Public Invited to Comment on Minnesota's Largest Financial Aid Program

Archive

10/6/2005

 

Contact:
Sandy Connolly
Minnesota Office of Higher Education
(651) 259-3902

The Minnesota Office of Higher Education will hold a public forum to hear input on the Minnesota State Grant program, a financial aid program providing need-based grants to more than 70,000 Minnesota college students each year. The agency invites participants to share their perspectives on the strengths and weaknesses of the program and provide suggestions for opportunities to improve the program to meet the changing needs of Minnesota students.

The forum will be held Friday, October 14, 1 to 4 p.m., at Metropolitan State University, 700 East Seventh Street, St. Paul, in the Ecolab Room of the Metropolitan State University Library on the north side of Seventh Street.

Participants who wish to speak at the meeting are asked to register in advance by contacting Ginny Dodds. Written testimony is welcome from those unable to attend the forum.

Minnesota State Grant Facts

• The State Grant program is a need-based grant program for Minnesota residents attending Minnesota institutions;

• The program awards approximately $130 million to students annually;

• 83 percent of state grant recipients report a family income of $50,000 or less;

• The average State Grant award is $1,656; however on average, qualifying students receive a combined federal Pell Grant and State Grant award of about $3,246 annually;

• State Grant awards are determined based upon the total cost of attendance and a student's ability to pay. Grants are pro-rated for part-time students;

• Students apply for the State Grant by completing and submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (or FAFSA) available at schools, libraries and at fafsa.ed.gov;

The Minnesota Office of Higher Education is a state agency providing students with financial aid programs and information to help them gain access to postsecondary education. In addition to managing the Minnesota State Grant program, the agency oversees tuition reciprocity programs, a student loan program, Minnesota's 529 college savings program, institutional licensing and registration and an early awareness initiative for youth.

This document can be made available in alternative formats to individuals with disabilities upon request.