Financial Accessibility for our Students

Discover Financial Aid, Grants and Scholarships for Your Academic Journey

Cost should never pose a barrier to a new student accessing Red Lake Nation College. With a variety of financial aid options, including grants, scholarships, and federal aid, the opportunity to join our college should not be hindered by financial concerns. Whether you’re of Native descent or not, there are scholarships available to support your academic journey with us.

The college’s staff is committed to assisting you throughout the process, offering guidance and support at every stage. They’re available to help you navigate the complexities of financial aid applications and explore the various scholarship and grant opportunities. We aim to empower students to pursue their educational goals, recognizing the transformative power of education in shaping lives and communities.

If you’re aspiring to pursue higher education with us, rest assured that financial assistance is within reach. Take that initial step towards your academic future, knowing that the college’s supportive community is dedicated to helping you succeed. Let’s work together to turn your ambitions into reality and witness your journey to new heights.

Your potential knows no bounds, and we’re here to help you unlock it.

Financial Aid Programs

RLNC participates in the following aid programs.

Federal

Pell Grants, FWS, FSEOG.

Description: Grant program (portable)
Application: Complete FAFSA annually
Annual Amount: $5960 maximum per academic year. Lifetime eligibility a maximum of 12 full time semesters
Eligibility: Based on need
Deadline: Check FAFSA website and/or Financial Aid Office for deadlines.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG). PLEASE ADD: Veterans Affairs Benefits
Description: Applying for your VA education benefits can be done in just a few steps:
Apply online today if you know which benefit you want to use.
Visit your nearest VA regional office to apply in person.
Consult with the VA Certifying Official—who is usually in the Registrar’s or Financial Aid office—at the school of your choice. This official has application forms and can help you apply.
Call 1-888-GI BILL-1 (888-442-4551) to have the application mailed to you.

After you apply, use VA’s interactive map to find out how quickly your regional office is processing education claims. Your education benefits are processed at one of three specialized regional claims processing centers in Buffalo, NY; Muskogee, OK; and St. Louis, MO.
Application: https://www.vets.gov/education/apply-for-education-benefits/#modal

 

State

State of Minnesota, MN Indian Scholarship

 

MN Indian Scholarship:
Description: Provides postsecondary financial assistance to eligible Minnesota resident students who are of one-fourth or more Indian ancestry and demonstrate financial need for an award
Application: Complete online application
Annual Amount: $4000
Eligibility: 1/4 or more American Indian ancestry. MN Resident. Qualify for either Pell or MN State Grant
Deadline: July 1st
APPLY

Institutional

Tuition-discount aid programs exist; these are detailed in the RLNC College Catalog.

Other

Outside scholarships and grants are accepted; the Financial Aid Advisor completes any necessary institutional paperwork to enable students to receive such aid.

American Indian College Fund​

Description: Grant Programs; Tribal College General Scholarship
Application: Online application at: www.collegefund.org General fund deadlines are outlined by the school and vary
Annual Amount: Varies – no minimum or maximum
Eligibility: Native American enrolled or descendant. Must be making SAP Special Grant Program
Deadline: Online applications for the Full Circle Scholarships are accepted January 1 – May 31. Applications submitted after May 31 will only be considered if additional funds become available. RLNC will post deadlines each term for the in-house scholarships.
LINK: https://collegefund.org/

tribe

​Description: Varies
Application: Contact Tribal Education Office.

Bois Forte: Scholarship Application: LINK

Fon Du Lac: Scholarship Application: LINK

Grand Portage: Scholarship Application: LINK

Leech Lake: Scholarship Application: LINK

Mille Lacs: Scholarship Application: LINK

Red Lake: Scholarship Packet: LINK

White Earth: Scholarship Application: LINK

Annual Amount: Dependent upon funding

Eligibility: Must be enrolled in the tribe. Must be enrolled in an accredited college in an eligible program. Must apply for all financial aid including MN Indian Scholarship Program.

Deadline: Varies – Contact Tribal Education Office for specific deadlines.

Steps to Apply for Financial Aid at RLNC

    1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA):
      https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa

 

    1. Check your Student Aid Report for your Expected Family Contribution (EFC)
      which can be found by logging into the FAFSA.

 

    1. Go to the RLNC website: https://www.rlnc.edu

 

    1. Create an account.

 

    1. Click on the tab for Student Interview.

 

    1. Complete the Student Interview.

 

    1. It will ask for information on both parents, but you can choose one as “unknown.”

 

    1. If you have questions, contact the Financial Aid Specialist.

 

  1. Make sure to submit the interview when completed.

Disbursement of Books and Supplies

Pell Grant Eligible students and all other aid recipients are eligible to “charge” their books against their anticipated financial aid as long as they have a valid (non-rejected) ISIR on file, are not in loan default, are not on financial aid suspension, or ineligible due to a drug offense while receiving Title IV aid. Any charges not covered by financial aid are the responsibility of the student.

Book charging is allowed one week before each semester starts and ends on the 7th business day of the semester. A report is given to the Bookstore manager prior to the start of the book charging period by the Financial Aid Coordinator. It is this report that determines which students can and cannot charge books.

Financial Aid Office staff reserve the right to authorize book charging due to extenuating circumstances or college error, if warranted. If students choose to OPT-OUT of the way RLNC allows for book charging, then students must wait for a refund check to be released to them before they can purchase books on their own or may pay out of pocket for their books at any time.

Graduation

From the moment I stepped onto campus, I was welcomed by a vibrant community of dedicated educators, supportive staff, and diverse peers. The faculty at Red Lake Nation College demonstrated a genuine passion for their subjects and a commitment to fostering intellectual curiosity among students. The engaging and challenging coursework not only expanded my knowledge but also encouraged critical thinking and problem-solving skills that will undoubtedly serve me well in my future endeavors.

Jeff S, Design Student

I am delighted to express my sincere gratitude for the transformative experience I’ve had at Red Lake Nation College. The exceptional faculty, cutting-edge curriculum, and vibrant campus community have not only enriched my academic journey but also fostered personal growth. RLNC has provided me with invaluable opportunities to engage in hands-on research, collaborate with passionate peers, and develop critical thinking skills that will undoubtedly shape my future. I am proud to be a part of this institution, and I am confident that the knowledge and experiences gained here will propel me towards success.

Heather M, Engineering Student

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