Financial Assistance 

All students are encouraged to apply for financial aid each year to help pay for college. In addition, many grants and scholarships and other funding programs available from Southeast, state governments, and the federal government. 

There are also several tuition-free programs offered for Minnesota Residents or members of a Minnesota Tribal Nation: North Star Promise Scholarship, Red Wing College Promise, College Opportunity Program Winona, and the American Indian Scholars Program. 

In addition to assistance from Financial Aid to help pay for college, there are other opportunities to explore if you need a little extra help with living expenses and basic needs. 

Southeast Cares Emergency Grant

The Southeast Cares Emergency Grant program provides up to $300 to cover emergencies/unexpected expenses surrounding situations like accidents, illness, death of a family member, transportation issues, fire damage, loss of job, or need for temporary housing. Applications are open to all currently enrolled students in a certificate, diploma, or degree program regardless of residency status. PSEO, concurrent enrollment, or customized training students are not eligible. One application per student per academic year.

Supporting documentation must be submitted: an actual copy of a recent bill, repair estimate or invoice, eviction notice, lease agreement with rent/security deposit outlined, etc. Copies of credit card bills or screen shots of account balances will not be accepted. Please utilize the Additional Comments box in the application to share a complete picture of your situation. 

Expenses Covered:

• Medical expenses
• Housing/utilities
• Transportation, car repair
• Back-up childcare
• Food insecurity

Expenses Not Covered:

• Tuition, fees, health insurance, books, tools
• Non-essential utilities (i.e., cable), household or furniture costs not related to damage or theft
• Parking tickets, citations, or other fines
• Costs for entertainment, recreation, non-emergency travel, or other non-essential expenses.

Additional Resources

• SNAP Plus Program: The SNAP Plus Program provides additional financial assistance for students in approved career/technical programs to help relieve financial stress and barriers associated with going to school including books, testing fees, required safety equipment/uniforms, transportation costs, and more. Participants must qualify for SNAP food assistance benefits.
• The 30-Days Foundation: Provides a one-time financial grant for Minnesota and Western Wisconsin residents for rent, security deposits, prescription costs, unexpected medical costs and/or aftercare.
• MNBenefits: Apply for state benefits easily online by completing one application in less than 20 minutes. Programs include SNAP (food assistance), emergency assistance, cash programs, housing support, and child care assistance. 
• FindHelp.org: A free search engine to help find assistance programs that help with food, housing, transportation, child care, paying bills, and other free or reduced-cost programs. 
• Tax Preparation Assistance: You may qualify for free tax return preparation for your federal and state income tax and property tax refund returns through Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) or AARP Tax-Aide. You may also qualify to file your own income tax return electronically at no cost. For details, see Free Electronic Filing. 
• Onward & Upward: A pathway for single parents and pregnant women in completing their education and achieving family financial stability and self-sufficiency. They aim to provide comprehensive wraparound social and financial support including monthly scholarships up to $5,000 and emergency financial assistance to overcome barriers to graduation. Offered through Catholic Charities of Southern Minnesota. Open only to those living in the Rochester or Mankato areas and enrolled in a one- or two-year healthcare or dental care degree.
• United Way 211: A statewide basic needs resource hub that provides students from Minnesota access to basic needs resources and support available in the community via phone, text, or chat 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Text your ZIP code to 898-211 (TXT211) or call 211 (toll free at 1-800-543-7709).