College & Education in Minnesota

17 verified resources.

About College & Education for Fathers

Education resources for fathers include financial aid, adult education, workforce training, and college programs with on-site childcare. FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the gateway to Pell Grants, Direct Loans, and state aid. Pell Grants provide up to approximately $7,000 per year to low-income students and don't require repayment. GED and HiSET programs operate in every state through adult education providers, often free. Community colleges offer lower-cost two-year degrees and certificate programs in high-demand trades. The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funds training for eligible adults and dislocated workers. For fathers returning to school, on-campus childcare (often subsidized through the CCAMPIS grant), emergency aid funds, and single-parent scholarships make enrollment feasible. This directory covers state FAFSA offices, community colleges, adult education programs, and single-dad scholarships.

College & Education in Minnesota

Minnesota district courts hear family matters across its 87 counties. The Child Support Enforcement Division operates under DHS. Minneapolis-Saint Paul anchors the state; Rochester, Duluth, and Bloomington are other major metros. Legal Aid Service of Northeastern Minnesota, Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services, and Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid cover the state through regional LSC-funded programs.

17 Resources

1. Minnesota Office of Higher Education — Free

State agency administering Minnesota financial aid programs, grants, scholarships, and student loan programs from the Energy Park Drive office in St. Paul. Oversees the State Grant, PSEO, and other programs. Apply via FAFSA and Minnesota Dream Act application; bring proof of state residency, income info, and school enrollment details. Free information and application help for Minnesota students and families.

651-642-0567 · 1450 Energy Park Dr #350, St. Paul, MN 55108 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

2. Minnesota State Colleges & Universities — Paid

Minnesota State system offers affordable higher education through 26 colleges and 7 state universities across Minnesota from the system office on East 7th Street in St. Paul. Apply to individual campuses; bring high school or prior college transcripts, photo ID, and FAFSA results for financial aid. Tuition varies by campus and program; in-state residents pay lower rates than out-of-state students.

888-667-2848 · 30 7th St E #350, St. Paul, MN 55101 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

3. Minneapolis College — Paid

Two-year community and technical college offering associate degrees, certificates, and workforce training from the Hennepin Avenue campus in downtown Minneapolis. Serves transfer-bound and career-focused students. Apply online; bring high school transcript or GED, photo ID, and FAFSA for financial aid. Tuition is among the lowest in the state; part of Minnesota State system. Strong transfer pathways to 4-year schools.

612-659-6000 · 1501 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

4. Saint Paul College — Paid

Affordable two-year community and technical college offering career-focused programs and transfer degrees from the Marshall Avenue campus in downtown St. Paul. Serves traditional and non-traditional students. Apply online; bring high school transcript or GED, photo ID, and FAFSA for financial aid. Tuition is among the lowest in the Minnesota State system. Strong offerings in trades, health, and business.

651-846-1600 · 235 Marshall Ave, St. Paul, MN 55102 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

5. FAFSA – Federal Student Aid — Free

Free Application for Federal Student Aid is the gateway to federal Pell Grants, loans, and work-study for college students. File online at studentaid.gov; also required for Minnesota State Grant and most school-based aid. Bring the student's and parents' Social Security numbers, prior-year tax returns, bank statements, and driver's license. Free to apply; never pay a fee to submit the FAFSA.

800-433-3243 · 24/7 online · Visit Website

6. Minnesota GI Bill — Free

State education benefits program supplementing federal GI Bill benefits for Minnesota veterans, service members, and certain dependents. Administered through the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs on West 12th Street in St. Paul. Apply online; bring DD-214, proof of Minnesota residency, school enrollment verification, and federal VA certification. Free to apply; benefits paid directly toward tuition and fees.

651-296-2562 · 20 W 12th St, St. Paul, MN 55155 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

7. Hennepin Technical College — Paid

Two-year technical college offering career programs in manufacturing, healthcare, information technology, construction trades, and automotive from campuses in Brooklyn Park and Eden Prairie. Apply online; bring high school transcript or GED, photo ID, and FAFSA for financial aid. Tuition is among the lowest in the Minnesota State system. Strong apprenticeship and industry partnerships.

952-995-1300 · 9000 Brooklyn Blvd, Brooklyn Park, MN 55445 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

8. Northland Community & Technical College — Paid

Affordable community and technical college offering trades, career, and transfer programs at campuses in Thief River Falls and East Grand Forks serving northern Minnesota. Apply online; bring high school transcript or GED, photo ID, and FAFSA for financial aid. Tuition is among the lowest in the Minnesota State system. Strong aerospace, agriculture, and health programs serving rural communities.

218-683-8800 · 1101 Highway 1 E, Thief River Falls, MN 56701 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

9. ABE Minnesota – Adult Basic Education — Free

Free Adult Basic Education providing GED prep, English language learning, basic literacy, and workforce readiness for adults 17 and older across Minnesota at school districts and community partner sites. No income limits. Register at a local ABE program; bring photo ID and any prior transcripts. Free services; appropriate for adults returning to school or seeking to improve reading, math, or English skills.

