Scholarship Opportunity

Minnesota Postsecondary Child Care Grant

Offered by Minnesota Office of Higher Education

The Minnesota Postsecondary Child Care Grant helps eligible Minnesota resident students offset existing out-of-pocket child care expenses while they attend classes, work, or study. The program supports undergraduate and graduate student parents attending participating Minnesota postsecondary institutions and may provide assistance for each eligible child.

EssayNot required
RenewableYes
Grade LevelUndergraduate Student, Graduate Student

Application Timeline

Important application dates

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

Annual Postsecondary Child Care Grant Cycle

OpensTo Be Announced
DeadlineTo Be Announced

Eligibility

  • Be a Minnesota resident student.
  • Be the parent, legal stepparent, or legal guardian of an eligible dependent child.
  • Have a child age 12 or younger, or age 14 or younger if the child has a disability.
  • Be an undergraduate or graduate student enrolled in at least one credit per term at a participating Minnesota postsecondary institution.
  • Have received Postsecondary Child Care Grant funds for fewer than 10 semesters or the equivalent, subject to applicable exceptions for active military service.
  • Not be in default on a student loan.
  • Be in good academic standing and making Satisfactory Academic Progress.
  • Not be receiving full-time Child Care Assistance of 40 hours or more per week.
  • Not have the applicable child care costs covered by another scholarship, stipend, or other source.
  • Not be a recipient of the Minnesota Family Investment Program.
  • Already be paying out-of-pocket child care expenses at the time of application.

Requirements

  • Complete the Postsecondary Child Care Grant application through the MNAid Student Portal.
  • Complete either the FAFSA or Minnesota Alternative State Financial Aid Application.
  • Print the completed Child Care Grant application.
  • Have the child care provider complete Section B of the application.
  • Review Sections A and B for accuracy and completeness.
  • Submit the completed application to the financial aid office at the student's college or university.
  • Provide any additional documentation requested by the institution.
  • Report changes in child care providers, hours, or rates to the financial aid office within 10 days.

How to Apply

  1. 1Create or access an account through the MNAid Student Portal.
  2. 2Complete the online Postsecondary Child Care Grant application.
  3. 3Complete either the FAFSA or Minnesota Alternative State Financial Aid Application for the applicable academic year.
  4. 4Print the Child Care Grant application after completing the online portion.
  5. 5Give the application to the child care provider so the provider can complete Section B.
  6. 6Review the completed application for accuracy.
  7. 7Submit the full application to the financial aid office at the participating college or university.
  8. 8Submit any additional documentation requested by the school's financial aid office.
  9. 9Wait for the school's financial aid administrator to determine eligibility and calculate the award amount.
  10. 10Report any changes to child care arrangements, hours, providers, or rates within 10 days.