Founded in 1851, The University of Minnesota is a well-known research university located in the twin cities of Minnesota and Saint Paul. Yearly, over $50 million worth of UMN scholarships are awarded to students on merit or financial need.
If you are seeking reliable information to clinch one of these scholarship offers, you are in the right place!
This article is designed to give you all the details you must know about the University of Minnesota, its scholarship opportunities, and the eligibility criteria.
Types of UMN Scholarships Available
This article will focus on several categories of scholarships offered by the University of Minnesota, namely:
- University-wide Academic Scholarships
- Need-based Scholarships
- International Scholarships
University-wide Academic Scholarships
This Scholarship is a highly competitive scholarship. Freshmen who are admitted are considered based on an overall assessment of the freshman applications.
How to apply
As a freshman, you don’t need to fill out a separate application form for academic scholarships. Anyone who applies for freshman admission to the University of Minnesota Twin Cities by the regular deadline is automatically considered for these merit-based awards. That means you can concentrate on getting your admissions application in!
Eligibility and requirements
There are a number of requirements needed to get one of the UMN scholarships. There are;
- Recipients must be citizens of the U.S or permanent residents.
- A student’s high school performance is considered to ascertain the level of academic preparedness.
- An English proficiency test is required.
Note: English proficiency test may be waived if applicants meet the English proficiency requirements in an alternate way; for instance, ACT or SAT results, transfer courses from other U.S. institutions, specific high school curriculums, or country of origin.
- Class rank/Grade point average if available is considered
- Rigor of academic curriculum based on what is available in the high school (including enrollment in honors, AP, IB, A-Level, or college-level courses when available.)
Types of University-wide Academic Scholarships Available
| Scholarship Award | Description | Amount | Additional Criteria |
| Maroon and Gold Leadership Award | This is a highly competitive scholarship given to students with outstanding academic performances. | $12,000 each year for four years | Most awardees are picked from the top 1-3% of a graduating class |
| Gold Scholar Award | This scholarship is given based on academic qualifications, field of study, residential area, activities, and talents. | $10,000 is awarded each year for four years | Preference is given to National Merit Finalists. Recipients must also list the University of Minnesota Twin Cities as their first-choice college by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation deadline. |
| Presidential Scholarship | This scholarship is given based on academic qualifications, field of study, residential area, activities and talents. | $1,000 – $10,000 each year for four years. | |
| Bentson Family Scholarship | This scholarship is sponsored by the Bentson Foundation to support students with outstanding academic potential. | $24,000 over four year | Preference is given to students of the Jewish faith. |
| Minnesota Academic Excellence Scholarship | The Minnesota Academic Excellence Scholarship is funded by The Minnesota Office of Higher Education. The students are awarded based on their outstanding performance or potential in one of several subjects, including English or creative writing, Fine arts, Foreign language, Math, Science or Social science. | $6500 for four years | Must be a resident of the U.S. Must be interested in English/creative writing, fine arts, foreign language, math, science, or social studies. |
| Undergraduate Research Scholarship | This scholarship is sponsored by the College of Liberal Arts (CLA) office of undergraduate studies to support a student’s research or creative work endeavors. | $1,700 for one-year | Must have an interest in research. |
| Iron Range Scholarship | This is a highly competitive scholarship, most awardees are being selected from the top 10% of a graduating class. | $1,000-$3,000 each year for four years | Student must be a Minnesota resident or eligible for MN Dream Act. |
| National Scholarship | The UMN national scholarship was created for students across the U.S with great academic potential | $2,500, $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 each year for four years | Must be resident of any state, excluding Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. |
| University of Minnesota Alumni Association Freshman Leadership Incentive Scholarship | This scholarship is funded by the University of Minnesota Alumni Association (UMAA) | $2,000 or $3,000 for one year | Must be a resident of Minnesota or eligible for the MN Dream Act. Preference is given to first-generation college students. Financial need is considered. |
| National Merit University of Minnesota Scholarship | This scholarship is funded by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) | $1,000 each year for four years | Eligible National Merit Finalists who list the University of Minnesota Twin Cities as their first college choice by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation deadline are only accepted. |
Need-based Academic Scholarship
How to apply
The directive for application of this Scholarship is the same as the University-wide Academic Scholarship above. You may need to scroll up and check it again.
Eligibility and requirements
To be eligible for this Scholarship;
- Demonstration of Financial need is required.
- Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid by March 1 of their senior year.
