U Promise Scholarship

The University of Minnesota U Promise Scholarship (U Promise) is the University of Minnesota's guaranteed scholarship commitment to Minnesota undergraduate students whose families have an adjusted gross income up to $120,000 per year.

U Promise Scholarships are available to eligible new freshmen and transfer Minnesota residents enrolling full time at any University of Minnesota campus (Crookston, Duluth, Morris, Rochester and Twin Cities). To be considered, students must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

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Possible scholarship amounts

  • The U Promise Scholarship freshman awards range from $300 to $4,000 each year, for four consecutive years (varies by campus). 
  • Transfer student scholarship awards range from $300 to $2,000 each year, for two years. 
  • Higher awards are provided to students with greater financial need.

Do I need to apply for the University of Minnesota Promise Scholarship?

There is not a separate U Promise Scholarship application. Residents of Minnesota who are admitted to any of the University of Minnesota campuses and also apply for  the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will automatically be considered for the University of Minnesota Promise Scholarship. Students who are eligible for the Minnesota Dream Act will also be automatically considered.

To be considered, simply:

  1. Apply for admission to the University of Minnesota.
    For deadline information and online applications, visit each campus' website.
  2. Apply for financial aid.

For more information about applying for financial aid or to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online go to https://fafsa.gov. The FAFSA becomes available on October 1, and we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. (Undocumented Minnesota high school graduates should apply for aid through the Minnesota Department of Higher Education.)

How will I find out if I have received the U Promise Scholarship?

If you are eligible, the U Promise Scholarship will be included in your estimated financial aid notice. 

What are the eligibility requirements for the University of Minnesota Promise Scholarship?

Admitted University of Minnesota undergraduate students who are Minnesota residents and who complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) prior to enrolling will automatically be considered for a U Promise scholarship based on financial need. Please note that international students are not eligible for need-based scholarships.

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, or be eligible for the Minnesota Dream Act.
  • Complete the FAFSA. The FAFSA becomes available on October 1, and we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
  • Enroll full-time, taking at least 13 credits a semester, in a baccalaureate degree program at the University of Minnesota as a first time degree-seeking student. (Students who have already received an undergraduate degree are not eligible for a U Promise Scholarship.).
  • Have a family adjusted gross income up to $120,000.
  • Have demonstrated financial need. 

Please note that the U Promise Scholarship applies only to fall and spring semesters.

Is the University of Minnesota Promise Scholarship renewable?

New freshmen recipients are guaranteed their U Promise Scholarship for four consecutive years and new transfer students will be guaranteed their U Promise Scholarship for two consecutive years, as long as they continue to meet the eligibility criteria below.

University of Minnesota Promise Scholarship Eligibility Criteria

  • Be admitted to one of the University of Minnesota system campuses.
  • Complete the financial aid application each year.
  • Continue to be classified as a resident of Minnesota, or be eligible for the Minnesota Dream Act.
  • Maintain full-time enrollment, taking at least 13 credits a semester, in a baccalaureate degree at the University of Minnesota.
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress toward completion of your degree.
  • Be working on your first undergraduate degree. (Students who have already received an undergraduate degree are not eligible for a University of Minnesota Promise Scholarship.)

How many students benefit from U Promise?

Each year thousands of Minnesota resident undergraduates benefit from U Promise. There is no limit to the number of students who can benefit from the University of Minnesota Promise Scholarship; all new, incoming Minnesota residents who meet the eligibility requirements are guaranteed a U Promise Scholarship.

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

In addition to the need-based scholarships offered through U Promise, each University of Minnesota campus offers competitive scholarships to new students based on academic merit. Please contact us for more information:

Crookston: http://www.crk.umn.edu/admissions or 1-800-862-6466
Duluth: http://www.d.umn.edu/admissions/ or 1-800-232-1339
Morris: http://admissions.morris.umn.edu/ or 1-888-866-3382
Rochester: http://www.r.umn.edu/admissions or 1-800-947-0117
Twin Cities: http://admissions.tc.umn.edu or 1-800-752-1000

Questions?

Please contact the campus of admittance:

Crookston: [email protected] (email) or 1-800-862-6466
Duluth: http://www.d.umn.edu/admissions/ or 1-800-232-1339
Morris: http://admissions.morris.umn.edu/ or 1-888-866-3382
Rochester: http://r.umn.edu/contactonestop/ or 1-507-258-8457
Twin Cities: [email protected] (email) or 612-624-1111, 1-800-400-8636

Contact Information