Finding the best scholarships in Minnesota can help you save a ton of money in college. The land of 10,000 lakes is a land of educational opportunity. Federal programs, such as the Minnesota Dream Act, protect the educational needs of young adults pursuing the world of higher education in Minnesota. Academic excellence scholarships also exist to motivate high-achieving students to continue their education.
Although a plethora of scholarships exists in Minnesota, the state is still a leader in student debt. Nevertheless, private charities have also made efforts to ease the struggles of prospective students, such as the Minnesota masonic charities scholarships.
We’ve compiled a list of academic scholarships available to students in Minnesota. This collective of Minnesota academic excellence scholarships should ease the stress and exhaustion of planning your high education career. Keep in mind that a hefty portion of these scholarships are exclusive to the University of Minnesota, by virtue of it being not only the higher education institution in the state but one of the largest schools in the entire country! We’ve also included scholarships exclusive to other smaller schools in Minnesota, to help you think outside of the box.
Looking for scholarships in another state? Check out our other scholarship lists here.
This post is part of our Ultimate FAQ for Applying to Scholarships.
The Best Scholarships in Minnesota for High-Achieving Students
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Linden Scholarship
- Description: The Salvation Army wants to honor graduating high school seniors who have proven themselves to be active volunteers in their communities.
- Amount: $1,500 for two-year colleges and $3,000 for four-year colleges. Non-renewable.
- Requirements: Students must be graduating high school seniors and residents of Ramsey, Washington, or Dakota County in Minnesota. Students must also demonstrate financial need through the FAFSA form as well as the Linden Scholarship financial aid form per the application.
- How to Apply: Application materials are available on the Salvation Army’s website.
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Maroon & Gold Leadership Award
- Description: Minnesota residents (as well as those eligible for the Minnesota Dream Act) that graduated in the top 1-3% of their high school class can apply for the University of Minnesota’s Maroon and Gold Leadership Award.
- Amount: $12,000 each year for four years
- Requirements: Fulfill the graduating class rank requirements and be a Minnesota resident or eligible for the Minnesota Dream Act.
- How to Apply: Eligible prospective students are automatically considere based their application quality. To be considered for this scholarship and other related academic awards at the University of Minnesota, be sure to apply before the Early Action (November 1st) or Regular (January 1st) deadline. Additional information is available on the University of Minnesota admissions website.
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Gold Scholar Award
- Description: National Merit Scholars have additional incentive to apply to The University of Minnesota. The Gold Scholar Award goes to talented students who were National Merit Finalists.
- Amount: $10,000 each year for four years
- Requirements: National Merit Finalists have preference, but the award is technically not required for consideration. Recipients of the Gold Scholar Award must list the University of Minnesota as their first-choice college by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation deadline.
- How to Apply: Eligible prospective students are automatically considered for this award based their application quality. To be considered for this scholarship and other related academic scholarships at the University of Minnesota, be sure to apply prior to the Early Action (November 1st) or Regular (January 1st) deadline. More information on academic awards at the University of Minnesota is available on their admissions website.
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Minnesota Masonic Charities Scholarships
- Description: The Minnesota Masonic Charities Scholarship Program is one of the most prestigious private scholarships in Minnesota. Graduating Minnesota high school students with competitive test scores and GPAs can find tremendous monetary rewards for their tenacity and success in high school.
- Amount: Annual scholarships ranging from $1,500-$5,000. Renewable for up to four years (two years for technical and vocational schools).
- Requirements: Be a graduating Minnesota high school student with the GPA and ACT/SAT score requirements listed for the specified scholarship as listed on the society’s website.
- How to Apply: Application instructions are available on the Minnesota Masonic Charities Scholarships website. Deadlines typically fall around mid-February, but please confirm for your application year.
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Iron Range Scholarship
- Description: Minnesota residents and those eligible for the Minnesota Dream Act are eligible for this merit scholarship – exclusive to students who graduated in the top 10% of their graduating class.
- Amount: $1,000-$3,000 each year for a maximum of four years
- Requirements: Fulfill the residency and class rank requirements as described above
- How to Apply: Eligible prospective students are automatically considered for this award based on the overall quality of their application to the University of Minnesota. To be considered for this scholarship and other related academic scholarships at the University of Minnesota, be sure to apply prior to the Early Action (November 1st) or Regular (January 1st) deadline. More information regarding academic awards at the University of Minnesota is available on their admissions website.
The Best Scholarships in Minnesota for Minorities and Disadvantaged Students
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Minnesota Dream Act
- Description: In a world where the status, let alone the education, of undocumented students is often in jeopardy, the Minnesota Dream Act aims to facilitate their pursuit of higher education by making them eligible for in-state tuition rates.
