Minnesota is known as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes.” In fact, the state has 11,842 lakes. Minnesota scholarships are just as abundant as its lakes! Students in Minnesota have access to an array of scholarships to help fund their education. Whether you’re interested in a university or technical school, there are scholarships for you. Keep reading to learn more!
Related: Scholarships360’s free scholarship search tool
How to win Minnesota scholarships
Minnesota is home to a vast number of lakes and scholarships! If you want to study in this beautiful state, then keep reading and learn how to win Minnesota scholarships!
In order to win Minnesota scholarships, you will need to respond to specific scholarship essays about your passions. While responding to these essay prompts, you should be connecting back to Minnesota as a state and how it has helped you to reach your goals. Whatever your passion is, be sure to connect it back to Minnesota! Doing so will reveal how much Minnesota means to you and demonstrate that you are a great candidate for winning a Minnesota scholarship!
Writing resources for acing Minnesota scholarship essays
Minnesota scholarships may require you to write a 250 word essay or a 500 word essay about yourself. Be sure to review common scholarship essay prompts to ensure you have the best success in winning Minnesota scholarships. Don’t forget to review our Scholarships360 ultimate guide to finding and winning scholarships!
Minnesota student debt snapshot
According to the Department of Education, Minnesota residents owe $26.5 billion in federal student loan debt with student borrowers owing $33,604 each on average (those numbers do not include private loans). 57.8% of these loan borrowers are under the age of 35. When looking for ways to fund your higher education journey, remember that scholarships allow you to take fewer loans. Be sure to apply for as many as you’re eligible.
Keep on reading to learn more about merit scholarships from colleges in Minnesota!
Merit scholarship at Minnesota colleges and universities
University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
- Eligibility: Admitted freshmen based on academic preparation and performance as well as additional information provided in the admission application
- Amount: Varies
- Deadline: Admission to University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
University of Minnesota, Morris
- Eligibility: First year students based on GPA and other academic factors
- Amount: $1,000 up to full tuition
- Deadline: Admission to University of Minnesota, Morris
Minnesota State University Mankato
- Eligibility: Incoming freshmen who have a strong high school GPA
- Amount: Varies
- Deadline: March 1
Minnesota State University Moorhead
- Eligibility: First year students who apply to MSUM based on talent, academic program, diversity and other award criteria
- Amount: $2,000 up to $14,000
- Deadline: February 1
University of St. Thomas Minnesota
- Eligibility: Incoming students who demonstrate high academic achievement
- Amount: Varies
- Deadline: Admission to the University of St. Thomas Minnesota
Winona State University
- Eligibility: Freshmen based on many factors such as demonstrated financial need, academic achievement, minority status, talent in performing arts, athletic ability and more
- Amount: Varies
- Deadline: Admission to Winona State University
Consider in-state tuition and tuition reciprocity
In-state tuition allows residents of a state to receive cheaper tuition for a college or university in their state. Additionally, many universities and colleges reserve scholarships and financial aid for in-state students, which helps reduce the cost of attending college for those who live there.
Here are a few well-known Minnesota universities and their in-state vs out-of-state tuition costs:
University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
- In-state tuition: $16,654
- Out-of-state tuition: $36,568
Minnesota State University Mankato
- In-state tuition: $8,234
- Out-of-state tuition: $17,724
How do you get in-state tuition?
In order to become a Minnesota resident for tuition purposes you will need to reside in Minnesota for at least one calendar year immediately prior to applying for in-state tuition. Additionally, you will need to establish a domicile in Minnesota by getting a Minnesota driver’s license, registering your vehicle in Minnesota and/or obtaining a lease or mortgage for a home in Minnesota. However, it is important to recognize that residence in Minnesota must not be merely for the purpose of attending a college or university.
Does Minnesota offer tuition reciprocity?
Minnesota does offer tuition reciprocity. This means that neighboring states will provide lower tuition for Minnesota residents to attend public colleges and universities in those stats. Minnesota has reciprocity agreements with Wisconsin, North Dakota and South Dakota.
