The Minnesota State Grant helps low- and moderate-income students enrolled at eligible in-state institutions. The campus calculates the award using the state formula, cost of attendance, and financial need; there is no simple maximum that can be applied without considering school and course load.
Applicants generally must be Minnesota residents pursuing a first undergraduate degree or certificate and enrolled in at least three credits at a participating school. File FAFSA or the MN Alternative State Financial Aid Application when applicable. The maximum is prorated below 15 credits per semester, and satisfactory academic progress is required.
The deadline is based on each institution and term, not one statewide date that fits every campus: Minnesota’s Office of Higher Education says that, beginning in 2025–26, students must apply by the 30th day of the term. Because each college sets its academic calendar, ask the financial-aid office for the exact fall, spring, or summer date. If the term has already started, check promptly whether you are still within that window.
File FAFSA or the alternative application by your institution’s term deadline and confirm that your residency is reported correctly. Review the campus aid offer: participating institutions include public universities, community and technical colleges, and some private schools. If the term has already begun, ask the financial-aid office whether you can still file before its 30th day; do not assume the award is retroactive.
The agency or institution determines final eligibility and the award under current-cycle rules and available funding. Read the program profile and the administering agency; ask the college for an individual review.
Minnesota State Grant — Minnesota Office of Higher Education.
2026–27 State Grant Parameters — Minnesota Office of Higher Education.
Contact the Minnesota Office of Higher Education — University of Minnesota One Stop.
Information checked October 13, 2026 against official sources. Eligibility, deadlines, award amounts, and funding change by cycle. Confirm current terms with the agency and your college financial-aid office.
The agency or institution determines final eligibility and the award under current-cycle rules and available funding.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
Minnesota State Grant
Applicants generally must be Minnesota residents pursuing a first undergraduate degree or certificate and enrolled in at least three credits at a participating school. File FAFSA or the MN Alternative State Financial Aid Application when applicable. The maximum is prorated below 15 credits per semester, and satisfactory academic progress is required.
Public student-aid program
Minnesota Office of Higher Education (OHE)
The state office administers or coordinates the program, while the college confirms individual eligibility, enrollment, and award amounts where the rules assign it that role.
Public student-aid agency
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Minnesota Office of Higher Education · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Minnesota Office of Higher Education · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Minnesota Office of Higher Education · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Minnesota State Grant ↗
Primary source
Minnesota Office of Higher Education · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Minnesota State Grant ↗
Primary source
Minnesota Office of Higher Education · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Minnesota Office of Higher Education (OHE) ↗
Primary source
Minnesota Office of Higher Education · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Minnesota Office of Higher Education (OHE) ↗
Primary source
Minnesota Office of Higher Education · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.