Scholarships
Many Anoka Tech students receive scholarships every year. In fact, students often graduate from Anoka Tech nearly debt-free due to college scholarships.
Scholarships for Anoka Technical College students are made possible by financial contributions received from alumni, businesses, foundations and other friends of the institution. Qualifications and eligibility requirements for scholarships vary.
Students who receive scholarships are strongly encouraged to write a thank-you letter to the individual, business or organization funding the award. Donors want to know that their money is being used to further the educational endeavors of their scholarship recipients.
Anoka Technical College students can apply online for fall semester foundation scholarships from April 1 to April 30, and students can apply online for spring semester foundation scholarships from October 1 to October 31.
Anoka Technical College scholarship awards range from $500 to $2,000 per year. During the 2023-2024 academic year, $203,500 was awarded to more than 142 students.
PSEO students are ineligible to apply for and receive Foundation scholarships unless they are applying for a scholarship that would be awarded after they graduate from high school.
Current Students
To complete an application, visit Anoka Technical College Online Scholarship Application.
At the online application page, click on “sign in with your school account” and sign in with your Star ID and password.
Applying online:
- saves time
- ensures accuracy
- ensures confidentiality
Please read the Student Scholarship Application Guide (PDF) for more information about how to navigate and complete the application.
Prospective Students
Prospective Anoka Tech students who would like to apply for a foundation scholarship should complete the Prospective Anoka Technical College Online Scholarship Application when the application portal is open. The prospective application is for those who do not yet have a Star ID and are not enrolled at Anoka Tech.
Note: Please read the Prospective Student Application Guide (PDF) for more information about how to navigate and fill out an application.
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Online Scholarship Application Available |
Deadline to Apply | Students Notified by Email of Application Status | Semester of Scholarship Disbursement |
| Oct. 1, 2024 | Oct. 31, 2024 | Dec. 31, 2024 | Spring 2025 |
Each semester, scholarships ranging from $500 to $2000 are awarded to students. Scholarships must be used for tuition, fees and books while you attend Anoka Technical College. Scholarships are available for both full-time and part-time students.
Annually, the Anoka Technical College Foundation awards more than $100,000 in scholarships.
Scholarship criteria includes scholastic achievement, financial need and special circumstances, educational and career goals and instructor recommendations.
Scholarships awarded to students from outside sources are considered a part of a student’s financial aid package.
These scholarships are awarded to students to help defray costs related to their attendance at a post-secondary institution.
Students are encouraged to contact their high school, local organizations and review information located at the library regarding scholarship dollars available. Even though we encourage students to apply for outside scholarships always be cautious of scholarship scams. We recommend only applying from trustworthy sources!
A few web sites that students may want to refer to include:
American Public Works Association
Ethel Curry American Indian Leadership Scholarship
Get Ready Student Success Scholarship
Horatio Alger Career & Technical Scholarships
Minnesota Association of Counselors of Color
Wallin Education Partners Scholarship (Up to $6,000 over 3 years)
Walter J. Breckenridge Environmental Scholarship (pdf)
Students are required to inform the Student Financial Aid Office of any scholarship awards they may be receiving from outside resources.
The North Star Promise (NSP) Scholarship program will create a tuition and fee-free pathway to higher education for eligible Minnesota Residents at eligible institutions. The NSP scholarship is considered a “last-dollar” program by covering the balance of tuition and fees remaining after other scholarships, grants, stipends, and tuition waivers have been applied.
Eligible students must:
- Be a Minnesota resident
- Have a family Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) below $80,000 (FAFSA or MN Dream Act application)
- Attend a Minnesota public higher education institution or Tribal College
- Not be in default on a state or federal student loan
- Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards
- Have not already earned a baccalaureate degree
- Be enrolled in a program or course of study that applies to a degree, diploma, or certificate
Application Process:
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Minnesota Dream Act Application.
- That’s it! The Financial Aid office will determine your eligibility on a term-by-term basis and award North Star Promise scholarships to all eligible students.
