement, athletic talents, ethnicity, or financial need.

Students can also apply for scholarships offered by their institutions to enrolled students. The university’s financial aid office can help students in this regard.

The Minnesota Office of Higher Education provides various grants to college students studying in the state. The Minnesota State Grant helps students from low and moderate-income families pay for college tuition at eligible institutions in Minnesota. The maximum this grant provides is around $12,345 per year and the award depends on the type of institution being attended and the student’s need. There is also a grant specifically for those pursuing to become teachers called the Minnesota Student Teacher Grant awarding up to $7,500 for one term to eligible students.

Another grant available to college students is the Minnesota Future Together Grant which covers the full cost of tuition. However, this opportunity is only available to Minnesota students pursuing a high-demand career like a degree in healthcare, STEM, business, industry and technology, education, and public service.