University of Minnesota Founders Free Tuition Program Details and Eligibility Requirements
The University of Minnesota Founders Free Tuition Program is a special award program that benefits qualified incoming new freshman and new transfer students from Minnesota who meet certain financial need requirements.
The University of Minnesota Founders Free Tuition Program guarantees grant and gift assistance in an amount at least equal to tuition and required fees on each University campus for all new incoming freshman and transfer University of Minnesota students who are Minnesota residents and who are eligible for federal Pell grants.
Pell eligibility, not income level, is the defining criterion for eligibility for the University of Minnesota Founders Free Tuition Program. Recent University experience shows that two-thirds of students from families earning less than $50,000 per year were eligible for a Pell grant.
There is no limit to the number of eligible students who can benefit from this program. Any qualified student who applies for financial aid and enrolls at a University of Minnesota campus will receive free tuition and fees.
Thousands of University students from all income levels benefit from other University scholarship programs. Increased support for these programs is also a high priority and will be significantly increased by the $150 million Promise of Tomorrow Scholarship Drive, which President Bruininks announced in 2004.
What types of financial aid are included in the University of Minnesota Founders Free Tuition Program?
The University of Minnesota Founders Free Tuition Program commitment will be fulfilled with federal, state, and University grants.
Will I be considered for the University of Minnesota Founders Free Tuition Program?
Admitted incoming new freshmen 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 award program based on financial need. Please note that international students are not eligible for financial aid programs.
To be eligible, students must:
- Apply to and be admitted to a University of Minnesota campus, having satisfied all of the University's preparation requirements.
- Be classified as a resident of Minnesota according to University regulations.
- Complete the FAFSA recommended by the March 1 priority deadline.
- Be eligible to receive a federal Pell grant.
- Enroll full-time, taking at least 13 credits a semester, in a baccalaureate degree program at the University of Minnesota.
- Be enrolling at the University of Minnesota for the first time as a degree-seeking student.
- Be working on your first undergraduate degree.
Please note that the University of Minnesota Founders Free Tuition Program applies only to fall and spring semesters. Tuition for courses taken during May or Summer terms will not be covered.
What are the next steps?
- Apply for admission!
- Apply for financial aid! Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) recommended by the March 1 priority deadline.
For more information regarding eligibility and requirements, please contact One Stop Student Services at 612-624-1111, 1-800-400-8636, or helpingu@umn.edu.
How will I find out if I have received the University of Minnesota Founders Free Tuition Program?
After you complete the FAFSA, the Office of Student Finance will mail you an Estimated Financial Aid Award Notice (EFAAN). Recipients of the University of Minnesota Founders Free Tuition Program will see the award listed.
Is the University of Minnesota Founders Free Tuition Program renewable?
Students who enter the University as new freshmen are eligible to be considered for up to four years of support under the University of Minnesota Founders Free Tuition Program. New transfer students are eligible for up to two years of support.
Renewal is not automatic. Requirements and steps for renewal:
- Complete the FAFSA each year.
- Continue to be eligible for a federal Pell grant.
- Continue to be classified as a resident of Minnesota.
- Maintain full-time enrollment, taking at least 13 credits a semester, in a baccalaureate degree program at the University of Minnesota.
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress toward completion of your degree.
- Be working on your first undergraduate degree.
When was the University of Minnesota Founders Free Tuition Program created, and how many students benefit?
New freshmen were eligible for the University of Minnesota Founders Free Tuition Program beginning in fall 2005. New transfer students were eligible beginning fall 2006. The University of Minnesota Founders Free Tuition Program is being phased in with each new class of incoming freshmen and transfer students, and will be fully implemented in 2008-09. When fully implemented, it is estimated that the program will benefit more than 4,200 University students.
Does the University offer other types of scholarships for new students?
Each campus offers a number of competitive scholarships to new students. Please contact your campus of interest for more information.
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