University of Minnesota National Scholarship, USA

University of Minnesota National Scholarship, USA

The University of Minnesota (UMN) National Scholarship is a highly competitive merit-based award designed to attract top-achieving students from across the United States. If you are a high-achieving freshman from an eligible state, this scholarship can significantly reduce the cost of attending this prestigious Big Ten university.

Below is everything you need to know about the scholarship, including degree level, subjects, nationality, eligibility, benefits, application process, and frequently asked questions.

Scholarship at a Glance

• Scholarship Name: University of Minnesota National Scholarship
  
• Total Amount: $80,000
  
• Award Value: $20,000 per year (over 4 years)
  
• Degree Level: Undergraduate (Bachelor's degree)
  
• Subjects: All majors and fields of study at UMN
  
• Nationality: U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or Minnesota Dream Act eligible
  
• Residency Restriction: Open to residents of all U.S. states except Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin
  
• Deadline: November 1 (Early Action) or January 1 (Regular Decision)
  
• Notification: By end of March

Degree Level

Incoming first-year (freshman) undergraduate students only. Transfer, graduate, and non-degree seeking students are not eligible.

Available Subjects

Open to any major or academic program offered at the University of Minnesota's Twin Cities campus. Whether you plan to study engineering, business, liberal arts, biological sciences, or design, you will be considered.

Benefits

• Total Award: $80,000 over four years ($20,000 per academic year)

• Renewability: Renewable for up to 8 consecutive semesters (4 years) provided you maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined by UMN.

• Use of Funds: Covers tuition, fees, room, board, books, or other educational expenses.

• No Separate Application: You are automatically considered when you apply for admission.

Eligible Nationalities

• Citizenship Requirements: You must be a:

  • U.S. citizen, OR

  • U.S. permanent resident, OR

  • Eligible under the Minnesota Dream Act (for undocumented students who meet Minnesota residency criteria).

• State Residency (Critical): You must be a resident of any U.S. state excluding:

  • Minnesota

  • North Dakota

  • South Dakota

  • Wisconsin

• Note: If you live in one of the four excluded states, you are not eligible for the National Scholarship but may qualify for other regional or reciprocity-based aid.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Current Year in School: High school senior (incoming freshman)

2. Residency: Reside in an eligible U.S. state (excluding MN, ND, SD, WI)

3. Citizenship: U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or MN Dream Act eligible

4. Application Status: Submit a complete freshman admission application by the deadline

5. Holistic Review Factors: Strong academic performance plus consideration of:

   • Talents and achievements

   • Community service and leadership

   • Military service

   • Evidence of overcoming hardships

   • Unique background and diversity contributions

Application Procedure

There is no separate scholarship application. Follow these steps:

1. Complete the UMN Freshman Admission Application via the Golden Gopher Application or Common App.

2. Submit all required materials by the deadline:

   • High school transcript

   • Optional but recommended: SAT or ACT scores (check current UMN testing policy)

   • Personal essay

   • Activities list

3. Apply by one of these deadlines for full consideration:

   • Early Action: November 1 (recommended for priority scholarship consideration)

   • Regular Decision: January 1

4. Wait for notification. Scholarship recipients are notified by the end of March via their UMN applicant portal.

Tip: Even though the deadline says "varies," you must apply by January 1 at the latest. Applying by November 1 gives you the best chance.