Federal & State Grant Programs

Federal and state grants are need-based. A student's eligibility for any of the funds listed below is determined using the information provided on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Federal Grant Programs

Federal Pell Grants and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG) are awarded to U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens who demonstrate exceptional financial need.

FSEOG funding is limited and students are encouraged to complete their FAFSA by our priority date of April 1 each year in order to be considered for these funds. FSEOG funding can range from $200 to $4,000 annually.

For the 2009-2010 academic year, Federal Pell Grant awards range from $600 to $5,350. 

Academic Competitiveness Grants (ACG)

ACG funds are awarded to first-year and second-year students who are eligible for a Federal Pell Grant and have completed a rigorous high school curriculum as determined by the U.S. Department of Education. Initial ACG eligibility as indicated on the Notification of Award is based on a self-selection process and may be subject to adjustment or cancellation upon the evaluation of a final, official high school transcript.  First-year eligible students receive a maximum grant of $750; second-year eligible students receive a maximum grant of $1,300. Second-year recipients must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.

National Science and Mathmatics Access to Retain Talent Grants (SMART)

SMART grants are awarded to third-year and fourth-year students who are eligible for a Federal Pell Grant and are pursuing a major in mathematics, science, technology, engineering or a critical foreign language.  Students who meet these requirements and have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher may be eligible to receive up to $4,000 annually in SMART funding.

State Grants Programs

Minnesota State Grants (MSG) are available to students who are residents of the state of Minnesota or have graduated from a Minnesota high school.

Currently, eligible students may receive MSG funding for a maximum of nine semesters.

Availability of funding is considered limited, and students are encouraged to complete their FAFSA in a timely manner to be considered for MSG funding. Please contact the Financial Aid Office for specific deadlines that may apply to this program.

For the 2009-2010 academic year, Minnesota State Grant awards ranged from $100 to $9,444.

**Note: Be advised that MSG funding levels are subject to change based on appropriations approved in the higher education bill by the state legislature and the governor.