Types of Need-based Scholarship available
| Scholarship Award | Description | Amount | Additional Criteria |
| American Indian Environmental Leadership Scholarship | This scholarship is funded by the Minnesota Indian Scholarship Program for students with at least one-fourth or more American Indian ancestry OR an enrolled member or citizen of a federally-recognized American Indian tribe or Canadian First Nation. | Amount varies | Must be committed to the protection/understanding of natural resources and the environment. Tribal enrollment is required and preference is given to students enrolled in CSE and from Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota or Wisconsin. |
| Dave Larson Scholarship | This scholarship was founded by the University of Minnesota Regent and former Cargill executive David Larson | $21,500 over four years | Must be a Minnesota resident or eligible for MN Dream Act |
| Buuck Family Scholarship | This scholarship was created basically for students with some kind of physical disability | $5,000 each year for four years | Must be committed to volunteerism |
| Olseth Family Scholarship | It was originally founded by Dale and Nancy through the Olseth Family foundation to support students with outstanding potentials | $23,000 over four years | Academic performance is considered and demonstrated leadership is observed. |
| Annexstad Family Foundation Leaders for Tomorrow Scholarship | The Scholarship is focused on investing in young people who come from very humble and challenging beginnings and grooming them to become great American future leaders | $25,000 over four years | Preference is given to Minnesota residents |
| Coca-Cola Scholarship | This scholarship is funded by The Coca-Cola Scholars Program scholarship. It is an achievement-based scholarship awarded to students in their final year of high school who show the capacity to lead and serve, as well as their commitment to making a significant impact on their schools and communities. | $5,000 for one year | No additional criteria. |
| Lotus Scholarship | This program is sponsored by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for up to 50 talented and deserving Egyptian students to obtain undergraduate degrees from Egyptian private universities in fields of studies that are important to Egypt’s current and future development. | $10,000 each year for four years | Preference is given to students participating in the University Honors Program |
| Horatio Alger-Annexstad Scholarship | This is founded by Al and Cathy Annexstad through The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc and is given to students who demonstrate great potentials in their education. | $25,000 over four years | Preference is given to first-generation students. |
See more about the need-based scholarships at University of Minnesota.
International Scholarships
International Scholarship is meant for students from other nationalities and countries. There are a limited number of International Scholarships available. Each scholarship has its individual eligibility requirements and application procedure.
Types of International Scholarships available
Global Excellence Scholarship (GES)
Eligibility and requirements
- All international students who apply by the deadline are automatically considered.
- It is a highly competitive award as students selected are among the best in their class and show a record of strong academic preparation.
- Students must maintain their F-1 immigration status to be eligible.
Amount Awarded
For the 2022–23 academic year, international freshmen can receive scholarships of $25,000, $15,000, or $10,000 per year for up to four years. Transfer students may receive $10,000 per year for up to three years when entering the University in the Fall semester. Transfer students entering the Spring semester will be considered for scholarships on a funds-available basis.
How to apply
There is no separate scholarship application available; undergraduate students are automatically considered for the GES based on an overall assessment of their on-time application for admission to the University of Minnesota. All awards are made at the time of admission, so continuing students who were not initially awarded are not eligible to apply.
International Student and Scholar Services Scholarships (ISSS)
Eligibility and requirements
- To be eligible for these scholarships, you must maintain your F-1 immigration status.
- These ISSS Scholarships are available for new students only.
- Students who demonstrate financial need within the expected range of the amount awarded are considered.
Amount Awarded
The expected range of available scholarship funding is $1,000–$5,000.
How to apply
You must complete an online application and several short essays by February 1, 2023 to be considered for these awards. You must also complete your application for admission by the regular deadline (January 1 for freshman applicants; transfer admission deadlines vary) and be admitted to the University of Minnesota by April 1. Recipients of awards are notified via email by April 1 of the year they plan to enter the University.
Undergraduate Research Opportunities Scholarship (URS)
Eligibility and requirements
- The URS Scholarship is awarded as part of a student’s admission award package
- Must complete the project at the end of August of second-year
Amount Awarded
Amount awarded is in two parts;
- $1,400 for 120 hours of research, that is paid through financial aid. Note that the first $700 will be awarded at the beginning of your project and the final $700 will be awarded once all four ending requirements are met.
- Up to $300 expense money is paid for expenses directly related to the project. A detailed list must be given on the URS application to account for the cost of supplies that are requested.
How to apply
Submit your application materials for review at any point in your first two years. You may not start your research until approved. There are no application deadlines.
To read more about Scholarships for International students, click here.
Colonial Dames of America Scholarship
Eligibility and requirements
- The Colonial Dames of America scholarship is available for current graduate and professional degree-seeking international students who intend to return to their home country after graduating.
- Students must be enrolled as a degree-seeking graduate or professional students in both the Fall and Spring semesters of the current academic year.
- Must be in legal F-1 or J-1 student status and have held this status for at least one year while attending the University of Minnesota Twin Cities.
- Must have financial need.
- Must be making satisfactory academic progress
- Must plan to use the skills and knowledge you have acquired in your education to contribute to your home country
Amount Awarded
The selected students will be named the Colonial Dames of America – Minnesota Scholars for the academic year and receive $7,000.
How to apply
Contact ISSS Fund at isssfund@umn.edu
Click here to see more on other categories of Scholarships in the University of Minnesota.
Conclusion
The University of Minnesota is ranked as a “best value” by USA Today, by the Princeton Review, and Kiplinger’s Personal Finance. They have competitive tuition grades, exceptional academic programs, and a huge focus on student success. This article has placed all the information you need at your fingertips. Now it’s time to reach your academic goals and aspirations!
