Financial Aid

• Grants – Aid that does not require repayment. Apply for federal grants through the FAFSA application. If you are eligible to receive grants, this money will be automatically applied to your account on the disbursement date according to the number of credits you are taking.
• Loans – Various student loan programs requiring repayment, typically with interest. Apply for federal student loans through the FAFSA application. If you are approved to receive federal loans, refer to your award letter for information about the three (3) steps needed to process your loans.
• Work Study – Paid employment through the college. Fill out the FAFSA application to find out if you are eligible for work-study positions. Information about work-study and how to find jobs are explained in your award letter if you were awarded work-study. This money is paid out after timesheets are submitted.
• Scholarships – Aid provided by organizations that does not require repayment. You can apply for Ridgewater Scholarships each semester through the Ridgewater College Foundation online scholarship application. Awards are applied directly to your student account.

The Disclosure Statement emailed or mailed to you from the Department of Education will let you know what the disbursement date(s) will be for your loan. Please allow 3-4 days processing time from that date for the disbursement to be deposited into your account or mailed to you.

Financial Aid Disbursement Dates and Information for the 2020-21 School Year:

• Fall Semester 2020 – September 4, 2020
• Spring Semester 2021 – January 25, 2021
• Summer Semester 2021 – TBA

Sign up for direct deposit:

• Log into eServices
• Click on the Financial Aid tab
• Choose Direct Deposit set-up
• Follow the prompts

Students participating in financial aid programs should become familiar with their rights and responsibilities. The FAFSA application should be filled out every year.
Rights & Responsibilities

The MN Dream Act also known as the Prosperity Act was included in the omnibus Higher Education bill passed by the 2013 Minnesota Legislature and signed into law by Governor Dayton on May 23^, 2013.

It provides certain opportunities to students who are undocumented or Deferred Action Childhood Arrival (DACA) and meet eligibility criteria:

1. Attended a Minnesota high school for at least 3 years (does not have to be consecutive) ; and
2. Graduated from a Minnesota high school or earned a GED in Minnesota; and
3. Registered with the U.S. Selective Service (applies only to males 18 to 25 years old); and
4. Provide documentation to show they have applied for lawful immigration status but only if a federal process exists for a student to do so (does not include applying for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals). There is currently not a federal process in place, so this documentation is not currently required.

The complete details on eligibility and the Dream Act Application are available at the Minnesota Office of Higher Education Dream Act website. If you have more questions or need to arrange for translation services please contact the Minnesota Office of Higher Education grant unit at 800-567-3866. If you have questions on the Dream Act application as it pertains to Ridgewater College please contact our equity & inclusion specialist.

Please note: You must fill out a FAFSA application online.

• Consortium agreement form – Hutchinson Campus [PDF]
• Consortium agreement form – Willmar Campus [PDF]
• Academic Plan
• Authorization to release student information 

Financial Aid Links

FAFSA – U.S. Department of Education’s fast, nearly error-proof online application for federal financial aid

FSA ID (Federal Student Aid ID) – Create and edit your FSA ID

Financial Aid Information – One of the most comprehensive collections of references and links to sites about financial aid

U.S. Department of Education – Explains federal student aid programs and how to apply

Minnesota Office of Higher Education – A great resource that includes a list of college costs in Minnesota, up-to-date information about higher education in Minnesota, and an interactive financial aid estimator

Internet System for Education, Employment and Knowledge – Promotes higher education, training, and career exploration and facilitates employment searches within the state of Minnesota

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – Education and Training section covers programs available for veterans

Loan Links

Federal Direct Loans – All the information you need about the Federal Direct Loan programs

National Student Loan Data System – For information about all of your federal student loans

Minnesota SELF Loan – Online SELF loan information and counseling sponsored by Minnesota Higher Education Services Offices

Federal Student Aid – Guide to defaulted student loans sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education

Gainful Employment Report [PDF]

Gainful Employment Reports Addendum [PDF]

• Additional information on financial aid
• Applying for Your FSA ID [PDF]
• IRS Data Retrieval Help [PDF]
• Request a Federal Tax Transcript [PDF]