2025 FAFSA is Open!
FAFSA Resources and Opportunities for Fosters
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now open for the 2025-2026 school year! Completing the FAFSA is a crucial step toward accessing financial aid for college or career training. For Fosters, additional resources and support are available to help navigate this process and make higher education more attainable. Your higher education dreams are affordable!
Why Fill Out the FAFSA?
Filling out the FAFSA unlocks financial resources that make higher education possible. FAFSA connects you to:
Grants and Scholarships – Free money that doesn’t need to be paid back.
Work-Study Programs – Opportunities to earn money while gaining job experience.
Federal Loans – Affordable borrowing options with flexible repayment plans.
If you’re a Foster, completing the FAFSA can also help determine your eligibility for specific programs like the Fostering Independence Higher Education Grants (FIG) or Education and Training Vouchers (ETV). Learn more about these below in “Foster-Specific Resources.”
Why Fill Out the FAFSA Now?
The 2025-2026 school year might feel far away, but completing your FAFSA now can reduce future stress and free up time for other priorities. Submitting early can boost chances of securing the most financial aid since some schools and scholarships award funds on a first-come, first-served basis. The simplified FAFSA makes it easier than ever to complete—especially for Fosters with independent status, who don’t need to provide parental financial information.
If you’re already in college, winter break is the perfect time to get it done. By finishing FAFSA early, you set yourself up for success and can focus on what’s next!
Free FAFSA Support from the MN Office of Higher Education
The Minnesota Office of Higher Education (OHE) is offering free financial aid webinars on Tuesday evenings in January. Topics include:
Completing the FAFSA
The Minnesota Dream Act for undocumented students
Various ways to finance your college education
These sessions include live Q&A with experts and interpretation in Spanish, Somali, and Hmong. Attendees will also be entered into a $1,000 scholarship drawing!
➡️ Register for OHE FAFSA sessions here
Foster-Specific Resources
As a Foster, you may be eligible for additional financial aid programs:
Fostering Independence Higher Education Grants (FIG):
This program aims to eliminate financial barriers for Minnesota students who were in the foster care system. If you are a Minnesota resident under age 27 and were in foster care in Minnesota at any point after your 13th birthday, this grant may cover the cost of attendance at any eligible Minnesota public or participating private college and university.Education and Training Vouchers (ETV):
The ETV program provides up to $5,000 per academic year for post-secondary education at a college, university, vocational, technical, or trade school in the United States eligible to receive Federal Pell Grants. Students must be under age 26 and have been in foster care after their 13th birthday.
Additional Support for Admissions Costs
Applying to college should be accessible for everyone. Many colleges and universities in Minnesota offer free admission applications year-round, while others waive fees during special periods or for specific circumstances.
If application fees are stopping you from applying, contact us at sarah@fosteradvocates.org for help navigating fee waivers.
Next Steps
Don’t wait—start your FAFSA journey today to take advantage of these opportunities!
As a Foster, you have access to unique resources designed to make higher education more attainable. Programs like FIG and ETV exist to help you achieve your goals, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
If you have questions or need support, contact us at sarah@fosteradvocates.org. Together, we’ll make your education dreams a reality. Your future is worth investing in, and we’re here to ensure no opportunity is out of reach!
