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University of Minnesota Founders Free Tuition Program Q&A

The University of Minnesota Founders Free Tuition Program supports admitted eligible Minnesota residents and provides them with access to a great University of Minnesota education. The Program is available to eligible freshmen and transfer students enrolling at any University of Minnesota campus (Crookston, Duluth, Morris, Twin Cities, or Rochester).

What is the University of Minnesota Founders Free Tuition Program?

The University of Minnesota Founders Free Tuition Program combines federal, state, and University grants to cover 100% of your tuition and fees. Students who qualify for the program will not have to pay for tuition and fees at the University of Minnesota.

What is the value of the University of Minnesota Founders Free Tuition Program?

Along with federal and state grants, the Founders Free Tuition Program awards ranged from $9,410 and to $12,236. In the most recent academic year over 2,100 students benefited from this program.

Who is eligible for the University of Minnesota Founders Free Tuition Program?

Minnesota residents who are eligible for federal Pell grants will receive free tuition and fees. The federal government selects Pell grant recipients. Just to give you an idea, our experience shows that about two-thirds of students from families with an annual income of less than $50,000 qualify for a Pell grant. Pell eligibility, not income level, is the defining criterion for the Founders Free Tuition Program. For complete details, see Details and Eligibility Requirements.

Will I be considered for the University of Minnesota Founders Free Tuition Program?

Admitted incoming new freshman and new transfer students from Minnesota who complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) prior to enrolling will automatically be considered for this program.

To be considered, simply:

  1. Apply for admission to the University of Minnesota.
    For deadline information and online applications, visit each campus's Web site.
  2. Apply for financial aid. It's best if you complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1 of your senior year.
    For more information about applying for financial aid or to submit the FAFSA online go to http://www.fafsa.ed.gov.

It's that simple! If you are a Minnesota resident, admitted as an incoming new freshman or new transfer student to the U of M, and submit your FAFSA, we will automatically consider you for free tuition and fees through the University of Minnesota Founders Free Tuition Program. There is no limit to the number of students who will benefit from this program; all Minnesota residents who meet the eligibility requirements will receive free tuition and fees.

Is this information available in other languages?

Yes! This information has been translated into Spanish, Hmong, Vietnamese, and Somali.

The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer.