Attend a Virtual Event

Understand Financial Aid

Suggested audience: 10th, 11th, 12th grade students and their parent(s)/guardian(s)

Paying for college should not be a barrier for anyone. This session will help you learn about the many ways to pay for college including grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study. We will answer these questions and more: Which funds are free to eligible students, which funds must be paid back, and which funds require a little work to receive but are still free?

• Recording | Slides, Q & A, Resources (October 8, 2024)

Apply for Financial Aid: FAFSA

Students are either eligible for the FAFSA or the MN Dream Act, not both. FAFSA is for 12th grade students who are U.S. citizens or eligible noncitizens, and their parent(s)/guardian(s).

In Minnesota, ALL students should apply for financial aid using one of two applications! The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the most commonly used form - and is for students who are U.S. citizens or eligible noncitizens. We will provide insight on specific sections of your application, tips to avoid common errors and more. Financial aid experts will be available to answer your questions in the Q & A during the session.

• Recording | Slides, Q & A, Resources (January 7, 2025)

Students are either eligible for the FAFSA or the MN Dream Act, not both. MN Dream Act is for 12th grade students who are undocumented, and their parent(s)/guardian(s).

In Minnesota, ALL students should apply for financial aid using one of two applications! If you are an undocumented student, you will not complete the FAFSA -- but you may still be eligible to receive State financial aid and in-state resident tuition by submitting the Minnesota Dream Act application. We will provide insight on specific sections of your application, tips to avoid common errors and more. Financial aid experts will be available to answer your questions in the Q & A during the session.

• Recording | Slides, Q & A, Resources (January 14, 2025)

Suggested audience: 10th, 11th, 12th grade students and their parent(s)/guardian(s)

Want to know more about earning free money for college? Learn how to search and apply for scholarships to help you pay for your education after high school. We will highlight specific scholarships, provide tools to keep you organized, and tips to make your application stand out!

• Recording | Slides, Q & A, Resources (January 21, 2025)

• Recording | Slides, Q & A, Resources (October 22, 2024)

Suggested audience: 12th grade students and their parent(s)/guardian(s)

Understanding your financial aid offer can be complicated, especially if you applied to more than one college or university. This session will help you understand how to read and compare them.

• Recording | Slides, Q & A, Resources (January 28, 2025)

New: They're In... Now What? Key Conversations Before College Starts

Suggested audience: Parents/guardians of current 12th grade students heading to college this fall.

This session covers some of the key conversations to have with your child before they start college. From understanding finances, to navigating a college campus, to making sure your child knows how to do their laundry, we will help you feel prepared to send your child to college!

• Recording | Slides (April 22, 2025)

Suggested audience: 10th, 11th, 12th grade students and their parent(s)/guardian(s)

Applying for college can be daunting. This session will help simplify the process, providing all the information you need to know about preparing, searching, and applying for college. We will provide a broad overview of how to choose a college, provide several tools to narrow down your search, and tips for completing your college applications.

• Recording | Slides, Q & A, Resources (October 1, 2024)

Suggested audience: 8th-11th grade students and their parent(s)/guardian(s)

Learn about the different ways high school students can earn college credit while in high school. We will discuss Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses . . . and explain the differences between Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) and College in the High School. We will provide some benefits of the different programs and courses, eligibility requirements, and how to access these options.

• Recording Link | Slides, Q & A, Resources (February 11, 2025)