For more information, please visit: Minnesota North Star Promise Scholarship Program
The Minnesota Paramedic Scholarship is a temporary scholarship program for Minnesota residents completing a paramedic diploma or degree. It was passed during the 2023 Minnesota Legislative session to increase the number of licensed paramedics in Minnesota. A one-time appropriation for $3 million will provide up to 600 scholarships of $5,000 each starting Fall 2024 to be awarded by June 30, 2026.
Application Process:
An application is available from the Minnesota Office of Higher Education.
Eligibility:
Eligible students are Minnesota residents attending an eligible paramedic program. Students must be taking paramedic program courses to receive the scholarship.
For more information, please visit: MN Paramedic Scholarship
Grants
Anoka Technical College students may be eligible for grants listed here. Grants are a form of financial aid that does not have to be repaid. They can be provided by the federal government, the state of Minnesota, private organizations or non profit organizations. Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application to be considered for a grant.
Almost all federal grants and state grants are awarded to students with financial need. Most grants also require students to main satisfactory academic progress.
- Other applications may be required
- Grants may reduce your eligibility for other financial aid
- Students who plan to attend summer session may also be eligible for grants
- Most grants require students to maintain satisfactory academic progress
As you search for gift aid, don't forget to research the wide array of scholarships available from different agencies, companies, civic organizations and individuals who support higher education. Many students leave Anoka Tech nearly debt-free thanks to college scholarships.
Federal Pell Grant funds are available throughout the year.
Grant funds are gift aid.
Aid is made available to eligible undergraduate students who are enrolled in three (3) credits or more.
The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is awarded to a limited number of eligible students
As mandated by federal guidelines, FSEOG awards are awarded to students who are eligible for a Federal Pell Grant.
Each institution has limited funding in FSEOG.
The Minnesota GI Bill program provides postsecondary financial assistance to eligible Minnesota veterans and service members who have served in the U.S. Military and to the children and spouses of deceased or severely disabled eligible Minnesota veterans and service members who have served in the U.S. Military.
An applicant must: be a veteran who is serving or has served honorably in any branch of the U.S. armed forces at any time; or a non-veteran who has served honorably for a total of five years or more cumulatively as a member of the Minnesota National Guard or any other active or reserve component of the U.S. armed forces, and or a surviving spouse or dependent of a person who has served in the military at any time, and who has died or has a total and permanent disability as a direct result of that military service.
The student must also:
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be a Minnesota resident;
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apply for the Minnesota GI Bill benefits before the last day of the term for which benefits are requested;
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be less than 62 years old before the beginning of the term for which benefits are requested;
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be current on child support obligations, if applicable;
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be enrolled in an eligible MN post-secondary institution in a certificate, diploma or degree program;
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be making satisfactory academic progress in his or her academic program.
The Minnesota Office of Higher Education annually awards Minnesota State Grant to eligible Minnesota residents.
Students must submit their FAFSA application to the federal processors no later than 30 days after the start date of the first term for which they are applying.
Eligibility for the Minnesota State Grant program is exhausted after a student has reached the equivalency of four (4) years of full-time enrollment. Minn
The Child Care Grant program provides financial assistance to students who have children 12 and under, are not receiving assistance under the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP), and who demonstrate financial need for grants, to help pay for childcare while pursuing a postsecondary education. Funds are limited and awarded on a first-come basis.
- meet state residency requirements: Minnesota residents.
- not be recipients of MFIP.
- be enrolled 1-12 credits or more per term.
- Has not received childcare grant funds for a period of ten semesters or the equivalent. Students who have withdrawn for active military service after December 31, 2002, are given an extra term of eligibility.
- be making satisfactory progress.
- not be receiving tuition reciprocity benefits from another state.
- be pursuing a nonsectarian program or course of study that applies to an undergraduate or graduate degree, diploma, or certificate.
The award is based upon the EFC of the applicant and the number of eligible children within the family who need childcare, and the applicant’s level of enrollment.
