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, 2007 in order to be considered for these funds. FSEOG funding can range from $200 to $4,000 annually.

For the 2007-2008 academic year, Federal Pell Grant awards range from $400 to $4,310. 

Academic Competitiveness Grants (ACG)

ACG funds are awarded to U.S. citizens who demonstrate exceptional financial need 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 ACG recipients are awarded $750; second-year ACG recipients receive $1300. 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 U.S. citizens who demonstrate exceptional financial need and are pursuing a major in mathematics, science, technology, engineering or a critical foreign language.  Third and fourth-year students who meet these requirements and have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher may be eligible to receive up to $4000 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, MSG funding is limited to students in their first four years of undergraduate studies.

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 2007-2008 academic year, Minnesota State Grant awards ranged from $100 to $8,499.

**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.