Ability to Benefit
Ability to Benefit (AtB) is a federal financial aid rule that allows students without a high school diploma, adult diploma or GED to qualify for financial aid to help pay for college. Financial aid can you help you pay for tuition, books, fees and other educational expenses for college-level classes.
You may be eligible for Ability to Benefit financial aid pathway if you:
- Do not have a high school diploma, adult diploma or GED or equivalent
- 17 or older and formally released from high school
- Participating in an eligible Adult Basic Education program working towards adult diploma/GED completion
- Participating in an eligible career pathway program
Students participating in the Ability to Benefit receive embedded program and academic support that begins with an in-person orientation, academic tutoring, career and academic advising and a dedicated advisor who will support you throughout your journey at Minneapolis College
Eligible Programs
Business and Accounting
- Accounting
- Business AAS
Design and the Arts
- Apparel Technologies
- Architectural Technology
- Graphic Design
- Photography and Motion
- Web Design and Front-End Development
Education, Human and Public Service
- Early Childhood Education
Information Technology
- .Net Developer
- Android Mobile Developer
- Apple Mobile Developer
- Cisco Network Administration
- Computer Forensics
- Computer Security Specialist
- Computer Software Development
- Computer Support and Network Administration
- Cyber Security and Defense
- Database Administrator
- Database Specialist
- Information Assurance Professional
- Information Technology Fundamentals
- Java
- Linux Network Administrator
- Microsoft Network Administrator
- Open Source Developer
- Visual Basic .NET Developer
- Visual C#
- Web Developer
Trade Technologies
- Aircraft Maintenance Technician
- Bicycle Assembly and Repair Technician
- CNC Machinist
- HVAC-R
- Welding and Metal Fabrication
Steps to Apply
Step 1
Meet with the First Year Experience Coordinator to discuss career goals, program selection, and campus resources
Step 2
Apply to Minneapolis College.
- Apply for admission as a New College Student
- Determine your course placement
Step 3
Complete and sign Ability to Benefit Student Agreement.
Step 4
Complete Financial Aid Process
- Complete the FAFSA (school code is 002362)
- Log into your eServices account
a. Check your award status (takes about a week after FAFSA completion)
b. If you have any additional requirements to complete for the FAFSA, you
can track those through eServices - You will receive an award notification once all documents have been processed
- If you choose to borrow student loans, you must take additional steps.
- If you are eligible for grants, your tuition and fees will be paid during the third week of the term.
- If your financial aid exceeds your tuition and fees, you will need to select your refund payment option.
Step 5
Register for Classes
For advising assistance, you may
Make an appointment with your assigned advisor through Navigate,
or
- Attend a 1Stop event
Step 6
Complete Both Parts of Orientation
1. The online orientation is your “how to” guide for how to be a student at
Minneapolis College. You can rewatch the videos whenever you want!
Log in to your Minneapolis College online orientation account and upon login, click on New Student Orientation. Complete all lessons.
- Username: StarID@go.minnstate.edu
- Password: StarID password
- Note: it may take up to 24 hours after registering for classes to gain access to the New Student Orientation.
- First Light, the in-person orientation program, is your way to familiarize yourself with campus, learn how to use important student technology and learn about campus services.
Step 7
Please refer to Student Checklist for other to-do items before you start classes.
Where to find help completing your enrollment steps
For help with your admissions application and completing your FAFSA, we have a dedicated team to support you: TRIO Equal Opportunity Center:
- T.2800
- 612-659-6543
For financial questions after you have completed your FAFSA, you can contact Student Services:
- T.2100
- 612-659-6282
- Ask Us
For career exploration support and job search resources, you can contact Career Services:
- T.2300
- 612-659-6723