What is a scholarship?
Scholarships are monetary gifts, which means you don’t need to repay them or earn the funds by working. Scholarships are considered part of your financial aid package, and they may replace some or all of your financial aid eligibility, reducing your possible debt.
Further, many people who receive scholarships while attending school, become donors once they are gainfully employed.
My GPA isn’t high, is it worth applying for a scholarship?
You have the chance to receive a scholarship if you GPA is at least 2.5. You only have to apply to the college to be awarded. Further
Most FACF scholarship awards to Fergus Falls campus students are determined by academic achievement (GPA 2.5+) through an automatic tiered scholarship program. You just need to apply to attend the Fergus Falls campus of M State and have the other qualifications listed below.
If the qualifications are met, the tiers are as follows per year based on 12 or more credits taken each semester. You can be a part-time student and be awarded a prorated amount of the award:
| GPA Tiers | Award Amount |
| 3.95+ | $2,000 |
| 3.5 – 3.94 | $1,500 |
| 2.5 – 3.49 | $750 |
All awards are not guaranteed and besides GPA are based on the qualifications listed below. Students need to apply for admission early to be considered for the automatic scholarships as funding will be first-come, first-served and there will be limited amounts beyond the tiered program.
Qualifications/Requirements
To receive the full scholarship award, paid half in fall and half in the spring (automatic and applied) each semester a student:
- Must be enrolled at M State for a minimum of 12 credits. We may prorate for 6-11 credits. Prorating means we pay per credit. If $1200 annual award and taking 6 credits, the amount is ($1200/12 = $100 per credit * 6) = $600 prorated annual award.
- Must have and maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or greater.
- Must write a letter of thanks to scholarship representative(s). Information will be sent to students in mid-August.
- Must complete the RSVP and attend the scholarship reception during fall semester.
- Must be qualified as a Fergus Falls campus student by meeting at least one of the following criteria:
• Take 6 on-campus credits at Fergus Falls campus
• Participate in athletics at Fergus Falls campus
• Live in Fergus Falls campus housing
• Participate in fine arts at Fergus Falls campus
For a list of classes assigned to Fergus Falls, please run a class schedule at https://www.minnesota.edu/academics/class-schedules, sorted by campus via Advance Search.
If I have a scholarship, should I apply for financial aid?
Yes. You should always apply for financial aid by completing a FAFSA form. Financial aid comes in many forms. If qualified, you may receive a grant which is similar to a scholarship in that these funds do not need to be paid back. Even if you do not qualify for a grant, you may qualify for a student loan with a lower interest rate and which does not need to be paid back until you have completed your schooling. Please visit with the financial aid department for more detailed information: https://www.minnesota.edu/financial-aid
If I have financial aid, should I apply for a scholarship?
Yes. Scholarship funds are first applied to your college account to pay for tuition. If your tuition is already paid, you can use the scholarship funds to purchase books, pay for housing or other expenses such as food or child care.
If I receive a scholarship, do I need to do anything?
Yes.
Read, complete, sign and return your acceptance form. Directions of next steps will be included in your award email(s).
How will I know if I receive a scholarship?
Continue to check the email you provided on your scholarship application. All award notices and continuing communication will be sent to this e-mail address.
When are scholarships awarded?
Annual scholarships are awarded in April, May, June and July for the following academic year, as long as scholarship dollars remain available. Spring only scholarships are awarded during December before Spring semester begins. Payments to student accounts happen after the drop/add dates each semester.
If I have an annual scholarship, can I receive another scholarship for Spring semester?
No. Annual scholarships are awarded for the full academic year with ½ being paid during Fall semester and ½ being paid during Spring semester. As we have one application for the multitude of scholarships we award, you only need to apply one time.