Grants, education benefits, & tuition waivers or reductions
Grants and waivers are non-competitive aid that is set aside for students who qualify based on financial need or other criteria. Some require that you identify yourself as meeting specific criteria. The University automatically determines your eligibility for other programs based on your FAFSA. Review the programs below to see if any apply to you.
Grants & waivers that require additional application or action
Employment or service-related
- AmeriCorps education benefits
- Dislocated Worker Programs
- Employer tuition benefits (Check with your employer)
- Graduate Student Assistantship and Fellowship Funding
- TEACH Grant Program
- Veterans education benefits
- Regents Scholarship (For University employees)
Demographic or family related
- Child care grants (for students who are parents)
- Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs Surviving Spouse/Dependent Education Benefit
- Minnesota Veterans' Dependents Assistance Program (children of POW/MIA)
- Public Safety Officer's Survivor Grant
- Education vouchers for former youth in care (Minnesota residents who were older children in foster care)
- Wards of the state (Contact a One Stop counselor for more information.)
Grants & waivers awarded automatically
When you complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and are admitted to the University of Minnesota, you wil automatically be considered for these federal, state, and University grants. No additional action or application is required. Awards are based on your financial need, any eligibility criteria specific to the source, and availability of funds.
- Federal Pell Grant
- Minnesota State Grant
- U Promise Scholarship
- Wisconsin Reciprocity Supplemental Grant
Graduate Tuition Benefits
Tuition benefits are a type of financial assistance awarded by the University that reduces the amount of tuition you pay.
You are eligible for tuition benefits if you are a graduate student who holds an assistantship position of at least 12.5% time. Tuition benefits are credited to your University student account and are available year-round, including summer session.
If interested, you must pursue an individual graduate assistantship. Please contact your department or the UMD Graduate School Office. Please indicate the percent of your appointment on your eFAAN. You are required to report the percentage of any increase in your appointment and you risk repayment and/or cancellation of loan and other funds if you do not comply. Your tuition benefit status will be monitored during the academic year.
Tuition Waivers
Tuition waivers may be available to students as part of a scholarship, fellowship, departmental or institutional assistance, outside agency, or University of Minnesota Regents Scholarship for employees. Tuition waivers, regardless of their source, are considered a form of financial aid which may reduce eligibility for student loans.
NOTE: You must report any tuition waivers on your Electronic Financial Aid Award Letter (eFAAN) to prevent being over awarded and having to repay funds to the University.
