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. Additional funding is available for noncredit Professional Development programs and certificates. Limited funding is also available for nondegree Long Term Care students taking the next step in pursuing their educational goals through CCAPS.

Future Scholarship Application Dates

  • Apply for fall term 2025 (2025–26 FAFSA required): May 1–29
  • Apply for spring term 2026 (2025–26 FAFSA required): September 22–October 20

Recipients are chosen on the basis of:

  • significant financial need (as determined by CCAPS)
  • strength of personal statement
  • academic record
  • extracurricular activities or community involvement
  • professional development
  • special circumstances

Scholarship awards are applicable to tuition and fees. For undergraduate students, awards typically range from $500 to $6,000 per term. For graduate students, depending on the applicant pool, financial need, and eligibility requirements, they range from $1,000 to $2,000 per term over a two-year period. Integrated Behavioral Health students are eligible for similar scholarship awards over a three-year period.

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

Each scholarship fund has its own set of eligibility criteria, and students are considered for all scholarships for which they qualify. To be eligible, all applicants must:

  • Be in good standing at the University of Minnesota.
  • Be a US citizen, permanent resident, or eligible noncitizen (this includes students covered by the MN Dream Act or with qualifying DACA status).
  • Be enrolled part-time or full-time in a CCAPS degree, certificate, or noncredit program.

Most scholarships take both financial need and academic achievement into account. To be considered for need-based scholarships, applicants must complete the FAFSA for the relevant academic year.

Please note that the Regents Tuition Benefit Program and the Senior Citizen Education Program (SCEP) are not compatible with CCAPS scholarships.

Additionally, CCAPS does not offer bachelor’s-level scholarships to students who already hold a bachelor’s degree, or graduate-level scholarships to students who already have a graduate degree. For nondegree students, only those enrolled in Long Term Care courses are eligible to apply.

Application Materials

  • Graduate students need to submit both a personal statement and a resume.
  • Undergraduate and nondegree students only need to submit a personal statement.
  • Noncredit applicants must submit the CCAPS noncredit application, a personal statement, and a resume.

If you’re unsure which materials you need or whether you qualify, we encourage you to reach out—our team is here to help!

How to Apply

1. File the annual Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), if you have not already done so.

Undergraduate MN Dream Act and qualifying DACA students who would like to be considered should submit the MN Dream Act application and also notify the CCAPS Scholarship/FA and Stewardship Coordinator.

2. Write a Personal Statement (not to exceed 500 words)

This statement is required and will factor strongly in your application. If you have applied for financial aid before, we encourage you to refresh your statement to reflect your current status. Please submit original work only. A statement suspected of being generated by an AI (artificial intelligence) program will not be considered.

The personal statement should describe your:

  • 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. Graduate and noncredit students must also prepare and submit a resume (for assistance, connect with Career & Internship Services). This is not a requirement for undergraduate or nondegree students.

4. Complete, review, and edit your online application prior to submission. Changes cannot be made once your online application has been officially submitted.

5. Submit the online scholarship application by the term deadline to be considered.

Contact Information

Questions about CCAPS Scholarships? Contact [email protected].