🎓 University of Minnesota–Twin Cities Scholarships & Aid (2025–2026)

Sources (Intro):
Scholarships overview (auto-considered merit): https://admissions.tc.umn.edu/cost-aid/scholarships
University-wide academic scholarships list: https://admissions.tc.umn.edu/cost-aid/scholarships/university-wide-academic-scholarships
Admissions profile & test policy (ACT/SAT info; no ACT superscore): https://admissions.tc.umn.edu/apply/act-and-sat-information-freshman-admission
Freshman deadlines (EA I/EA II/Regular): https://admissions.tc.umn.edu/apply/freshman-application-deadlines
Deadlines & key dates (decision timelines): https://admissions.tc.umn.edu/hs-counselor-guidebook/deadlines-and-key-dates
University Honors Program (overview/benefits): https://admissions.tc.umn.edu/academics/special-programs/university-honors-program
Reciprocity overview (states/province; 2025 update on SD): https://onestop.umn.edu/finances/tuition-and-fees/reciprocity
Reciprocity info for ND/SD/WI/Manitoba residents: https://admissions.tc.umn.edu/admissions/freshman-admission/information-north-dakota-south-dakota-wisconsin-and-manitoba-residents
MSEP (Midwest Student Exchange Program) details: https://www.mhec.org/program/msep-midwest-student-exchange-program
College Scorecard (average net price): https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?174066-University-of-Minnesota-Twin-Cities

Average Federal Net Price (UMN Twin Cities): $16,982. That’s what families actually paid on average after grants and scholarships — no loans included.

Regional Discounts & Reciprocity:

• Reciprocity: Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Manitoba residents may qualify to pay near in-state rates (application required before enrollment).
• MSEP: UMN participates for select programs/majors, offering a reduced nonresident rate for students from participating states.

❓ Cost & Reciprocity FAQs

Who qualifies for reciprocity?
Residents of Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Manitoba who apply and are approved through their state/province agencies.

Is reciprocity automatic?
No — you must apply through your state’s higher-education office prior to enrollment; approval typically continues with continuous full-time attendance.

Does UMN superscore tests?
SAT: yes (superscored). ACT: no (single-sitting).

Sources (COA):
Official Cost of Attendance (resident & nonresident; includes Housing & Food): https://onestop.umn.edu/finances/cost-attendance
Tuition rates overview (resident vs nonresident context): https://onestop.umn.edu/finances/tuition-and-fees
Housing & residential life (context for on-campus housing/meal plans): https://housing.umn.edu/
Reciprocity (affects billed tuition for eligible residents): https://onestop.umn.edu/finances/tuition-and-fees/reciprocity
College Scorecard (average net price, federal data): https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?174066-University-of-Minnesota-Twin-Cities

Superscoring Policy: The University of Minnesota considers your highest ACT or SAT superscore when reviewing for admission and scholarships. They combine your best section scores from multiple test dates.

No Published GPA Cutoffs: U of M uses a holistic review. The GPA and test ranges below are based on past data and admitted student trends rather than formal minimums.

Scholarship	Award Amount	Eligibility (plain English)	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?	Deadline
Maroon & Gold Scholarship	$2,000–$12,000 per year	Typically 3.9+ GPA and 30+ ACT / 1370+ SAT (superscored)	No	Yes (4 years)	Top academic performers with rigorous coursework	Automatic upon admission
National Scholarship	$2,000–$10,000 per year	For out-of-state students with around 3.8+ GPA and 29+ ACT / 1330+ SAT	No	Yes (4 years)	High-achieving nonresidents who stand out in holistic review	Automatic upon admission
University of Minnesota Scholarship	$1,000–$6,000 per year	Typically 3.5–3.8 GPA; no test scores required	No	Yes (4 years)	Students with solid academics and course rigor	Automatic upon admission

Weighted GPAs Count: U of M uses a weighted GPA for admission and scholarship review, giving extra credit for AP, IB, and honors courses.

FAQs About Automatic Scholarships at U of M

Are there GPA or test score cutoffs?

No. U of M doesn’t publish strict cutoffs. Scholarships are based on a holistic review of GPA, course rigor, and—if submitted—your best superscore.

Does U of M use weighted or unweighted GPA?

Weighted GPA is used, so advanced coursework like AP, IB, or PSEO helps strengthen your scholarship review profile.

Do I need a separate application?

No. All admitted students are automatically considered for these merit awards. There’s no extra application.

Do superscores really help?

Yes. Superscoring allows U of M to use your best section results, which can improve scholarship eligibility for students who tested multiple times.

What counts as “competitive” here? These aren’t open academic contests for all applicants. They’re specialty awards with committee review—often based on American Indian heritage, college/department, or international status. We include them here because they are selective and not automatic.