800-222-1918 · Varies by location · Visit Website

10. Rochester Community and Technical College — Paid

Affordable two-year community and technical college offering associate degrees, certificates, and workforce training from the 30th Avenue SE campus in Rochester. Strong in health sciences and transfer pathways. Apply online; bring high school transcript or GED, photo ID, and FAFSA for financial aid. Tuition is among the lowest in the Minnesota State system. Serves southeastern Minnesota students.

507-285-7210 · 851 30th Ave SE, Rochester, MN 55904 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

11. Century College — Paid

Two-year community college offering career programs and transfer degrees from the Century Avenue campus in White Bear Lake, serving the east Twin Cities metro. Apply online; bring high school transcript or GED, photo ID, and FAFSA for financial aid. Tuition is among the lowest in the Minnesota State system. Strong transfer agreements with area 4-year universities and employer partnerships.

651-779-3300 · 3300 Century Ave N, White Bear Lake, MN 55110 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

12. Normandale Community College — Paid

Two-year community college in Bloomington offering associate degrees, certificates, and strong transfer pathways to the University of Minnesota and other four-year schools, from the France Avenue South campus. Apply online; bring high school transcript or GED, photo ID, and FAFSA for financial aid. Tuition is among the lowest in the Minnesota State system. Large honors program and strong STEM offerings.

952-358-8200 · 9700 France Ave S, Bloomington, MN 55431 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

13. Anoka-Ramsey Community College — Paid

Affordable two-year community college with campuses in Coon Rapids and Cambridge offering associate degrees, certificates, and transfer pathways from the Mississippi Boulevard NW main campus. Apply online; bring high school transcript or GED, photo ID, and FAFSA for financial aid. Tuition is among the lowest in the Minnesota State system. Serves north Twin Cities metro and east-central Minnesota students.

763-433-1100 · 11200 Mississippi Blvd NW, Coon Rapids, MN 55433 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

14. Lake Superior College – Duluth — Paid

Two-year community and technical college offering technical, career, and transfer programs from the Trinity Road campus in Duluth. Strong in health sciences, aviation, and trades. Apply online; bring high school transcript or GED, photo ID, and FAFSA for financial aid. Tuition is among the lowest in the Minnesota State system. Serves Duluth, the Iron Range, and northern Wisconsin students.

218-733-7600 · 2101 Trinity Rd, Duluth, MN 55811 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

15. St. Cloud Technical & Community College — Paid

Two-year technical and community college offering career and technical education, associate degrees, and transfer programs from the Northway Drive campus in St. Cloud. Apply online; bring high school transcript or GED, photo ID, and FAFSA for financial aid. Tuition is among the lowest in the Minnesota State system. Strong programs in trades, health, manufacturing, and business.

320-308-5000 · 1540 Northway Dr, St. Cloud, MN 56303 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

16. South Central College – Mankato — Paid

Two-year career and transfer community college serving south-central Minnesota with campuses in North Mankato and Faribault. Main campus on Lee Boulevard. Apply online; bring high school transcript or GED, photo ID, and FAFSA for financial aid. Tuition is among the lowest in the Minnesota State system. Strong in health sciences, trades, agriculture, and liberal arts transfer programs.

507-389-7200 · 1920 Lee Blvd, North Mankato, MN 56003 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

17. Minnesota State Grant Program — Free

Need-based state financial aid grant for eligible Minnesota college students attending participating in-state schools, administered by the Minnesota Office of Higher Education from the Energy Park Drive office in St. Paul. File the FAFSA or the Minnesota Dream Act application to apply; eligibility and award amounts depend on income, family size, and enrollment status. Free to apply; awards applied directly to tuition.

651-642-0567 · 1450 Energy Park Dr #350, St. Paul, MN 55108 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

College & Education — Common Questions

What do I do first if I want to go back to school?
Fill out the FAFSA at studentaid.gov. It's free and takes about 30 minutes. Results determine eligibility for Pell Grants (up to ~$7,000/year), Direct Loans, and state grants. Apply even if you think you won't qualify — results often surprise.
Is there childcare on college campuses?
Many community colleges and some universities operate on-campus childcare, often subsidized through the CCAMPIS federal grant for low-income student parents. Financial aid can sometimes cover childcare as a cost of attendance.
Can I get a GED online?
Yes. The official GED test is offered online (with in-home proctoring) and at testing centers. HiSET (used in some states instead of GED) is similar. Free prep through state adult education providers and through Khan Academy's free GED prep.
What is WIOA training?
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funds short-term training for eligible adults, often up to
0,000 or more for in-demand occupations. Apply through your local American Job Center. Programs cover CDL, welding, nursing, IT, HVAC, and many others.