Scholarships are considered “gift aid”—a type of financial aid that does not have to be repaid. Funds are awarded to individual students and are often based on specific criteria, such as your major, GPA, financial need, etc. Admitted freshmen are considered for University-wide scholarships based on an overall assessment of their admission application.
Many students receive scholarships from outside sources, such as hometown organizations, civic organizations, churches, and other local donors, or from businesses and corporations.
When you complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), any scholarships that you receive will be considered when calculating your financial aid award.
How scholarships affect financial aid
University scholarship awards disburse in accordance with the University's financial aid award policy. Consistent with University policy, the total annual aid amount awarded to a student, including all scholarships and grants, cannot exceed cost of attendance at the University of Minnesota.
Financial aid awards (e.g., loans, work study, scholarships, or grants) may be reduced for students whose total aid exceeds the cost of their program for the academic year, as determined by the Office of Student Finance.
When you receive a scholarship from an organization outside of the University of Minnesota, your existing financial aid awards will be reviewed and adjustments may be made based on the receipt of your scholarship(s). You may see a reduction in other types of aid, such as loans, work-study, or institutional aid.
The University of Minnesota will allow you to receive the maximum benefits of any scholarships within the US Department of Education guidelines.
Many scholarships require full-time enrollment. Information on eligibility for financial aid is available.
Information on submitting outside scholarship checks
If you receive any scholarships from organizations outside of the University of Minnesota (e.g., a local community organization, church, etc.), it is your responsibility to forward the check(s) to One Stop Student Services for processing. You should endorse any check that is made payable to you and the University of Minnesota.
Regents Tuition Benefit Program
The Regents Tuition Benefit Program covers a portion of tuition costs for eligible University of Minnesota employees enrolled in University of Minnesota credit-bearing courses. More information on the Regents Tuition Benefit Program is available.
University of Minnesota Promise Scholarship (U Promise)
The University of Minnesota is committed to making a world-class education a great value for Minnesota families. Under the University of Minnesota Promise Scholarship (U Promise), eligible new Minnesota resident undergraduates with a family income of up to $120,000 will be guaranteed a U Promise Scholarship.
If you are a Minnesota resident, you are automatically considered for the UPromise when you take two steps:
- Apply for admission to the University of Minnesota, Morris
- Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Admissions Scholarships
Students are immediately considered for a scholarship package upon admission to Morris. Find more information about admissions scholarships.
Donor-Funded Scholarships
The University of Minnesota Morris is able to provide donor-funded scholarships to our students because of the generous contributions made by our alumni, family and friends, and businesses. These scholarships are often established to honor a family member, classmate, employee, or they support a specific program or geographic location. It is an honor to receive a donor-funded scholarship as you were chosen to receive a specific scholarship based on the criteria established by the donor. You will have the opportunity to thank the donor, possibly meet the donor, and be recognized at campus events or publications.
American Indian Funding Opportunities
University of Minnesota, Morris
Fond du Lac Scholarship - application required
This is a donor-funded scholarship awarded to students through an application process.
Ethel M. Curry American Indian Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to students who are admitted as a first-year freshman. To be considered, complete the American Indian Tuition Waiver Application providing proof of American Indian heritage.
University of Minnesota
Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Endowed Scholarship
The SMSC scholarship program is designed to recruit and retain talented American Indian students with demonstrated financial need. This scholarship program is administered by the University's Office for Equity and Diversity.
State of Minnesota
Minnesota Indian Scholarship Program
Students, who possess one-fourth or more Indian ancestry, are a Minnesota resident, and have financial need should apply with the Minnesota Office of Higher Education.
Tribal Funding
Students are encouraged to contact their tribal education office directly to explore funding opportunities. Contact One Stop Student Services if you need assistance.
Outside Scholarships
Some organizations provide information on scholarships that are available nationwide. Contact One Stop Student Services if you need assistance.
American Indian Education Foundation
Additional scholarship search resources
Several websites provide information on scholarships that are available nationwide. A few of them are listed below:
Requests for your financial aid information
With your permission, the University of Minnesota is able to share information from your financial aid data or Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) with scholarship-granting organizations or tribal organizations. You must have provided written permission for the information to be shared.
To enable the University to share your information do one or both of the following:
- Make sure your permission is on your request form or scholarship application.
- Complete a Student Information Release Authorization form.
A guide on how to review your financial aid awards is available.