- Amount: In-state tuition
- Requirements: Students must have attended a Minnesota high school for at least 3 years and either graduated from said school OR have earned their GED in Minnesota. Students must comply with Selective Service registration requirements and provide documentation to indicate they have applied for lawful immigration status. Keep in mind that the Minnesota Dream Act is NOT the same as DACA, but rather a state law providing educational benefits to undocumented students.
- How to Apply: Students do NOT need to complete the FAFSA form to apply. Instead, apply directly with the Minnesota Dream Act application once per school year.
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Bentson Family Scholarship
- Description: This generous University of Minnesota scholarship places preference on students of the Jewish faith.
- Amount: $24,000 over four years
- Requirements: Preferably be a Jewish student planning on attending the University of Minnesota.
- How to Apply: Eligible prospective students are automatically considered for this award based on the overall quality of their application to the University of Minnesota. To be considered for this scholarship and other related academic scholarships at the University of Minnesota, be sure to apply prior to the Early Action (November 1st) or Regular (January 1st) deadline. More information regarding academic awards at the University of Minnesota is available on their admissions website.
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Minnesota Academic Excellence Scholarship
- Description: The University of Minnesota offers an additional scholarship for both Minnesota residents and those eligible for the Minnesota Dream Act. The goal of this scholarship is to inspire study in a variety of fields, including creative writing, fine arts, foreign language, math, science, and social studies.
- Amount: $6,500 annually; Renewable for four years
- Requirements: Available only to students applying to University of Minnesota. Students must be either Minnesota residents or those eligible for the Minnesota Dream Act.
- How to Apply: Eligible prospective students are automatically considered for this award based on the overall quality of their application to the University of Minnesota. To be considered for this scholarship and other related academic scholarships at the University of Minnesota, be sure to apply prior to the Early Action (November 1st) or Regular (January 1st) deadline. More information regarding academic awards at the University of Minnesota is available on their admissions website.
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Ethel Curry Scholarship
- Description: Applicants to the University of Minnesota who are also registered with a Native Indian tribe are eligible for this scholarship.
- Amount: Varies; Renewable for up to four years
- Requirements: Students must present written documentation of tribal enrollment prior to May 1st of their high school senior year.
- How to Apply: Eligible prospective students are automatically considered for this award based on the overall quality of their application to the University of Minnesota. To be considered for this scholarship and other related academic scholarships at the University of Minnesota, be sure to apply prior to the Early Action (November 1st) or Regular (January 1st) deadline. More information regarding academic awards at the University of Minnesota is available on their admissions website.
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Robert & Gail Buuck Scholarship
- Description: This University of Minnesota scholarship assists students demonstrating some sort of physical disability.
- Amount: $3,500 each year for up to four years
- Requirements: Students must demonstrate either a mobility, hearing, vision or other disability that significantly impedes daily life.
- How to Apply: Eligible prospective students are automatically considered for this award based on the overall quality of their application to the University of Minnesota. To be considered for this scholarship and other related academic scholarships at the University of Minnesota, be sure to apply prior to the Early Action (November 1st) or Regular (January 1st) deadline. More information regarding academic awards at the University of Minnesota is available on their admissions website.
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Minnesota Power Foundation “Positively Powerful” Scholarship Fund
- Description: This Minnesota Power Foundation scholarship goes to need-based students who demonstrate a strong spirit and tenacity – especially overcoming financial barriers towards their education.
- Amount: $2,000 (Bachelor’s degree) and $1,000 (Associate’s degree)
- Requirements: Be a Minnesota resident.
- How to Apply: Applications are available on the Minnesota Power Foundation website.
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Minnesota State Grants
- Description: These state grants assist students from low- to mid-income families who plan on attending a Minnesota college or university.
- Amount: Varies based on financial need.
- Requirements: Demonstrate financial need according to the FAFSA. Be enrolled as undergraduates at an eligible Minnesota postsecondary school.
- How to Apply: Application process listed on the Minnesota Office of Higher Education website.
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Minnesota Indian Scholarship
- Description: These state scholarships award financial assistance to eligible Minnesota students who are one-fourth or more Indian ancestry and demonstrate significant financial aid.
- Amount: Varies based upon demonstrated financial need
- Requirements: Be a Minnesota resident, one-fourth or more American Indian, and enrolled in an accredited institution in Minnesota.
- How to Apply: Students should complete their FAFSA along with the Minnesota Indian Scholarship available on the Minnesota Office of Higher Education’s website.
The Best Field-Specific Scholarships in Minnesota
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Evelyn Lenander Education Scholarship
- Field: Education
- Description: This fund exists to provide scholarships for college students planning on pursuing a career in elementary education and are attending a Minnesota college or university.
- Amount: $1,000 – $4,500 depending on scholarship
- Requirements: Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Students must have already completed two full years of college at a Minnesota college of university.
- How to Apply: Application materials are available on the funding organization’s website.
