Minnesota Office of Higher Education — Fostering Independence Grant

Minnesota’s Fostering Independence Higher Education Grant is state aid for young residents with foster-care experience in Minnesota. The Minnesota Office of Higher Education (OHE) administers the grant, with the state child and youth services agency confirming foster-care history; the award is incorporated into the campus financial-aid package. It is not a nationwide scholarship transferable to any college: it is available only at participating institutions in Minnesota.

The main age rule is being younger than 27 and having been in Minnesota foster care at some point after turning 13. OHE also includes certain cases in which a student was adopted from foster care after age 13 or entered permanent legal custody from that system, as well as students eligible for an ETV voucher. Eligibility depends on state verification, not only a personal statement on FAFSA.

Applicants need a high-school diploma or equivalent, admission to or enrollment at an eligible institution, a new FAFSA or state alternative application each year, and satisfactory academic progress under campus rules. Students unable to use FAFSA can review the MN Alternative State Financial Aid Application. OHE’s 2026–27 list includes state universities, University of Minnesota campuses, technical and community colleges, participating tribal colleges, and participating private colleges.

The grant is calculated as “last dollar”: the school waits until other aid is known before calculating the remaining gap. At public institutions, the Student Aid Index and federal, state, tribal, private, and institutional grants or scholarships are subtracted, as are ETV and extended foster-care benefits. At a participating private institution, a capped recognized cost of attendance is used; participating campuses agree to provide institutional aid toward the difference under the published rules.

There is no single award amount that can be promised to every student. The amount depends on recognized cost of attendance, SAI, other aid, and case verification. OHE lists a May 1, 2026 priority deadline for 2026–27 but says it is used only if a funding shortfall is projected; applying later does not by itself mean denial. The school must finalize other aid before calculating FIG.

To apply, complete FAFSA or the state alternative application and answer the foster-care question accurately. The state agency verifies the information, and OHE initially places a student on the roster of the first participating institution listed; if that is not the school the student will attend, request a transfer. Reapply each academic year. The program can last up to five years for four-year undergraduate study and up to three annual awards or the equivalent in some two-year, certificate, or diploma programs.

A useful next step is speaking with the campus foster-youth liaison or financial-aid office before paying tuition, and keeping the award notice. <a data-profile="mn-ohe">OHE’s page brings together the application, eligibility, and participating-school list</a>; <a data-profile="mn-dcyf">Minnesota DCYF explains record verification and coordination with ETV</a>. OHE lists the program contact as 651-355-0617. Ask which costs remain after all other aid.

Who it serves and what it can cover: For Minnesota residents under 27 who were in Minnesota foster care after age 13 or qualify through ETV. It is a last-dollar grant at participating Minnesota public or private institutions only, not a grant for any out-of-state college.

How to apply or get help: OHE lists 651-355-0617 and adam.d.johnson@state.mn.us as the state Fostering Independence Grant contact. Apply each year through FAFSA or the MN Alternative State Financial Aid Application. For case-specific questions, contact the program or financial-aid office named on its official page.

Official application and program information