The Minnesota Alternative State Financial Aid Application (formerly known as MN Dream Act) provides Financial Aid to qualifying MN residents who are ineligible to apply for FAFSA due to immigration status.
Eligibility Criteria
Commonly, students meet the MN residency requirement if they:
Lived in Minnesota for 12 consecutive months without 5+ college credits.
Graduated from a Minnesota high school or earned a GED in the state.
Attended a Minnesota high school for at least three years.
Males ages 18-25 years old, whose only way of establishing MN resident student status is via the MN Alternative State Financial Aid Application, must register with the U.S. Selective Service.
How to Apply
For the 2025-2026 academic year, the deadline is the 30th day of the term.
- Complete the Minnesota Alternative State Financial Aid Application:
Submit the application - Submit Necessary Documentation:
Be prepared to provide documents to verify your financial information, household size, high school completion, and selective service registration (if applicable). You can upload requested documents through your MNAid Student Portal. - Explore Scholarship Opportunities:
Students qualifying for the MN Alternative State Financial Aid Application are eligible to apply for NHCC foundation scholarships. Qualifying students may also apply for the $1,500 Alliss Grant. Please reach out to the financial aid office for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
The MN Alternative State Financial Aid Application should only be used by undocumented students who are not citizens or eligible non-citizens of the United States. Students who are citizens or eligible non-citizens should apply for financial aid using the FAFSA.
Eligible students may receive several types of financial aid, including grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. Grants may include MN Alternative State Financial Aid Application, Alliss Grant, and North Star Promise.
If you’re unsure whether you qualify for the MN Alternative State Financial Aid Application, please contact our financial aid office.
It’s important to apply as early as possible. Applying early may allow for more financial aid opportunities. To be eligible for the MN State Grant for the 2026-2027 academic year, the application must be submitted by the 30th day of the term.
Additional Resources
- General Information on the Minnesota Alternative State Financial Aid Application
- Minnesota Alternative State Financial Aid Application
- Financial Aid for Minnesota Undocumented Students Video
Need Help?
Contact the Financial Aid Office:
Email: FAID@nhcc.edu
Phone: (763) 424-0728