Scholarship Basics

The cost of higher education is a barrier for many Minnesotans. The Fostering Independence Higher Education Grant is a financial aid program that seeks to eliminate that barrier for Minnesota students who were in the foster care system.

If you are a Minnesota resident under age 27 and were in the Minnesota foster care system at any point after you thirteenth birthday, this grant may cover the cost of attendance at any eligible Minnesota public or participating private college and university. Accessing the grant is as simple as filling out the 2022-2023  Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)  OR Minnesota Dream Act application.

Both applications include a question about your foster care status; the Minnesota Department of Human Services will collaborate with the Minnesota Office of Higher Education to confirm your information. If you are eligible and your college or university participates in the program, your school will award the Fostering Independence Grant as part of your financial aid package. To learn more about the program, check out the website here.   Almost all public and private Minnesota colleges and universities are participating.

Highlights of the program

  • No separate application: Students who complete the 2022-2023 FAFSA or Minnesota Dream Act and answer “yes” to the foster care question will automatically be considered for the program.
  • The program covers your full cost of attendance; including tuition, fees, room, board, books, transportation expenses, and living expenses for up to three years for two-year degree, certificate or diploma programs and up to five years for four-year programs.
  • Students currently working towards a two-year or four-year degree program may be considered for the program.

Additional Information

  • If you’re under the age of 27 & were in the MN foster care system at any point after the age of 13, you may be eligible for the new Fostering Independence Higher Education grant. To apply, simply fill out the FAFSA or MN Dream Act application. Learn more: https://www.ohe.state.mn.us/mPg.cfm?pageID=2491
  • Were you in the MN foster care system? The Fostering Independence Higher Education Grant could cover the cost of your tuition and living expenses. Learn more: https://www.ohe.state.mn.us/mPg.cfm?pageID=2491
  • Cost should not be a barrier to pursuing your dreams. If you were in the MN foster care system at any point after the age of 13, a new grant could cover the cost of your tuition and living expenses. Learn more: https://www.ohe.state.mn.us/mPg.cfm?pageID=2491
  • We know the cost of higher education is a barrier for many Minnesotans. Enter the Fostering Independence Higher Education Grants, a financial aid program that seeks to eliminate barriers for MN students who were in the foster care system. Learn more: https://www.ohe.state.mn.us/mPg.cfm?pageID=2491
  • Calling our MN foster care community: a new grant could cover the cost of your tuition and living expenses. Simply fill out the FAFSA or MN Dream Act application to access the Fostering Independence Higher Education grant. Learn more: https://www.ohe.state.mn.us/mPg.cfm?pageID=2491
  • Whether you’re attending a public, private, or tribal college in MN, a new grant is creating tuition-free pathways for students who were in the foster care system. Simply fill out the FAFSA or MN DREAM Act application to access. Learn more: https://www.ohe.state.mn.us/mPg.cfm?pageID=2491

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