The maximum award amount is $6,500 per eligible child per academic year. The amount of the award cannot exceed 40 hours of childcare per week per eligible child. The institution may increase the amount shown on the maximum award chart by 10 percent for infant care in certain counties.
To apply, please visit Minnesota's Office of Higher Education.
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.
You must be 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 on your campus may include nursing, medical assisting, surgical technicians, healthcare social workers, EMTs, paramedics, dental assistants, dental hygienists, and substance abuse and mental health counselors.
- STEM: High-need programs on your campus may include software development, software analysts, engineers, web developers, statisticians, and agricultural workers.
- Business: High-need programs on your campus may include accounting, financial management, auditors, human resource managers, bankers, and project managers.
- Industry and Technology: High-need programs on your campus may include 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 on your campus may include early childhood educators, childcare workers, school counselors and social workers
- Public service: High-need programs on your campus may include law enforcement officers, probation officers, firefighters, and public administration
You must meet ONE of the following requirements:
- Have a 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; OR received unemployment benefits between March 1, 2020 - December 31, 2021
- Have a Family Adjusted Gross Income (AGI)* reported on FAFSA or MN Dream Act Application of less than $50,000
*Family AGI for a dependent student includes parent and student AGI and for an independent student it includes student and spouse AGI.
Other Eligibility Criteria:
- You first enrolled during the 2021-22 or 2022-23 school year OR you are returning to college and have not been enrolled at any college in the last three semesters
- Meet the Minnesota residency criteria
- Not have already earned a baccalaureate degree
- Not in default on a state or federal student loan
- Not on SAP/FA Suspension
Student eligibility for the grant will be determined every semester. You will need to fill out the FAFSA each year. 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.
- To confirm your eligibility, complete the Minnesota Future Together Grant Eligibility Questionnaire.
- For more details, please visit Minnesota Future Together Grant website.
If you are eligible for a Minnesota Future Together Grant, your college will contact you with an award amount or additional questions to determine your eligibility.
If you do not receive a communication from your financial aid office but believe that you are eligible for the spring term, please send us an email at finaid@anokatech.edu.
The Anoka Technical College crisis grant program was developed to support students in a financial crisis by providing short-term assistance with essential needs. This fund is made possible by donations from private donors, college faculty and staff, community partners, and students.
Application Process & Intake Conversation: An intake conversation is an important part of the crisis grant application process. During this conversation, we will learn more about your current situation and may offer additional resources to help promote financial stability. If it is determined that the crisis grant program may be a good option to pursue due to your circumstances, the link to apply for a crisis grant will be shared. Crisis grant applications are completed in an online platform called Beam.
Please reach out to one of the following individuals to learn more about the crisis grant program and to complete the intake process.
Erica Stene Winkler, Counselor
Office: 190-H, Student Success Center
763-576-7860
estene@anokatech.edu
Schedule an appointment online here .
Molly Anderson, Completion and Success Coach
Office: 109, Enrollment Services Suite
763-576-4266
molly.anderson@anokatech.edu
What are crisis grants?Crisis grants are provided to assist students experiencing an unforeseen financial crisis where their ability to attend and participate in school is affected. Examples of a financial crisis include transportation or housing issues, unmet basic needs, or outstanding essential bills. Crisis grants are for non-academic expenses only and cannot be used for tuition, academic supplies, or books.
What are the eligibility requirements? Students must be currently enrolled in 6 or more credits. Crisis grant funding is only available during the academic term and funding cannot be provided during breaks between academic terms. Applications may not be reviewed until after the fifth business day of the term (after the add/drop period). A student's enrollment status, academic standing, and financial aid package will be verified as part of the review process.
What other resources are available? Students are highly encouraged to explore alternative funding and access community and county services before seeking a crisis grant. Information regarding resources on campus and in our local community can be found here.
