Are you a Minnesota resident of American Indian ancestry planning to attend Bemidji State University (BSU)? The Minnesota Indian Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to eligible students. Here’s what you need to know.
Who Can Apply
To be eligible for this scholarship, students must:
- Have one-fourth or more American Indian ancestry, OR be an enrolled member or citizen of a federally-recognized American Indian tribe or Canadian First Nation
- Be a Minnesota resident
- Apply for other existing state and federal scholarship and grant programs
- Enroll at least ¾ time as an undergraduate OR ½ time as a graduate student in an education program leading to a certificate, diploma, or degree at an accredited postsecondary institution in Minnesota, such as BSU
- Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
- Not be in default on a federal or state student loan or, if in default, have regained eligibility for federal or state student aid
- Qualify for either a Pell or State Grant and demonstrate financial need as an undergraduate student OR demonstrate financial need as a graduate student
How Much Money You Can Receive
The American Indian Scholarship is a “last dollar” scholarship, which is a type of financial aid designed to cover the remaining cost of college attendance after all other forms of financial aid have been applied. In other words, it fills the gap between a your financial aid package (which can include federal grants, state grants, institutional grants and private scholarships) and the total cost of attendance at Bemidji State.
- Up to $4,000 per academic year for undergraduate students
- Up to $6,000 per academic year for graduate students
Annual Award Limitations
Students may receive the scholarship for only one degree per educational level and one terminal graduate degree.
- Two-year program students: 3 annual awards or equivalent
- Four-year program students: 5 annual awards or equivalent
- Graduate or professional degree students: 5 annual awards or equivalent
- An annual award may include one eligible summer term, which counts towards these equivalent annual maximums
- Lifetime maximum: 10 annual awards (5 at undergraduate level + 5 at graduate level)
Application Process
The priority deadline is July 1. You’re encouraged to contact the financial aid office and your tribal education program.
- Complete the Minnesota Indian Scholarship application
- Complete the FAFSA or MN Dream Act application
- Apply for tribal education funds