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Page Education Foundation Grants
- Field: Education
- Description: The Page Education Foundation wants to encourage students of color to pursue a career in education.
- Amount: $1,000 – $2,500; Renewable
- Requirements: Be a student of color attending post-secondary education in the state of Minnesota.
- How to Apply: Application portal on the funding organization’s website. Becomes available in January.
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T.E.A.C.H Scholarships
- Field: Education
- Description: This scholarship program provides assistance towards students pursuing a career in child development or early childhood education at an accredited Minnesota college or university.
- Amount: Covers up to 85% the cost of tuition
- Requirements: Be pursuing one of the aforementioned majors at an approved Minnesota institution.
- How to Apply: Application materials available on the funding organization’s website.
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Federal Grants for Aspiring Teachers
- Field: Education
- Description: The TEACH Grant program (not to be confused with the T.E.A.C.H scholarships) is a federal program offering assistance to students planning on teaching in an elementary or secondary school serving students from low-income families.
- Amount: Up to $4,000 annually
- Requirements: Students must be U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens and enrolled in a program dedicated to education. Recipients must sign a TEACH Grant Agreement to Serve and provide service as a fulltime teacher in a public or private school serving low income students for at least four academic years after completing their program of study.
- How to Apply: Interested students must complete a FAFSA in order to demonstrate financial need. Further application materials are available on the funding organization’s website.
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Federal John R. Justice Student Loan Repayment Program
- Field: Legal
- Description: This federal loan repayment program exists to encourage students to become public defenders or criminal prosecutors.
- Amount: Repayment of $1,900 annually
- Requirements: Students must commit to employment as a lawyer in the state government of Minnesota following their program of study in order to fulfill total loan repayment. This includes tribal governments.
- How to Apply: Application materials available on the funding organization’s website.
The Best Scholarships Exclusively for Minnesota Colleges and Universities
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Freshman Academic Scholarships
- School: St. Thomas
- Description: Around 97% of the incoming freshmen class at St. Thomas will receive one of these merit-based scholarships. Students who have demonstrated tremendous academic achievement or community service are automatically considered for these funds.
- Amount: $16,000-$36,000 annually
- Requirements: Prospective students automatically considered for funds upon admission.
- How to Apply: Students will receive notification regarding these funds upon applying to St. Thomas.
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Dease Scholarship Program
- School: St. Thomas
- Description: This full-tuition scholarship awards admitted freshmen who belong to underrepresented domestic, first-generation students, and/or graduates from urban high schools.
- Amount: Full tuition
- Requirements: Fit the above described criteria
- How to Apply: Application materials available on the financial aid office website for St. Thomas. Deadline falls around mid-February.
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Fauth Business Scholarship
- School: St. Thomas
- Description: Prospective freshmen planning on majoring in business should consider this hefty scholarship program.
- Amount: $10,000 annually
- Requirements: Applicants must have a cumulative high school GPA of at least 3.5 and a composite ACT score of at least 26 or a total SAT of at least 1240.
- How to Apply: Application materials available on the financial aid office website for St. Thomas. Deadline in early January.
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DeWitt Wallace Grants
- School: Macalester College
- Description: These grants are awarded to students who demonstrate high academic performance along with tremendous financial need.
- Amount: Varies
- Requirements: Demonstrate financial need through the CSS profile, FAFSA, tax returns, and other application materials.
- How to Apply: Students must submit the above-listed application materials and demonstrate significant financial need. More information available on the Macalester College financial aid website.
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Buntrock Scholarship
- School: St. Olaf
- Description: This generous merit scholarship awards students who have proven themselves capable of outstanding academic performance.
- Amount: $25,000 annually
- Requirements: Incoming students automatically considered.
- How to Apply: Apply to St. Olaf and express interest in this merit scholarship.
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Presidential Scholarship
- School: St. Olaf
- Description: Another massive scholarship, this merit scholarship also awards students who have proven themselves capable of outstanding academic performance.
- Amount: $20,000 annually
- Requirements: Incoming students automatically considered.
- How to Apply: Apply to St. Olaf and express interest in this merit scholarship.
Through the generosity of programs such as the Minnesota Dream Act or full-ride scholarships awarded by private institutions or even independent charities such as the Minnesota Masonic charities, Minnesota is a land of 10,000 opportunities. We hope that you’ve enjoyed our tentative list of financial aid options in Minnesota. Academic excellence scholarships exist to award you for your hard work – so you should definitely take advantage of these opportunities! College is already difficult. Affording college, on the other hand, shouldn’t be any more difficult. Please don’t hesitate to inquire further at the financial aid office of any prospective schools. Best of luck!
Hope you found this extensive guide to the best scholarships in Minnesota helpful; if you did, be sure to check out our other guides to other scholarships in key states.
We also review the best scholarship databases here.