Minnesota scholarship spotlight
John and Kathryn O’Brien Scholarship
- Eligibility: Immigrants, children of immigrants, and undocumented students. Applicants must show financial need, have a GPA of 3.0+, and attend a Minnesota State college
- Amount: $500
- Deadline: Fall = May 1, Spring = November 1
Lead MN Scholarship
- Eligibility: Current students at one of 37 Minnesota State institutions with a GPA of 2.5+. Applicants must demonstrate leadership through dedication to community service and academic achievement
- Amount: Varies
- Deadline: Fall = May 1, Spring = November 1
Morrie Anderson Endowed Scholarship
- Eligibility: Enrolled in a technical program at one of the technical or consolidated colleges within Minnesota State. Must show financial need and have a GPA of 2.0+
- Amount: $500
- Deadline: Fall = May 1, Spring = November 1
Blandin Foundation Scholarship
- Eligibility: High school students in Itasca County area and Hill City, Remer, Blackduck, Northome, and Bug O Nay Ge Shig schools. Family adjusted gross income must be less than $125,000. Scholarships can be used for undergraduate study anywhere in the United States
- Amount: $1,000 up to $5,000
- Deadline: May 1
Minnesota Association of Townships Scholarship Program
- Eligibility: 11th grade students attending a Minnesota public, private, or parochial high school or home school
- Amount: $2,000
- Deadline: June 1
Benton/Sherburne Corn Growers Student Scholarship Award Program
- Eligibility: College students attending accredited post-secondary college programs pursuing careers in agricultural-related fields OR high school seniors planning to attend college and pursue agriculture-related careers. Applicants must reside in school districts served by the Benton/Sherburne Corn Growers service area
- Amount: $5,000
- Deadline: June 1
Al Christopherson Scholarship
- Eligibility: Minnesota Farm Bureau members or those who qualify under family membership. Students going into their junior or senior year of college or last year of vocational or technical study are eligible. Agriculture, conservation, or forestry majors are eligible
- Amount: $500
- Deadline: September 30
Paul Stark Memorial Scholarship
- Eligibility: Minnesota Farm Bureau members or those who qualify under family membership. Students going into their freshman or sophomore year of college or vocational technical institute are eligible. Agriculture, conservation, or forestry-related major applicants are eligible
- Amount: $500
- Deadline: September 30
Minnesota Office of Higher Education Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
- Eligibility: Undergraduates or vocational students enrolled at least half time who show financial need after receiving their financial aid packages
- Amount: $4,000
- Deadline: Contact the financial aid office at the college or vocational you are attending
Minnesota State Workforce Development scholarships
- Eligibility: Minnesota residents enrolled at Minnesota State universities or Minnesota State community/ technical colleges are eligible. Advanced Manufacturing, Agriculture, Health Care Services, Information Technology, Early Childhood Education, or Transportation majors with a GPA of 2.0+ considered
- Amount: $5,000
- Deadline: Varies based on institution
Additional Minnesota resources
Minnesota Office of Higher Education scholarship list
The Minnesota Office of Higher Education provides a list of scholarships by specific institutions.
Additional LeadMN scholarships
More scholarships from LeadMN that are leadership-oriented and specific to certain areas of study. Also includes a scholarship to help technical students purchase tools. Many scholarships open in the fall with a Nov. 1 deadline.
Additional Minnesota Corn Growers Association scholarships
These scholarships have varying deadlines and serve different parts of Minnesota. Check it out if you’re studying an agriculture-related field!
Community Giving Scholarships
Covers students in the organization’s service area: Alexandria, Brainerd, Carver County, Wilmar, the greater St. Cloud area.
FAFSA guide
On October 1st of every year, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opens nationwide. Minnesota students should complete the FAFSA to be eligible for federal student aid as well as some scholarships.
Frequently asked questions about Minnesota scholarships
Are there Minnesota scholarships for certain fields of study?
Can I apply for multiple scholarships?
What type of scholarships does Minnesota offer?
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