10 Online Colleges That Accept FAFSA in Minnesota

There's no argument that higher education can be expensive. While Minnesota isn't one of the top ten states for highest tuition costs, it sits right on the outside at number 11, according to the Education Data Initiative; however, students can still find affordable online colleges in Minnesota to complete their degrees.

Luckily, financial aid is available to Minnesota students, even those attending online schools. Keep reading to discover the best online colleges that accept FAFSA for students in Minnesota.

10 Best Online Colleges That Accept FAFSA in Minnesota

Students who submit their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) could have up to their full tuition costs covered under Minnesota's North Star Promise program. This is a last-dollar scholarship program that covers remaining tuition costs after other grants and scholarships have been applied if you meet the following criteria:

• you're a Minnesota resident
• you're enrolled in an undergraduate degree program
• you're studying at a public Minnesota college or university
• your family has an Adjusted Gross Income of less than $80,000

Even if you don't qualify for this program, there are many other financial aid options, and several online colleges in Minnesota accept FAFSA so students can access financial aid. Find an affordable online college in Minnesota that accepts FAFSA with our top picks below, all of which hold regional accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

1. Bemidji State University

Bemidji State University is a public university in Bemidji, MN, and a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System. It offers online degrees at the bachelor's and master's levels in fields like:

• business administration
• criminal justice
• nursing
• social sciences

Students who fill out their FAFSA may be eligible for a range of financial aid opportunities, including the North Star Promise Scholarship. The university's FAFSA code is 002336.

2. College of St. Scholastica

At the College of St. Scholastica, students can earn bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and even doctoral degrees on campus or online. CSS is a nonprofit Catholic institution in Duluth, MN.

Students can take online programs in business management, computer science, nursing, and social work. Because CSS is private, students cannot use the North Star Promise Scholarship here, but the school offers several institutional scholarship programs. Its FAFSA code is 002343.

3. Concordia University St. Paul

The online programs at Concordia University Saint Paul include associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. Programs are available in fields like business administration, criminal justice, education, and information technology.

First-year undergraduate students who are Pell Grant-eligible may qualify for the CSP Pell Commitment, which covers the recipient's full tuition balance remaining after the Federal Pell Grant, Minnesota State Grant, and other scholarships have been applied. Other financial aid options are available as well, once students enter the school's code of 002347 into their FAFSA.

4. Metropolitan State University

Metropolitan State University is a public university in the Minneapolis-St. Paul ''Twin Cities'' metro area. It's another member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System and offers online bachelor's and master's degrees in fields like:

• business administration
• criminal justice
• human services
• psychology

As Metro State is public, Minnesota residents may qualify to have their tuition covered under the North Star Promise. The school's FAFSA code is 010374.

5. Minnesota State University, Mankato

Minnesota State University, Mankato is another member of the Minnesota State University system, and as a result, the North Star Promise is available here as well. The university is located in Mankato, MN, and its FAFSA code is 002360.

Online learners can assess online bachelor's degrees and online master's degrees in areas of study such as communication, education, information technology, and more. A handful of graduate certificates are also available to online students.

6. Minnesota State University Moorhead

Students at Minnesota State University Moorhead will find numerous online education programs in fields such as business administration, education, healthcare management, and nursing. The university primarily offers bachelor's and master's degrees through online learning, but a few doctoral degrees as well.

Minnesota State University Moorhead is a public university in Moorhead, MN, and a member of the Minnesota State University System. Its FAFSA code is 002367, and qualifying students can use this to access aid like the North Star Promise.

7. Southwest Minnesota State University

Southwest Minnesota State University is part of the Minnesota State University System and is located in Marshall, MN. It offers online bachelor's degrees and master's degrees in fields like:

• computer science
• education
• nursing
• psychology

As a public university, Minnesota students at SMSU will get in-state tuition and may qualify for the North Star Promise or other types of financial aid. The school's FAFSA code is 002375.

8. St. Catherine University

At St. Catherine University, college students can find online academic programs, primarily associate and bachelor's degrees, but also a few graduate programs. It is a private, nonprofit, Catholic university in Saint Paul.

Online undergraduate and graduate degrees are available in areas of study such as business, healthcare management, nursing, and social work. The university offers various scholarship programs to students, and its FAFSA code is 002342.

9. University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota is a public university system in Minnesota. The main campus, and the largest university by enrollment in the state, is based in the Twin Cities; however, it offers online undergraduate degrees primarily through its Crookston, MN campus.

