UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM

Financial Aid at Minerva University

At Minerva we aim to help as many students as we can achieve their educational goals by reducing financial barriers. Financial aid is funded solely through private philanthropy, enabling eligible students of any nationality to apply.

Our financial aid model is grounded in four core principles. These principles guide every decision we make about financial aid, ensuring our support is both meaningful and sustainable.

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Learning-Focused Investment

We invest only in what enhances learning.

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Fair Share Contribution

Students and families contribute a fair share based on ability.

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Global Philanthropic Support

We rely on private donor support, not U.S. federal aid, to offer a global and inclusive program.

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Equitable Access

We offer aid regardless of residency.

Need-Based Financial Aid

Minerva provides aid based on each student's demonstrated financial need and the availability of scholarship funds.

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Low-Interest Student Loan

Affordable financing through Climb Credit. Aimed at minimizing long-term debt burden with competitive rates.

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Work Study Program

Earn up to $5,000 annually. Gain valuable work experience while earning money for education.

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Need-Based Scholarship

Grant funding when loans and work study don't cover need. Direct financial support that doesn't need to be repaid.

Important Note:

Minerva does not offer merit-based scholarships or full-ride packages.

All students are expected to contribute a base Expected Family Contribution (EFC).

Degree Holders

If you have already obtained an undergraduate degree or graduated from another university, prior to enrolling at Minerva, you may only be eligible for a low-interest student loan that covers only part of your cost of attendance.

Other Funding

Minerva does not participate in US Government Title IV financial aid funding, and therefore is unable to accept any loans, scholarships, or other sources of funding that falls within this category.

We strongly encourage students to research external scholarships. Many Minerva students have been successful at attaining external aid from organizations such as the Masason Foundation, the Last Mile Fund, Free the Children Trust, Amazon, the Adobe Circle Scholarship, and many more. These funds can help to either reduce the amount of loan a student needs to take out over their years at Minerva and/or reduce their overall expected family contribution.

Applying for Financial Aid

To receive a decision on financial aid, you must fulfill all specified requirements by the financial aid deadline for the admission cycle you apply in. We recommend applying for financial aid early, ideally during the Early Action cycle, to increase your chances at securing a comprehensive financial aid package.

Please note: if you have already obtained an undergraduate degree or graduated from another university, prior to enrolling at Minerva, you will only be eligible for a low-interest student loan.
1

CSS Profile
for Fall 2026

All applicants need to complete the CSS Profile as a dependent for Fall 2026.

Be sure to use Minerva School Code: 6033 when filling out your profile.

Complete your CSS Profile
2

Complete the Financial
Aid Questionnaire

After submitting your CSS Profile, you will need to complete the Minerva Financial Aid Questionnaire, which gathers additional details about your financial situation.

Financial Aid Center
3

Upload Required Documents

You will need to provide copies of the following documents:

  • 2023 and 2024 income statements (e.g., tax returns, W2s, or local equivalents).
  • Your parents' bank statements for the last 12 months (including checking, savings, investment accounts, etc.).

Have questions about Financial Aid?

financialaid@minerva.edu

Please note: if you are applying during the Early Action admissions cycle and will not yet have 2025 tax information available, please upload your parents’ most recent income statements instead.

Financial Aid Deadlines

Financial aid applications are due one week after the admissions cycle deadline in which you applied.

Early Action

November 11, 2025
Binding Enrollment Applications (Early Action only):
Apply for aid within 5 days of submitting your application.

Regular Decision I

January 20, 2026

Regular Decision II

March 3, 2026
Important:
Late Financial Aid applications will not be accepted. Students will not be eligible to apply for Financial Aid after they have received their admissions decision.

Key Statistics

70%+
of our students receive some form of financial aid
$5000
Annual work study available to aid recipients
$0
U.S. federal aid used—we are fully funded by private donors
$50,600
Annual direct cost before aid
Top 20
In WURI rankings for Funding for Sustainability, and Cost-Benefit Management

Estimated Costs
2025 – 2026

Class of 2030 Costs*

Tuition

$29,800

Housing

$18,400

Student Services Fee

$2,400

Estimated Living Costs1

$5,600

Total Cost of Attendance

$56,200*

* - Estimated Cost of Attendance, these costs are subject to change.
‍1 - Not paid directly to Minerva University

Additional Costs to Consider

Some expenses are not included in the bill from Minerva and must be independently covered. Plan ahead to budget for these essential costs throughout your journey.

For more detailed information, visit the Financial Aid Center to log in, check your application status, and explore the complete Financial Aid Handbook.

Have questions about Financial Aid?

financialaid@minerva.edu