Making Education More Affordable
Each year, we help CCAPS students like you find ways to make education more affordable. Thanks to generous new donor funds, there's more scholarship dollars than ever for CCAPS students. Last year, CCAPS awarded a record $1,267,173 in scholarships! Learn more about the many different CCAPS scholarships.
Also note that the new North Star Promise scholarship, unlocked with a FAFSA application, means undergraduate degree and certificate students whose Minnesota families earn less than $80,000 adjusted gross income annually may qualify for free tuition. Whether or not you receive CCAPS scholarship funds, you may still be eligible for North Star Promise funds
Degree and Certificate Students
Complete the FAFSA form Apply for CCAPS scholarship
Financial need-based CCAPS scholarships are available for each term. Review the CCAPS scholarship details for more information and follow the steps below.
- File the FAFSA annually (school code: 003969). This is required for the next step.
- Apply each term for a CCAPS scholarship.
- The spring 2026 application window is CLOSED
- Summer 2026 application window: February 23–March 23
- Fall 2026 application window: May 1–May 31
Possibilities
These two steps open undergraduate and graduate degree students and credit certificate students to the possibility of gift aid, which does not need to be repaid. This ranges from federal (limited to degree students), state, and university grants to CCAPS scholarships (details).
FAFSA also is a gateway to some loans (for half time+ degree students) and work study (must indicate on FAFSA) .
Other Options
Beyond the FAFSA and CCAPS application are other options, as well:
- Employment, service, and other grants and waivers
- U and other scholarships
- Funding for international activities
- Loans
- Tax benefits
- Employer reimbursement (check with your employer, note U employees seeking credit are not eligible for CCAPS scholarships, but should apply for the Regents Tuition Benefit Program)
More Resources
Be sure to check out the U's financial aid site for full details and MyU (My Finances tab) to check your financial aid status.
Professional Development Students and Osher Members
Apply for Professional
Development funds Apply for Osher Lifelong
Learning Institute funds
Other options include:
- Registration Discounts: Refer to your program or course site.
- Employer Funding: Talk with your employer.
- Tax Benefits: Learn about Lifetime Learning Tax Credit and deductions.
- AmeriCorps Awards
- Dislocated Worker Programs
- Minnesota Vocational Rehabilitation Services
If you would like to learn more about CCAPS noncredit courses and certificates before applying, you can schedule an appointment with an advisor. They can help you decide which course/certificate may be right for you.