Founders Free Tuition Program

What is the Founders Free Tuition Program?

The Founders Free Tuition Program is a special award program that benefits qualified incoming students from Minnesota who meet certain financial need requirements.

The Founders Free Tuition Program guarantees grant and gift assistance in an amount at least equal to tuition and required fees on each University campus for all new incoming University of Minnesota students who are Minnesota residents and who are eligible for federal Pell grants.

The program will benefit a majority of students from families with an annual income less than $50,000. These are the students who most typically qualify for a federal Pell grant. Pell-eligibility, not income level, is the defining criterion for eligibility for the Founders Free Tuition Program.

What types of financial aid are included in the Founders Free Tuition Program?

The Founders Free Tuition Program commitment will be fulfilled with a package of grants and scholarships that will typically include a Federal Pell Grant and a Minnesota State Grant. Other federal and state grants may also be included as part of the Founders commitment.

Will I be considered for the Founders Free Tuition Program?

Incoming freshmen and transfer students from Minnesota who complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) prior to enrolling will automatically be considered for this award program based on financial need.

To be eligible, students must:

• Apply to and be admitted to a University of Minnesota campus, having satisfied all of the University's preparation requirements.
• Be classified as a resident of Minnesota according to University regulations.
• Complete the FAFSA recommended by the March 1 priority deadline.
• Be eligible to receive a federal Pell grant.
• Enroll full-time, taking at least 12 credits a semester, in a baccalaureate degree program at the University of Minnesota , Crookston

Be working on your first undergraduate degree.

What are the next steps?

1. Apply for admission!
2. Apply for financial aid! Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) recommended by the March 1 priority deadline.

For more information regarding eligibility and requirements, please contact One Stop Student Services at 218-281-8569 or 1-800-862-6466 or email at FA@umcrookston.edu .

Is the Founders Free Tuition Program renewable?

Students who enter the University as new freshmen are eligible to be considered for up to four years of support under the Founders Free Tuition Programs. New transfer students are eligible for up to two years of support.

Requirements for renewal:

• Continue to be classified as a resident of Minnesota .
• Complete the FAFSA each year.
• Continue to be eligible for a federal Pell grant.
• Maintain full-time enrollment, taking at least 13 credits a semester, in a baccalaureate degree program at the University of Minnesota .
• Maintain consecutive term enrollment every fall and spring semester.
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress toward completion of your degree.
• Be working on your first undergraduate degree.

Is the Founders Free Tuition Program available for summer semester?

No, the Founders Free Tuition Program is not available for summer semester.  You may be eligible for other types of aid for summer semester if you qualify.

Who is eligible for the Founders Free Tuition Program?

New freshmen were eligible for the Founders Free Tuition Program beginning in fall 2005. New transfer students will be eligible beginning fall 2006. The Founders Free Tuition Program is being phased in with each new class of incoming freshmen and transfer students, and will be fully implemented in 2008-09. When fully implemented, it is estimated that the program will benefit more than 4,500 University students.

Does the University offer other types of scholarships for new students?

Freshman scholarships

UMC offers a number of merit scholarships for incoming freshmen who demonstrate academic achievement. Award amounts range from $600 for one year to $20,000 ($5,000 each year for four years).

Transfer scholarships

Transfer scholarships are available for transfer students who achieve a 3.25 cumulative GPA while attending a prior institution of higher education.