Scholarship Opportunity

Fostering Independence Higher Education Grant

Offered by Minnesota Office of Higher Education

The Fostering Independence Higher Education Grant helps eligible Minnesota resident students with foster care experience pay for college. The last-dollar financial aid program can cover remaining recognized cost-of-attendance expenses at eligible Minnesota public and participating private colleges and universities after other applicable financial aid and resources are considered.

EssayNot required
RenewableYes
Grade LevelUndergraduate Student, Certificate Student

Application Timeline

Important application dates

This scholarship offers more than one application cycle. Review each window carefully before applying.

2026-27 Fostering Independence Grant Cycle

OpensTo Be Announced
DeadlineTo Be Announced

Eligibility

  • Be a Minnesota resident student, including eligible students applying through the Minnesota Alternative State Financial Aid Application.
  • Be younger than 27 years of age.
  • Attend an eligible Minnesota public or participating private higher education institution.
  • Be eligible for Education Vouchers for Former Youth in Foster Care OR have qualifying Minnesota foster care experience after reaching age 13.
  • Qualifying foster care experience may include placement in foster care at age 13 or older, adoption from foster care after reaching age 13, or placement from foster care with a permanent legal custodian after reaching age 13.
  • Have graduated from high school or completed an equivalent approved by the Minnesota Department of Education.
  • Be accepted for admission to or currently attending an eligible institution.
  • Submit the FAFSA or Minnesota Alternative State Financial Aid Application.
  • Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements established by the student's institution.
  • Not have already earned a bachelor's degree.

Requirements

  • Complete the FAFSA or Minnesota Alternative State Financial Aid Application.
  • Answer the applicable foster care question on the financial aid application.
  • Allow foster care eligibility to be verified by the appropriate Minnesota state agency.
  • Complete any additional financial aid requirements requested by the student's institution.
  • Have other applicable financial aid finalized before the Fostering Independence Grant award can be calculated.
  • Reapply through the FAFSA or Minnesota Alternative State Financial Aid Application each year.

How to Apply

  1. 1Complete the FAFSA or Minnesota Alternative State Financial Aid Application for the applicable award year.
  2. 2Answer the foster care eligibility question accurately on the financial aid application.
  3. 3List the Minnesota institution you plan to attend on the financial aid application.
  4. 4Wait for the appropriate Minnesota state agency to confirm initial foster care eligibility.
  5. 5Confirm that you have been placed on the roster for the Minnesota institution you actually plan to attend.
  6. 6Contact the Minnesota Office of Higher Education if you need to be moved to a different participating school's roster.
  7. 7Complete all additional financial aid requirements through your institution.
  8. 8Allow the institution to finalize other federal, state, tribal, private, and institutional financial aid.
  9. 9The institution will calculate the remaining Fostering Independence Grant eligibility after applicable aid and resources are considered.
  10. 10Submit a new FAFSA or Minnesota Alternative State Financial Aid Application each year to be considered for continued funding.