Grants and waivers
Grants and waivers are gift aid that does not need to be repaid. Awards are based on your financial need (as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), any eligibility criteria specific to the source, and availability of funds.
When you complete the FAFSA and are admitted to the University of Minnesota, you will be considered for the following federal, state, and University grants.
The total amount of financial aid awarded to a student, including all scholarships and grants, cannot exceed the cost of attendance at the University of Minnesota for that aid year. Financial aid awards (e.g., loans, work study, scholarships, or grants) may be reduced for students whose total aid exceeds the cost of attendance. Additional information is available.
Grants and waivers that you must apply to
There are several grants and waivers that require you to submit an application or take some other action. Information on some common grants and waivers is available below.
Student Assistance Grant for Emergencies (SAGE)
The Student Assistance Grant for Emergencies (SAGE) has been created for the purpose of providing quick-response emergency grants for short-term financial emergencies, enabling a student to remain in school, rather than being forced to take a leave of absence or drop out. The maximum amount is $500 per academic year and may be subject to change based on funding. If you are interested in applying for a SAGE grant, schedule an appointment with a One Stop counselor to complete the application.
Waivers
- American Indian Tuition Waiver
- Visually or Hearing Impaired Tuition Waiver/Assistance
Tuition waivers may be available to students as part of a scholarship, fellowship, departmental or institutional assistance, outside agency, or University of Minnesota Regents Scholarship for employees. Tuition waivers, regardless of their source, are considered a form of financial aid which may reduce eligibility for student loans.
Grants
- AmeriCorps
- Dislocated Worker Programs
- Employer tuition benefits (Check with your employer. If your employer offers employee tuition benefits, contact Third party billing if your employer will pay.)
- National Guard education funds
- TEACH Grant Program
- Veterans education benefits
- Regents Scholarship (For University employees)
- MN Postsecondary Child Care Grant
- Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs Surviving Spouse/Dependent Education Benefit
- Minnesota Veterans' Dependents Assistance Program (children of POW/MIA)
- Public Safety Officer's Survivor Grant
- Education vouchers for former youth in care (Minnesota residents who were older children in foster care)
- Wards of the state (contact a One Stop counselor for more information)