How much is a typical crisis grant? A typical crisis grant award is around $300, but in some extreme cases a higher amount may be considered. Students may be able to apply for a crisis grant more than once, but there is a limit to the total amount of crisis grant funding that a student can receive during their time at Anoka Tech. Students who have not accessed available financial aid loans, explored alternative funding options, or met satisfactory academic progress standards may have limited crisis grant eligibility. Due to limited funds, first time crisis grant applicants may have priority over returning applicants, and larger crisis grant amounts may be reserved for those who have demonstrated academic success and are nearing graduation.
How is funding provided? Funds are provided to students through Beam, the online platform used to apply for crisis grant funding. If funding is approved, a student will receive an email from Beam and will also receive an update from the college.
Loans
Anoka Technical College offers a variety of loan options.
In order to qualify for federal loans, students must be enrolled at least half-time (six credits or more) when their aid is disbursed. Students who plan to attend summer session MAY also be eligible for grants, loans or work-study.
The Department of Education limits the amount of federal loans students may borrow each year and over their lifetimes. Three types of federal loans are available to students or their parents. Each has different interest rates and repayment terms.
- Direct Loans (Subsidized or Unsubsidized)
- Direct PLUS Loans (Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students)
- Private Loans
In order to qualify for federal loans, students must be enrolled at least half-time (six credits or more) when their aid is disbursed. Students who plan to attend summer session may also be eligible for grants, loans or work-study.
The Department of Education limits the amount of federal loans students may borrow each year and over their lifetime. Three types of federal loans are available to students or their parents. Each has different interest rates and repayment terms.
- Direct Loans (Subsidized or Unsubsidized)
- PLUS Loans (Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students)
- Private Loans
Loan entrance counseling and the Master Promissory Note, which are both required prior to disbursement of your first federal loan, can be completed under the Loans and Grants tab at https://studentaid.gov/ .
Please remember:
- Students have the ability to refuse all or accept only a portion of the loan funds available to them. If you wish to cancel all or a portion of your loan funds, you must provide a written request to the financial aid office. For questions on what is required to cancel your loan, contact the financial aid office by phone (763-433-1500) or email finaid@anokatech.edu
- Students have the right to cancel all or a portion of their federal, state, or private loan funds any time prior to disbursement. Parents have the right to cancel all or a portion of their federal PLUS loan any time prior to disbursement.
- You have the right to cancel all or a portion of your Federal Direct or PLUS loan disbursement any time within 14 days from the date of your Title IV disbursement notification.
- Students may return any funds they do not wish to accept by returning that portion to the loan servicer directly or you may request that Anoka-Ramsey Community College cancel some or all of the loan and return the funds on your behalf.
- All loans must be repaid. Make sure you understand when repayment of principal and/or interest is expected. Payments to some loans may begin earlier than others.
- Make sure you understand all of your rights and responsibilities under the loan program(s) you choose and contact the lender with any questions you may have.
- If you are using a co-signer to acquire a loan make sure they understand their obligations.
- If you are given the option of either paying or accruing the interest while you are in school, it is recommended that you pay the interest now rather than adding it to your loan debt.
- Borrow wisely! Do not borrow more than what is needed to achieve your educational goals. There are limits to what you can borrow as an undergraduate student regardless of if you are attending a two year or four-year institution.
- If you receive a Federal Direct Loan, the information is sent to your loan servicer. If you have questions about your loans when you enter repayment, we encourage you to contact your servicer. To find information about your servicer, visit Student Aid website, studentaid.ed.gov. You are responsible for repaying student loans that you receive at Anoka Technical College. Other state agencies, federal agencies, colleges, and credit companies will have access to information about the loans you agree to repay. It is in your best interest to have regular communication with your loan servicer as failure to repay can have negative consequences.
- If you are having issues with your student loan lender or servicer, the Student Loan Advocate with the Minnesota Department of Commerce is here to help. To file a complaint, please visit our web page. For general questions, please contact Student Loan Advocate Jabra Kawas at jabra.kawas@state.mn.us or 651-539-1022.