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Two-year College, Four-year University/College, & Career-Trade School

Understand the College Financial Aid Process

Why FAFSA Matters

FAFSA, The Free Application for Federal Student Aid form is an online application used to award state, federal, and college-based financial aid. Whether you are attending a two-year college, four-year university, or a career or trade school, filling out the FAFSA is the most important step in accessing Financial Aid for college.

For Minnesotans with undocumented status, the state’s DREAM Act application is an online form that is also used to apply for state- and college-based financial aid. See if you are eligible for the DREAM Act.

Attend our walk-in sessions for FREE help with your FAFSA or MN DREAM Act Application.

Upcoming Free Events

Bring income & asset information – for students and family members attending

  • 2022 1040 tax document and all schedules

  • Savings/checking account balances

  • Investments/business info

  • Student’s SSN (FAFSA)

  • Contributor (Parent) SSN or ITIN (if applicable)

  • DACA card or letter (if applicable)

If you have transportation or childcare needs, contact Beth Martinez:
BethM@c2cmn.com

Your FAFSA or MN Dream Act is your way to even more financial aid!

Here are just a few financial aid programs waiting for you to apply:

  • The Minnesota State Grant awards over $200 million in financial aid every year. This grant is available to students at both private and public institutions.

  • The North Star Promise program will cover the full cost of your tuition and fees at any public college, university, or tribal college in the state if your family earns less than $80,000 a year.

  • The Fostering Independence Grant is available to Minnesotans who were in the child welfare system. This grant will cover the full cost of your attendance, including tuition and fees; an allowance for books, supplies, transportation, miscellaneous expenses, and housing; and food.

Other Great Resources

Logo of College Possible Minnesota with blue text and green gates

Minnesota students and families statewide can make a one-on-one appointment to get support with their FAFSA or Minnesota Dream Act application with College Possible. This college access group has staff who are ready and able to assist. Make an appointment on their website.

Logo for Rochester Community and Technical College with navy blue text and the R logo

Rochester Community and Technical College (RCTC) is able to help all students at their Welcome and One Stop Center, even if those not attending RCTC.

Moreover, they have a wonderful team of College Transition Advisors who are ready to assist with your FAFSA or Minnesota DREAM Act application.

Additional Resources

  • 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243)

    Call for answers to any FAFSA question! Available on weekdays only. Support offered in English and Spanish. See tab below for support in other languages.

  • 833-610-2590

    Press 7 to request an interpreter.
    Say "Interpreter - (your language)" in English and you will be connected with an interpreter.

    Available in Cantonese, Mandarin, Tagalog, Vietnamese, French, Korean, German, Arabic, Russian, and Haitian Creole.

  • 1-651-642-0567 or 1-800-657-3866, Press 2

    Call for questions about DREAM Act or North Star Promise.

  • Use the free Wyatt Chatbot resource to receive FAFSA support 24/7. The Wyatt Chatbot is designed for high school seniors, as well as any student who is looking for support in completing their FAFSA. Access the resource.

  • Locate the financial aid contact information on the website of your college or university.

  • View detailed walkthrough forms, information slides from previous financial aid events, and a comprehensive financial aid information packet in this Google Drive folder.

Don’t think you’ll qualify?

Think again!

Over $2.5 billion is awarded to undergraduates in Minnesota every school year. This number includes federal, state, and college-based grants, scholarships and loans. The majority of students will receive some type of aid, so it is always worth the time to complete this free application.