This program is designed to provide eligible Minnesota residents a tuition-free pathway for earning a certificate, diploma, associate’s degree, and bachelor’s degree in high-need careers. Funding comes from the State of Minnesota and is awarded to eligible students after grants and scholarships have been paid. Grants are available starting spring 2022 through 2024 OR until all funds are dispensed, whichever comes first.
Who is eligible?
- First enrolled during the 2021-22 or later OR are returning to college and have not been enrolled at any college in the last three semesters
- Enrolled as a degree-seeking student in a program that leads to a career in one of the following high-need areas:
- Healthcare: High-need programs including nursing, surgical technicians, EMTs, paramedics, dental assistants, dental hygienists, and substance abuse and mental health counselors
- STEM: High-need programs including software development, software analysts, engineers, web developers, statisticians, and agricultural workers
- Business: High-need programs including accounting
- Industry and Technology: High-need programs including machine tool technologists, operations managers, HVAC technicians, front-line supervisors, plumbers, construction managers, electricians/electrical line workers, heavy-duty mechanics, welders, automotive service technicians, and auto body technicians
- Education: High-need programs including early childhood educators, childcare workers, school counselors, and social workers
- Public Service: High-need programs including law enforcement officers, probation officers, firefighters, and public administration
- Meet the Minnesota residency criteria
- Not have already earned a baccalaureate degree
- Not in default on a state or federal student loan
- Must be making Satisfactory Academic Progress
- Those who meet ONE of the following requirements:
- Family Adjusted Gross Income (AGI)* reported on FAFSA or MN Dream Act Application of less than $50,000
- Family AGI* reported on FAFSA or State Aid Application of less than $100,000 AND have worked in a critical industry listed in Executive Order 20-74 at least part-time between March 1, 2020 – December 31, 2021
- Received unemployment benefits between March 1, 2020 – December 31, 2021
*Family AGI for a dependent student includes parent and student AGI and for an independent student it includes student and spouse AGI.
Student eligibility for the grant will be determined every semester. A student who receives a grant one semester is not guaranteed to receive funding for the next semester. Eligibility is subject to the availability of funds and any changes in your enrollment, FAFSA, or other financial aid may change the amount you receive each semester. Details can be found at http://www.ohe.state.mn.us/sPages/FTG.cfm.
If you are eligible for a Minnesota Future Together Grant, RCTC will contact you with an award amount or additional questions to determine your eligibility.
If you do not receive a communication from the financial aid office, but believe that you are eligible for the spring term, please send an email to request a review of your file or submit this electronic form for consideration.