Important Information
CCAPS scholarships are available each term and are open to both part-time and full-time students enrolled in CCAPS undergraduate and graduate degree programs or CCAPS undergraduate and graduate-level certificate programs. Limited funding is also available for nondegree students taking the next step in pursuing their educational goals through CCAPS. Recipients are chosen on the basis of academic record, strength of personal statement, extracurricular activities or community involvement, professional development, financial need, and special circumstances. Scholarship awards are applicable to tuition and required fees and typically range from $500 to $3,000 per term for undergraduate students and up to the cost of three credits for graduate students. Awards for nondegree students are one-time only awards applicable to tuition and required fees and typically range from $500 to $1,100. All awards are based on the strength of the application, eligibility requirements, financial need, and credit load; the number of awards and award amounts vary based on applicant pools, donor guidelines, and funds available. All applicants are notified of CCAPS Scholarship Committee decisions within eight weeks of the scholarship deadline.
Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility requirements vary by scholarship fund and by program, and students are considered for scholarship funds for which they meet the eligibility criteria. All applicants must be in good standing at the University of Minnesota; a US citizen, permanent resident, or eligible noncitizen; and enrolled part-time or full-time. Financial need and Minnesota residency are required for most funds. For CCAPS undergraduate degree program students, major status admission is required for most funds. CCAPS undergraduate certificate students must have half of their required certificate program credits completed prior to applying, and all CCAPS graduate students must have eight or more of their required degree or certificate program credits completed prior to applying. CCAPS nondegree students must be taking undergraduate-level courses and have a two-year educational gap to be considered.
Instructions—How to Apply
1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible, if you have not already done so.
2. Write a Personal Statement (not to exceed 500 words) describing:
- previous education (including any lapses in your academic progress)
- recent employment and unpaid volunteer work or other service
- extracurricular activities or community involvement, including descriptions of leadership held, distinctions, or recognition you have earned
- academic and professional goals and interests
- unique contributions you will bring to the field you are studying
- how this scholarship could help you reach your goals
3. Nondegree students must also obtain copies of any non-U of M academic transcripts for the application. All nondegree students are required to upload their non-U of M transcripts into the online application.
4. Complete, review, and edit your online application prior to officially submitting it. Changes cannot be made once your application has been officially submitted.
5. Submit the online scholarship application by the term deadline to be considered.
Questions? Contact the CCAPS Information Center at 612-624-4000 or email at ccapsinfo@umn.edu.