Minnesota Indian Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Minnesota Office of Higher Education

Overview
This scholarship helps Minnesota-resident American Indian students cover college costs. Awards are need-based: up to $4,000 per academic year for undergraduates and up to $6,000 per academic year for graduate students. (For full details, check the Minnesota Indian Scholarship fact sheet on the Minnesota Office of Higher Education website.)

Who can apply
You are eligible if you meet all of the following:
- You have at least one-quarter American Indian ancestry, or you are an enrolled member/citizen of a federally recognized American Indian tribe or a Canadian First Nation.
- You are a Minnesota resident.
- You apply for other available state and federal scholarships and grants.
- You are enrolled at an eligible, accredited postsecondary institution in Minnesota:
- Undergraduates must be enrolled at least 3/4 time.
- Graduate students must be enrolled at least 1/2 time.
- You meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards (your school’s GPA/progress requirements).
- You are not in default on a federal or state student loan, or—if you were in default—you have regained eligibility for federal/state student aid.
- Financial-need requirement:
- Undergraduates must qualify for a Pell Grant or a State Grant and demonstrate financial need.
- Graduate students must demonstrate financial need.

How much and for how long
- Award amounts: up to $4,000 per academic year for undergrads; up to $6,000 per academic year for graduate students.
- Limits by program length:
- Two-year degree, certificate, or diploma programs: up to 3 annual awards (equivalent to 6 semesters or 8 quarters).
- Four-year degree programs: up to 5 annual awards (equivalent to 10 semesters or 14 quarters). This count includes any awards you received while enrolled in shorter programs.
- Graduate or professional programs: up to 5 annual awards (equivalent to 10 semesters or 14 quarters).
- Summer term: An eligible summer term can be included in an annual award, but it counts toward the program-year maximums above.
- Lifetime limit: up to 10 annual awards total (maximum of 5 as an undergraduate + 5 as a graduate).
- Degree limits: You may receive the scholarship for only one degree at each educational level, and only one terminal graduate degree.

Quick tips
- If you’re unsure about SAP or loan default status, check with your school’s financial aid office early.
- Apply for Pell/State Grants and other aid first—those applications are required for undergrad eligibility.
- Keep copies of tribal enrollment documents or ancestry verification to speed the process.

If you want, I can turn this into a checklist you can print or use to track your progress through the application.