Fostering Independence Higher Education Grant
The Fostering Independence Higher Education Grant is designed to fill college-cost gaps for Minnesota residents who were in foster care after turning 13 or meet related Education and Training Voucher criteria. It is available at participating public and private institutions within the state, not at out-of-state schools. The grant is calculated as last-dollar aid after other assistance, so the final package depends on cost of attendance and grants already received. Published c
About Fostering Independence Higher Education Grant
The Fostering Independence Higher Education Grant is designed to fill college-cost gaps for Minnesota residents who were in foster care after turning 13 or meet related Education and Training Voucher criteria. It is available at participating public and private institutions within the state, not at out-of-state schools. The grant is calculated as last-dollar aid after other assistance, so the final package depends on cost of attendance and grants already received.
Published criteria include being under 27, holding a high-school diploma or equivalent, admission to an eligible school, and satisfactory academic progress. Qualifying history may include foster-care placement after age 13, adoption after that age, or permanent custody following foster care. Students submit FAFSA or the MN Alternative State Financial Aid Application; the application asks about foster care and the state verifies information with the relevant agency. A separate grant form does not replace this step.
For 2026–27, the priority date was May 1, 2026; the state says it is used if a funding shortfall is projected, not as a universal closing date. Late applicants should still complete the year’s form and contact the campus office. The grant can be renewed by filing FAFSA or the alternative application each year; published limits are up to three annual awards for two-year programs and five for four-year programs.
Who it serves and what it can cover: The Fostering Independence Higher Education Grant is designed to fill college-cost gaps for Minnesota residents who were in foster care after turning 13 or meet related Education and Training Voucher criteria. It is available at participating public and private institutions within the state, not at out-of-state schools. The grant is calculated as last-dollar aid after other assistance, so the final package depends on cost of attendance and grants already received. Published criteria include being under 27, holding a high-school diploma or equivalent, admission to an eligible school, and satisfactory academic progress. Qualifying history may include foster-care placement after age 13, adoption after that age, or permanent custody following foster care. Students submit FAFSA or the MN Alternative State Financial Aid Application; the application asks about foster care and the state verifies information with the relevant agency. A separate grant form does not replace this step.
How to apply or get help: For 2026–27, the priority date was May 1, 2026; the state says it is used if a funding shortfall is projected, not as a universal closing date. Late applicants should still complete the year’s form and contact the campus office. The grant can be renewed by filing FAFSA or the alternative application each year; published limits are up to three annual awards for two-year programs and five for four-year programs. For case-specific questions, contact the program or financial-aid office named on its official page.
State college scholarship and aid program