Aid for Degree and Certificate Students
College of Continuing Education scholarships and grants
Scholarships and grants, which do not need to be repaid, are available for all of the College’s degree and certificate programs. Individual awards generally range from $1,000 to $5,000. Inter-College Program (ICP) and Program for Individualized Learning (PIL) students with approved degree plans may be eligible for larger awards. Many scholarships are available year-round; the application contains deadline dates for the fall, spring, and summer terms. Some students mistakenly believe that their academic record and/or financial need would not be strong enough to qualify for scholarships. We encourage you to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity! When you complete the application for students in degree and certificate programs, you will be considered for all scholarships for which you meet the eligibility criteria. Version 7.0 of Adobe Reader (available free at Adobe.com) is required to download the application, which can be completed online. Place your cursor in a field and type. Download and print the application and add the required signatures before you submit it. If you would like to have an application mailed to you, please contact the CCE Information Center.
Scholarship resources and tips
The U of M One Stop contains comprehensive information about scholarships, including online scholarship search tools, advice on writing a personal statement and requesting letters of recommendation, the impact of scholarships on financial aid, scholarships for study abroad or research with a faculty member, national and international scholarships, and scholarships from community, professional, and religious organizations, foundations, and corporations. Each scholarship has its own requirements, which means that there are options for many types of students and individual circumstances. As you begin your search, check scholarship tips for important questions to ask about award amounts, merit and financial need criteria, other eligibility requirements, and application materials and processes.
Financial Resources Wizard
The online Financial Resources Wizard is an easy to use, interactive tool that will help you identify other financial resources that match your situation. Every aid program has its own eligibility requirements. Since application deadlines and every person’s circumstances are different, the Wizard can save you time by helping you identify options that match your individual situation. The Wizard also contains links to in-depth information about each funding source. Help may be just a few clicks away!
U of M One Stop
Visit the U of M One Stop to learn about other resources to help you pay for your education, including grants, waivers, benefits, loans, and work-study. Check the One Stop frequently for information and updates about the financial aid process, including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), deadlines, types of aid, eligibility requirements, forms that may be required to complete your financial aid file at the Office of Student Finance, disbursement dates, satisfactory academic progress, and other information for which financial aid recipients are responsible. File the online Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to apply for federal, state, and campus-based aid, including grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study, administered by the University of Minnesota Office of Student Finance (OSF). Admitted undergraduates will be considered for the Federal Pell Grant, Minnesota State Grant, loans, work-study, and other grants and scholarships administered by the Office of Student Finance. The primary sources of OSF-administered aid for students admitted to the Master of Liberal Studies Program or post-baccalaureate certificate programs are loans and work-study.
Financial Aid Estimator
Check out the Minnesota Office of Higher Education Financial Aid Estimator if you are an admitted undergraduate student. The Estimator will help you determine your eligibility for Federal Pell Grant, Minnesota State Grant, and federal education tax credits and deductions.
Paying for Your Education booklet
For a comprehensive list of financial aid and other options, download the Paying for Your Education: Financial Aid and Other Resources booklet. These resources are also included in the Financial Resources Wizard.
