First Year Incoming Student Scholarships

• Awarded automatically based on high school GPA.
• One year, non-refundable scholarship.
• No separate application required.

Award Amounts:

• GPA 3.5–3.74: $750
• GPA 3.75–3.99: $1,000
• GPA 4.00: $1,250

Deadline: Must be admitted by March 1 to qualify.

If your GPA improves, submit updated transcripts to the Scholarship Director by the March 1 deadline.

A competitive, four-year award for students with strong academics and leadership.

Award: $20,000 total ($5,000/year)

Eligibility:

• Top 10% of high school class or GPA of 3.8+
• Application, essay, and interview required

Deadline: January 15

Apply: In Scholarship Finder

The North Star Promise Scholarship creates a tuition- and fee-free pathway to higher education for qualifying Minnesota students. It’s a “last-dollar” scholarship, meaning it covers any remaining tuition and mandatory fees after other gift aid (like Pell Grants, state grants, and scholarships) is applied.

Eligibility:

• Family income under $80,000
• Must complete FAFSA
• Must be admitted to Minnesota State Mankato

Award: Covers remaining tuition and fees after other aid is applied

North Star Promise Details

Starting in Spring 2026, all South Dakota residents who enroll at MSU will automatically receive the South Dakota In-State Tuition Scholarship.

What it Covers:

• Reduces tuition to the MN resident rate.
• Valued at over $9,000 per year.
• Automatically applied—no separate application required. 

Eligibility: 

• Must be a legal resident of South Dakota
• Must be admitted and enrolled at Minnesota State University, Mankato
• Applies to undergraduate students starting in Spring 2026 or later

The Meredith Scholarship will be awarded to one selected undergraduate student who has demonstrated the potential and commitment to pursue a scholarly career in mathematics or natural sciences.

Award: $32,000 total ($8,000/year)

Eligibility:

• Top 10% of high school class
• Majoring in math, science, math education, biological sciences, life science, physics, chemistry, astronomy, physical science
• Preference for U.S. citizens and southern Minnesota residents (Residents from greater Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, and Wisconsin will also be considered.)

Deadline: January 15

Apply: In Scholarship Finder

For students interested in majoring in chemistry.

Award: $2,500 (one year)

Eligibility: GPA of 3.5+

Apply via: Scholarship Finder

Are you a high school student who is a National Merit Scholarship Finalist? If you list Minnesota State University, Mankato as the institution you plan to attend, you’ll receive an $8,000 scholarship—awarded over four years ($2,000 per year).

Award: $8,000 total ($2,000/year)

Eligibility: Must list Minnesota State Mankato as your college choice

Apply via: National Merit Finalist Info

Non-Minnesota residents may qualify for in-state tuition rates if they meet certain academic criteria. This scholarship is automatically awarded to eligible first-year students and can save more than $9,000 per year in tuition costs.

What It Covers:

• Reduces tuition to the Minnesota resident rate
• Automatically applied—no separate application required

Eligibility Requirements:
You must meet at least one of the following:

• Rank in the top 15% of your high school graduating class
• Have a GPA of 3.8 or higher
• Earn an ACT composite score of 25 or higher
• Earn an SAT Total score of 1200 or higher

Important Notes:

• This scholarship does not apply to students from reciprocity states of North Dakota and Wisconsin.
• It also does not apply to programs with one tuition rate for all students, regardless of residency

If one or both of your parents graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato, you may qualify for in-state tuition rates, regardless of your current state of residence.

What It Covers:

• Reduces tuition to the Minnesota resident rate

Eligibility:

• One or both parents must be Minnesota State Mankato alumni
• Student must be admitted and enrolled as an undergraduate

Apply: In Scholarship Finder