5 Best Minnesota Scholarships

Get started with your search for top-ranked schools in Minnesota. Discover which colleges offer programs that fit your needs.

Updated November 8, 2022 · 2 Min Read

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Scholarships for Minnesota

Scholarships for Minnesota can guide learners in the "North Star State" to bright funding opportunities that lighten tuition. Sprawling over 86,936 square miles of the Upper Midwest, Minnesota is America's 21st most populous state with 5.48 million inhabitants. College students could be attracted to Minnesota's winter wonderland weather, hockey rivalries, iconic distilleries, views of the Northern Lights, and natural landmarks like Voyageurs National Park. From the hustle and bustle of Minneapolis to the low-key Bemidji, Minnesotans select from 78 post-secondary schools. Diverse, top-notch educators include Saint John's University, Gustavus Adolphus College, Concordia College at Moorhead, and Bethel University. The U.S. News ranked the University of Minnesota as the 26th top public school nationwide. If you're ice fishing for tuition funds, reel in some of these 15 Minnesota scholarships.

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1. Charles and Ellora Alliss Educational Foundation Grants

The Charles and Ellora Alliss Educational Foundation Grants provide $500 to $2,000 yearly from the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MNSCU). It’s reserved for community college and vocational school students who are transferring for their first baccalaureate-level degree. Accepted current institutions include South Central College, Lake Superior College, and Anoka Technical College. More information can be gained at schools’ financial aid offices.

Eligibility

  • Be enrolled in A.A., A.S., A.A.S., or A.F.A. programs
  • Intend to transfer to a public, participating Minnesota college
  • Rank in the upper 40th percentile of their graduating class
  • Meet financial need eligibility for the Pell Grant

Scholarship Website

2. Coss Family Foundation Scholarships

Partnering with the Saint Paul Foundation, the Coss Family Foundation has awarded over $3 million since being established in 1995 by Lawrence M. and Virginia Coss. Traditional scholarships are given to Minnesota freshmen, but there’s also an Adult Scholarship for returning, non-traditional undergraduates. Recipients earn $500 to $3,500 for tuition and fees at accredited in-state institutions on August 15th and December 30th.

Eligibility

  • Be graduating high school seniors with a minimum 2.0 GPA
  • Live in Minnesota’s Dakota or Ramsey counties
  • Matriculate for 6+ credits in undergraduate study
  • Demonstrate leadership in school and community activities

Scholarship Website

3. Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute Scholarship

Allina Health administers the Scholarship for People with Disabilities through its Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute annually for $1,000. Endowed by Melvin and Sally Mooty, the fund helps Minnesota residents who are overcoming sensory or physical impairments to pursue higher learning. Finalists are selected based on achievements and intentions after a personal interview, rather than grades. Applications must be mailed to Minneapolis by May 31st.

Eligibility

  • Have participated in Courage Center services
  • Finish a high school diploma or GED certificate
  • Carry full-time credits at two- or four-year colleges
  • Exhibit scholastic ability to be an achiever

Scholarship Website

4. Gunnar Isberg Student Scholarships

The American Planning Association Minnesota Chapter (APA-MN) in Breezy Point bestows the Gunnar Isberg Student Scholarships for $1,000 apiece. It’s designed to encourage “Agate State” residents to pursue public welfare careers for land development with planning degrees, such as the Master of Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Minnesota. Interested candidates must submit a transcript, resume, cover letter, and recommendation by July 11th.

Eligibility

  • Enroll full-time at accredited universities in Minnesota
  • Declare an undergraduate or graduate major in planning
  • Present an academic record with a minimum 3.0 GPA
  • Have relevant experience in urban planning, architecture, or environmental design

Scholarship Website

5. Lenander (Evelyn) Education Scholarship

Since 1985, the Central Minnesota Community Foundation has developed over $150,000 in annual funds, including the Lenander (Evelyn) Foundation Scholarship. This merit-based program offers $1,000 to $4,500 in honor of the Renville County native who started her 39-year teaching career at St. Cloud Teachers College. Until March 1st, future educators for grades K-6 can apply by submitting a two-page, double-spaced essay, financial need statement, transcript, and two letters of recommendation.

Eligibility

  • Permanently reside in Minnesota, preferably around Buffalo Lake
  • Be juniors or seniors at Minnesota colleges
  • Pursue teacher certification as elementary education majors
  • Excel academically with an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher

Scholarship Website

Know of a scholarship available specifically for Minnesota students that we missed? Contact us.

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