Grants and Scholarships
Dougherty Family College students may be eligible for additional federal, state and private aid to help cover the cost of attending college.
Paying for College
Yes, College Can Be Affordable.
Dougherty Family College (DFC) is designed to provide you with a high-quality, affordable two-year college education. We keep tuition as low as possible. We want college to be affordable and accessible for students with a drive to succeed. We provide free meals, laptops and textbooks to make studying easier, and we provide generous financial aid.
After you complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Minnesota Dream Act, and with support from our donors, DFC aspires to help you earn a two-year (associate) degree with minimal debt. Learn how DFC is working to keep costs low.
DFC Tuition
More than half of our students who filed the FAFSA paid $1,036/year for tuition and fees in 2024-25. The average out-of-pocket cost per year for a Pell-eligible student who filed the FAFSA is $2,095/year in 2024-25.
Tuition and fees before financial aid: $15,036.
Financial Aid
A significant amount of financial aid is available through federal and state funding and through the support of generous donors. Your cost will depend on your need, this is determined by your FAFSA or Minnesota Dream Act application.
Financial Aid Advisor Padra Xiong, is your resource to help navigate the financial aid process.
Our Admissions and Financial Aid Team
Our admissions and financial aid team is ready to help you succeed. From enrollment questions, to paying your deposit and more, they’re equipped to help you succeed academically and financially.
FAFSA
Free Application for Federal Student Aid
To be considered for financial aid, you are required to complete the FAFSA using the school code 002345. Those who are unable to complete the FAFSA are required to complete the Minnesota Dream Act Application. Information about how to file the FAFSA is available on St. Thomas' undergraduate financial aid website. Once you are ready to fill it out, you should do so online.
Filed your FAFSA already? Get an estimate of how much Dougherty Family College will cost by contacting DFC financial aid.
Minnesota Dream Act Application
If you do not qualify to file the FAFSA and are a resident of Minnesota, you may still be eligible for financial aid through the Minnesota Dream Act grant program.
Grants, Scholarships and Student Employment
Finding financial and academic opportunities.
Student Employment
Students attending DFC can pursue student employment on campus if they find a position they qualify for and their schedule allows.