Grants are usually awarded based on financial need, with need determined when students fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form (FAFSA). Use the FAFSA4caster to obtain an estimate of eligibility for federal student aid. The following major grant programs are administered by the federal government and the State of Minnesota:

Federal Pell Grant

The Federal Pell Grant is the largest federal grant program for students from low- and middle-income families. The amount that a student can receive depends upon their college’s cost of attendance; family size and the family's financial situation, which they report on the FAFSA. In 2010-11 Pell grants ranged from $555 to $5,550. The size of the program and amount of aid available are determined by congressional appropriation levels. More information.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) is awarded and administered by each college. Funding is provided directly to the schools in the form of a block grant. The award amount is set by the institution’s financial aid office; thus the aid and application deadlines vary. A student may receive up to $4000 in SEOG per year depending on need, the availability of funds at the specific school, and the amount of other aid received. More information.

Minnesota State Grant

Minnesota State Grants are funded by state government appropriations. The program is designed to complement the Pell Grant, and information submitted on FAFSA is used to determine both awards.

In 2010-11, about 85,000 Minnesota students received a State Grant. The average award was $2,696. More information.

Child Care Grant

The Postsecondary Child Care Grant Program helps low-income students who have young children pay for child care while the student attends classes. The maximum available to a full-time student is $2,600 for each eligible child per academic year. Assistance may cover up to 40 hours of child care per week for each eligible child. More information.