Distance education programs for undergraduate students include majors in fields like agriculture, business, criminal justice, and information technology. Graduate programs are offered through the system's various graduate schools, and include options like business administration, computer science, and education.

Because the University of Minnesota system is public, Minnesota students can get in-person tuition rates and use the North Star Promise. The FAFSA code will depend on which specific campus you're taking online courses through.

10. Winona State University

Winona State University is another member of the Minnesota State University System. It's based in Winona, MN, and offers online undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

Students can earn degrees in areas of study such as business administration, education, and healthcare leadership. The university's FAFSA code is 002394.

Applying for FAFSA in Minnesota

Applying for FAFSA in Minnesota is the first step toward unlocking federal and state financial aid for your education. The process is simple and can help you access grants, scholarships, and loans to make college more affordable.

Eligibility

The only eligibility requirements to submit the FAFSA are that you are a U.S. citizen (or eligible noncitizen) and you have a high school diploma or equivalent, with plans to pursue higher education at an accredited institution.

Other than that, there are no eligibility restrictions to apply for FAFSA in Minnesota — the purpose of FAFSA is to determine your eligibility for different types of financial aid. All students who might need financial aid should apply for FAFSA.

Steps To Apply

Applying for FAFSA involves gathering important financial information and completing a few key forms. Following these steps carefully ensures your application is accurate and processed on time.

• Step 1: Create an account at StudentAid.gov.
• Step 2: Gather all the documents you'll need. If you're a dependent, this includes your parents' Social Security numbers, and if you're married, your spouse's. You'll also need things like your family's tax returns, as well as balances of cash, savings, and checking accounts.
• Step 3: Fill out the form with all the information you have, including the FAFSA code for all schools you're applying to, even if you haven't been accepted yet. This step usually takes about an hour.
• Step 4: Sign and submit your FAFSA.

Once you've submitted your FAFSA, you can check the status of your application through your StudentAid.gov account.

Other Financial Aid Options for Online College in Minnesota

Minnesota residents can access several state-based financial aid programs that work with FAFSA to help reduce college costs. These programs support both traditional and online learners across a range of degree levels.

Minnesota State Grant

The Minnesota State Grant provides need-based financial aid to residents pursuing undergraduate degrees at public or private institutions. To qualify, you must complete the FAFSA and demonstrate financial need.

Online students enrolled at participating schools can use this grant to help cover tuition, fees, and other education-related expenses. The award amount is determined by financial need, enrollment level, and program type.

Minnesota Postsecondary Child Care Grant

The Minnesota Postsecondary Child Care Grant assists low-income students who have young children and need child care while attending college. Completing the FAFSA is required to determine eligibility.

Funds can be used toward child care costs for students enrolled in online or on-campus programs. This grant helps working parents balance family responsibilities while pursuing higher education.

North Star Promise Scholarship

The North Star Promise Scholarship is a new last-dollar program that provides free tuition for eligible Minnesota residents with household incomes under a set threshold. Applicants must complete the FAFSA and enroll at a Minnesota public college or university.

Online learners at participating schools can also qualify for this scholarship. The program ensures cost isn’t a barrier for students seeking to earn their first degree.

FAQs About Using FAFSA for College in Minnesota

FAFSA connects Minnesota students with federal and state financial aid options for both online and on-campus education. Below are answers to common questions about eligibility and funding opportunities.

Can I Use FAFSA for Online College?

Yes, FAFSA can be used for accredited online colleges in Minnesota. Most regionally accredited institutions participate in federal financial aid programs, allowing students to apply grants, loans, or work-study funds toward their online studies.

Before enrolling, verify your school’s FAFSA eligibility to ensure funds are correctly applied to your tuition and fees. This step helps prevent any delays in receiving aid.

What Degrees Will Financial Aid Cover?

FAFSA can be used to fund a wide range of academic programs, including associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Many online certificate programs that award college credit also qualify.

Keep in mind that certain grants or scholarships may only apply to specific degree levels. Checking each program’s eligibility requirements helps you understand which forms of aid you can use.

What State Financial Aid Programs Are Available in Minnesota?

Minnesota offers several aid options beyond FAFSA, including the Minnesota State Grant, Postsecondary Child Care Grant, and North Star Promise Scholarship. Each program has unique eligibility requirements based on income, enrollment, and residency.

Completing the FAFSA ensures your information is shared with both federal and state agencies. Applying early each year maximizes your chances of receiving full financial support.

Find an Affordable Online College in Minnesota

Minnesota provides generous financial aid options that make college more accessible for online learners. Explore accredited online degree programs on Learn.org to compare schools, discover scholarships, and find the best fit for your goals.