Programs for Students with Disabilities

Tuition Waiver or Assistance
Minnesota resident students who are blind or deaf may be eligible for a tuition waiver or partial tuition assistance. To apply for either of these tuition assistance programs students must complete the Tuition Waiver/Assistance for Blind or Deaf Students Application.

Blindness
Students are eligible for a full tuition waiver if they are a legally-blind Minnesota resident. Student's vision must be no better than 20/200 or 20 degrees of visual field in the better eye for a full tuition waiver. Periodic exams will be required if blindness is temporary. The student is not required to be in a certificate or degree program to receive a full tuition waiver as a blind student, a common criteria in other financial aid programs.
In addition to the above assistance, State Services for the Blind assists with vocational and personal independence for persons of all ages who are blind or visually impaired. For more information, visit the MN State Services for the Blind at Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. 

Deafness
To receive a partial tuition waiver based on deafness, students must be currently enrolled and have either a Federal Pell Grant or Minnesota State Grant for the term or terms the tuition waiver is awarded. The student must also have a hearing loss of such severity that they are primarily dependent on visual communication, such as writing, lip reading, manual communication and gestures. The tuition assistance will be for any tuition and fees amount that remain after grants (federal, state, or other public or private grants) made to the student for educational purposes are deducted from tuition and fees charges. For that reason, students must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) that applies to the enrollment period of the tuition assistance.

Vocational Rehabilitation
Students may be eligible for vocational rehabilitation if they have a physical or mental disability that makes it difficult for them to find or keep a job. If students are determined eligible for services, Minnesota’s vocational rehabilitation program will consider student's eligibility for other financial aid and may fund some direct costs such as tuition, student service fees, books, supplies and equipment. Visit the Minnesota State Resources for more information, or contact a local Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) office in your county.