Grants
Grants, unlike loans, are sources of free money that generally do not have to be repaid. Eligibility is often determined by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.
Many grants are available to students. This includes the ALLISS Grant, Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplementary Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG), Minnesota Future Together Grant, Minnesota GI Bill, Minnesota State Grant, Minnesota State Indian Scholarship, and Veteran’s Educational Benefits. Information about these opportunities is below.
- ALLISS Grants
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Charles and Ellora Alliss Educational Foundation Grants
(Two-Year College Opportunity Grant Program)Overview
The Alliss Two-Year Opportunity Grant Award is available to students with financial need who are attending a Minnesota State school and who are enrolled part- or full-time in A.A., A.S., A.A.S., A.F.A., diplomas, certificates, and MinnState courses designed to transfer to baccalaureate programs. The Alliss Grant awards shall be for an amount between $350-$1,100 per year, which may be renewable (but not automatically).
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be enrolled part- or full-time at Ridgewater College in any A.A., A.S., A.A.S., A.F.A., diploma, certificate or Mn Transfer Curriculum courses designed to transfer to a 4-year baccalaureate program;
- Must not have already earned a baccalaureate degree;
- Must have completed a FAFSA for the current school year or be a MN DREAM ACT student.
- Must intend to transfer and/or pursue a 4-year degree at Ridgewater or another institution.
Application Process
Students shall complete the required Application Form [PDF] to apply.
Grant Administration
- An Alliss Grant shall be for one semester only. To renew an award for a subsequent semester, the student must re-apply and meet all eligibility criteria. Alliss Grants may be used for spring, summer, or fall semesters.
- Alliss Grant awards shall be processed and coordinated with the College’s normal financial aid process and may be used to meet remaining need after the student has received Pell and/or Minnesota State Grants.
- Alliss Grant awards shall be applied directly to student accounts along with other financial aid for the semester for which they are awarded.
Questions on the Alliss Grant?
Contact
Leann Fischer
320-222-7475
[email protected] - American Indian Scholars Program
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The American Indian Scholars Program was established in the 2023 Legislative Session. This program provides a first-dollar tuition and fee-free pathway for Minnesotans eligible for resident tuition who are enrolled members or citizens of any federally recognized tribe or Canadian First Nation to attend a Minnesota State institution or the University of Minnesota.
Additional eligibility details can be found on the MN Office of Higher Education website.
- Federal Pell Grant
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The Pell Grant is a program of student financial aid authorized by Title IV, Part A, of Educational Amendments of 1991. In the 2020-2021 school year, this program provided up to $6,345 for eligible students. Pell Grants are awarded according to credit level per semester.
- Federal Supplementary Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
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The SEOG is available to all Ridgewater College undergraduate students with exceptional need.
- Minnesota Future Together Grants
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This MN Future Together Grant program is designed to provide eligible Minnesota residents a tuition-free pathway for earning a certificate, diploma, associate’s degree and bachelor’s degree in high-need careers. Funding comes from the State of Minnesota and is awarded to eligible students after grants and scholarships have been paid.
- Minnesota GI Bill
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The Minnesota GI Bill program was established in 2007 to provide postsecondary financial assistance to eligible Minnesota veterans who served on or after September 11, 2001. Full-time undergraduate or graduate students may be eligible to receive up to $1,000 per semester or term, and part-time students may be eligible to receive up to $500 per semester or term. Apply for the MN GI Bill.
- Minnesota State Grant Program
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Minnesota residents who have not completed the equivalent of four years of postsecondary education may be eligible for this grant program. Awards are based on financial need. Note that it is awarded according to credit level and direct costs.
- State Indian Scholarship Program
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This award is based on financial need. Requirements: one-fourth or more Indian ancestry, resident of Minnesota, member of recognized Indian tribe, high school graduate or have GED, ability to benefit from advanced education and approved by Minnesota Indian Scholarship Committee. Apply for the Minnesota State Indian Scholarship.
Contact
Minnesota Indian Scholarship Program:
Megan Fitz Gibbon, Minnesota Office of Higher Education
1-800-657-3866 or 651-259-3931Minnesota Chippewa Tribe: 218-335-8584
Minneapolis American Indian Center: 800-486-8797
- Veteran’s Educational Benefits (Federal)
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Certain veterans and their children are eligible for educational benefits under the GI Bill and other laws. A child of a veteran who has been disabled, who has died in service, or who has died of a service-connected disability may be entitled to education benefits. These tax-free benefits vary depending upon the number of hours the student is enrolled and the number of dependents. For further information, contact the Veteran’s Administration at 1-800-827-1000 or the Veteran’s Service Officer in your area. Students receiving veteran’s benefits must also contact the Financial Aid Office at the time of acceptance of those benefits.
- Fostering Independence Higher Education Grant
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This Fostering Independence Grant program may cover the cost of attendance for Minnesota resident students under age 27 and who were in the Minnesota foster care system at any point after their thirteenth birthday.
