Fergus Area College Foundation is proud to fund the Blue & Gold Scholars Program.
This is a merit-based scholarship program for eligible graduates of 21 area high schools and homeschools within the same region who enroll at M State Fergus Falls. Designed to provide students a well-rounded college experience without the worry of tuition costs, the program covers remaining tuition and fees after other scholarships and grants are applied. Student loans are NOT counted in this calculation, meaning students may not need to take out loans at all. Scholars receive exclusive benefits like priority housing and recognition events.
Who is impacted:
Students with a least a 3.0 GPA who graduated from one of 21 designated area high schools or homeschools within the same region and are enrolled in six or more credits at the M State Fergus Falls campus.
What the program is:
A “last-dollar” scholarship covering remaining tuition and fees after all other grants and scholarships are applied. The program also offers exclusive benefits like priority housing, mentorship and recognition events. Award amounts will vary per student, but could be as high as $5,000, creating a powerful incentive for local students to succeed.
Where:
M State Fergus Falls campus.
When:
Open now to qualifying students who will be graduating high school Spring 2026 and enrolling to start classes at M State Fergus Falls campus Fall 2026.
Why:
To reward academic achievement and engagement in leadership, service, athletics and fine arts to make college more affordable and enriching for local students.
Designated High Schools
- Ashby
- Barnesville
- Battle Lake
- Brandon-Evansville
- Breckenridge
- Campbell-Tintah
- Chokio-Alberta
- Clinton-Graceville-Beardsley
- Fergus Falls (Kennedy Secondary School)
- Hancock
- Henning
- Herman-Norcross
- Hillcrest Academy (Fergus Falls)
- New York Mills
- Parkers Prairie
- Pelican Rapids
- Perham
- Rothsay
- Underwood
- West Central Area Secondary
- Wheaton
- Homeschools within these same school districts
Eligibility Criteria
- GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Enrolled in 6 or more credits on the Fergus Falls campus per semester
- Participation in M State athletics, fine arts, college engagement through a recognized student organization, student worker or work-study, and/or live in campus housing
- Graduate of one of the designated high schools or homeschool within the same region
- Open to all income levels
- FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form completed
Benefits for Scholars
- Coverage of tuition/fees (after grants and scholarships are applied)
- Waiver of housing application fee
- Mentoring through the Spartan Mentorship Program
- Other special events
- Recognition via traditional and social media platforms
- Networking with college leadership
YES, I want to be part of the Blue & Gold Scholars Program! (please click)
FAQs (please click for details)
Q: How do I become a Blue & Gold Scholar?
Please visit the Blue & Gold Scholars Program enrollment page.
Q. What does “last-dollar” mean?
A: It means the Blue & Gold Scholars award covers any remaining tuition and fees after all other grants and scholarships are applied. Student loans are not included in the calculation.
Q: Why only Fergus Falls campus?
The program is funded by the Fergus Area College Foundation, which focuses on supporting the students on the Fergus Falls campus.
Q: Is this replacing other scholarships?
A: No. It is in addition to existing scholarships such as the North Star Promise and students are encouraged to apply for a leadership scholarship. Please see the Blue & Gold Scholars Program enrollment page for the additional leadership application.
Q: Why require GPA and extracurricular/campus involvement?
A: These criteria recognize students who demonstrate academic excellence and leadership, service and engagement which are all qualities that enrich the student experience and campus life.
Q: Will the program expand to other campuses?
A: Future expansion will be evaluated based on funding and program outcomes.
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