Scholarship / Program	Award Amount	Eligibility (plain English)	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?	Deadline
SMSC Endowed Scholarship	Up to full tuition per year	American Indian students; financial need considered	Yes	Often (contingent on criteria)	Admitted students with verified eligibility and strong fit	Varies by cycle
College-Specific Awards (e.g., 3M Scholarship)	$2,000–$10,000 per year	Based on college/department (engineering, agriculture, arts, etc.)	Yes (varies by unit)	Varies	Students aligned with college priorities and criteria	Department timelines
Global Excellence Scholarship	$10,000–$20,000 per year	New international freshmen (F-1 visa)	No	Often (good standing required)	Top international admits in holistic review	Automatic during admission review
National Merit / Gold Scholar Award	Up to $40,000 total	National Merit Finalists who list Minnesota as first choice	No	Often (program rules apply)	Finalists admitted to U of M who meet designation rules	National Merit deadlines

FAQs About Specialty and Selective Scholarships

What makes these “competitive” if they’re not open to everyone?

They are limited and committee-reviewed. Eligibility is tied to factors like identity (e.g., American Indian heritage), college/department, or international status.

What are “college-specific” or “departmental” scholarships?

Awards run by a specific academic unit (e.g., engineering, business, agriculture). Some require a separate application or essays after admission; others are offered automatically once you’re in the major.

Are out-of-state students eligible?

Yes, many are open to nonresidents (especially college-specific and National Merit). Some identity-based programs have specific requirements.

Do international students have options?

Yes. The Global Excellence Scholarship is awarded during admission review to top international students; no separate application is required.

Scholarship / Program	Award Amount	Eligibility (plain English)	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?	Deadline
Horatio Alger – Annexstad / Davis Scholarship	Up to $25,000 per year	First-generation, Pell-eligible students with significant financial need	Yes (national application)	Often (multi-year if criteria met)	Students with documented need and resilience; strong references help	Fall; varies by foundation
Lu Mong Chi & Louellen Essex (CEHD)	$1,000–$2,500 per year	Social Work / Youth Studies (CEHD); often first-generation	Yes (department application)	Varies	CEHD majors who meet donor criteria and write strong short answers	Typically March 1
First-Gen Study Abroad Scholarship	Full airfare + $1,000	First-generation undergraduates pursuing approved study abroad	Yes (UM Abroad application)	No (one-time)	First-gen students with a viable program plan and clear goals	Semester before travel
Pride of Minnesota Band Scholarships	Varies; ~30% of members receive aid	Members of the U of M marching/pep bands; audition and participation required	Yes (audition / membership)	Often (annual review)	Committed band students in good standing with the program	Audition season (spring)
Tinsley Grant (BME / HRD)	$100–$1,500 per year	Business & Marketing Education or Human Resource Development majors	Yes (department portal)	Varies	Declared majors who meet GPA/credit benchmarks and submit on time	March 15
College of Science & Engineering Scholarships	$2,000–$10,000 per year	Engineering and science majors; some funds prefer specific regions or first-gen	Yes (college/department review)	Varies	Students aligned with CSE priorities (GPA, involvement, goals)	Varies by department
College-Specific Scholarships (e.g., Carlson Business)	$5,000–$10,000 per year	Business majors; some funds note MN residency, leadership, or service	Yes (through college)	Varies	Admitted business students who meet donor criteria and deadlines	February 1–March 1

Hidden Gems FAQ

Where do I find these smaller scholarships?

Most live on college or department pages (e.g., CEHD, CSE, Carlson) or student services (band, study abroad). Search your college’s “Scholarships” page and check your admitted student portal for unit-specific links.

Can these awards stack with other aid?

Often, yes—stacking depends on your financial aid package. U of M may reduce loans/work-study before reducing scholarships. Confirm with One Stop Student Services if you’re unsure.

Are these only for Minnesota residents?

Not always. Many departmental and program-based awards are open to nonresidents; some donor-funded awards specify residency or background.

Do I need a very high GPA?

Not necessarily. Several of these prioritize financial need, involvement (e.g., marching band), first-generation status, or a specific major. Read each fund’s criteria closely.

Who Typically Gets In? Most Honors admits have a GPA around 3.9+, rank in the top 5–10% of their class, and have taken rigorous coursework (AP, IB, PSEO, or dual credit). Test scores are optional, but many Honors students score in the 30–34+ ACT or 1400+ SAT range.

FAQs About the University Honors Program

Is Honors automatic or by separate application?

Honors consideration is automatic. All freshman applicants are reviewed for UHP during admission—no separate application or checkbox required.

What GPA or test scores do Honors students usually have?

Most have a 3.9+ GPA and top 5–10% class rank. If scores are submitted, ACT scores typically fall between 30–34 and SAT between 1400–1500+. Academic rigor is key.

Does Honors include scholarships?

No automatic awards are tied to Honors admission. However, Honors students often compete successfully for research grants and national scholarships later in their academic careers.

Do Honors students live in special housing?

Many first-year Honors students live in Middlebrook Hall, a quieter community with Honors floors and shared classes. It’s optional but recommended if available.

Can students join Honors after freshman year?

Yes. U of M allows qualified students to apply into the Honors Program after their first year. Applicants generally need a strong GPA and at least two years remaining to complete Honors requirements.

Standout Program: Academic Health Center & Medical School
Ranked among the Top 20 public medical schools for research and primary care (U.S. News 2025), the University of Minnesota’s Academic Health Center unites medicine, nursing, pharmacy, dentistry, public health, and veterinary medicine—making it one of the few U.S. universities where all six health sciences share a single campus.

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