Minnesota Future Together Grants

This program is designed to provide eligible Minnesota residents a tuition-free pathway for earning a certificate, diploma, associate’s degree and bachelor’s degree in high-need careers. Funding comes from the State of Minnesota and is awarded to eligible students after grants and scholarships have been paid.

Eligible Programs:

Saint Paul College students pursuing their education in specific high-need career areas will soon have a tuition-free pathway through Minnesota Future Together Grants.

The grants, funded by the state of Minnesota with $35 million in American Rescue Plan funds, aim to educate the next generation of front line workers by increasing the number of qualified workers for careers in the areas of Healthcare, STEM, Business, Industry and Technology, Education, and Public service.

Who is eligible?

The grants are need based and designed to help students from low- and moderate-income families pay for education at any tribal college or public institution in Minnesota. Student eligibility for the grant will be determined every semester. You will need to fill out the FAFSA each year. A student who receives a grant one semester is not guaranteed to receive funding for the next semester. Eligibility is subject to the availability of funds and any changes in your enrollment, financial need, or other financial aid may change the amount you receive each semester.

Income Eligibility:

• Have a Family Adjusted Gross Income (AGI)* reported on FAFSA or MN Dream Act Application of less than $50,000
• Have a Family AGI* reported on FAFSA or State Aid Application of less than $100,000 and have worked in a critical industry listed in Executive Order 20-74 at least part-time between March 1, 2020 - December 31, 2021; OR received unemployment benefits between March 1, 2020 - December 31, 2021
• * Family AGI for a dependent student includes parent and student AGI and for an independent student it includes student and spouse AGI.

Other Eligibility Factors:

• You first enrolled during the Fall 2021 term or later OR you are returning to college and have not been enrolled at any college in the last three semesters
• Meet the Minnesota residency criteria
• Not have already earned a baccalaureate degree
• Not in default on a state or federal student loan
• Making Satisfactory Academic Progress (not suspended from financial aid due to GPA, completion rate or Maximum Time Frame)

When are grants available?

Students are eligible to receive the grant starting in Spring 2022. This program will be discontinued at the end of Spring 2024.​

How can I apply?

• Complete the application for admission to Saint Paul College
• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

Additional information on the program can be found on the Minnesota Office of Higher Education’s website.