Financial Aid You Don't Repay

The best types of financial aid are those you don't have to pay back after you graduate. It comes in two forms:

Grants

Grants are like gifts and are usually awarded to students with the fewest financial resources. Grants are considered need-based aid. This need is determined when you fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Grants usually come from federal and state governments and are sent directly to the school.

• Alliss Opportunity Grant Program
• Designated Teacher Shortage Areas
• Federal Pell Grant
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
• Fostering Independence Higher Education Grants
• Grants for Dislocated Workers
• Grants for Students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
• Minnesota Future Together Grants
• Minnesota Public Safety Officer's Survivor Grant
• Military Service Education Benefits
• Minnesota State Grant
• Minnesota Student Teacher Grants
• Postsecondary Child Care Grant

Scholarships

Scholarships are awarded based on a student's academic or athletic achievement, cultural or religious background, or special skills and talents.

While you might wonder how to find scholarships, in reality the majority of students receive scholarships given to them from the institution they attend. An institution might offer you a scholarship when you apply. Or, you might need to complete a separate application to receive an institutional scholarship.

View a partial list of scholarships offered by Minnesota institutions.

Search some of these national scholarship links.

Minnesota state government scholarships for specific student groups:

• Education Vouchers for Former Youth in Foster Care
• Minnesota Academic Excellence Scholarship
• Minnesota Educational Assistance for War Orphans
• Minnesota Indian Scholarship
• Minnesota Veterans' Dependents Assistance Program
• Other Minnesota financial aid programs specific to students from special circumstances

Before you accept any scholarships review these scholarship tips. In addition be wary of any scholarship search companies charging fees, guarantying scholarships, and asking for your credit card or checking account information to receive a scholarship.