Full-day program tuition

To qualify for middle or reduced tuition rates, proof of gross annual household income must be provided upon enrollment. To continue to qualify for middle or reduced tuition rates, you will again have to provide documentation each February, May, and October.

Income level	Gross annual household income range	Tuition rate
Low income level	Below 200% of FPL < $51,640	Reduced tuition rate
Middle income level	201% – 350% of FPL $51,641 – $90,370	Middle tuition rate
High income level	Over 350% of FPL >$90,371	High tuition rate

Full-time care costs

The costs below are for full-time care (Monday-Friday) and are billed on a biweekly basis. The costs below go into effect starting July 1, 2024.

Age	Reduced tuition rate	Middle tuition rate	High tuition rate
Infants	$760	$895	$988
Toddlers	$708	$806	$910
Preschool	$615	$750	$832

Tuition assistance

State of Minnesota tuition assistance programs

We accept payments from the Minnesota Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP).

The Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families offers Early Learning Scholarships directly to families who have a household income at or below 185% of the federal poverty level. Early Learning Scholarships cover 100% of tuition and fees. Apply online here.

• If you need help with your application for an Early Learning Scholarship, and you live in Hennepin and Ramsey counties, contact Think Small.
• Families who live in another county should visit this page to find their local scholarship program administrator.

Alex P. Galle Scholarship

CDLS’s Alex P. Galle Scholarship Fund provides need-based tuition assistance for 20% – 50% of tuition cost for qualifying families. Eligibility is based on household size using the Federal Poverty Guidelines for the most recent tax year.

• Our scholarships are provided through the generosity of donors. Funds are limited, and some families that qualify may not receive assistance.
• Families who apply for a CDLS scholarship must also apply for an Early Learning Scholarship if their child qualifies.

Please get in touch with us to learn more and to apply.

Tuition payment policies

Tuition is based on enrollment schedule rather than on actual attendance. Sick days, vacation days, holidays, staff development days, and emergency closings are considered to be part of the enrollment schedule.

Billing statements for child development services will be emailed to the University email address of the child’s University-affiliated caregiver. Please email cdls@umn.edu to inform us of any changes in email address.

Payment is due upon receipt by the Friday after the University payday and will be considered past due if not received by 11:59 p.m. A late charge of $30 will be added on the next billing statement and the balance must be paid in full within five program days or child care services may be terminated.

If paying by check, payments must be attached to the bottom portion of your invoice. Payments not attached to your invoice will be returned to you, which could delay processing and result in a late fee. If you do not receive your invoice, please contact the billing specialist to obtain another copy. 

Payment by check should be made payable to the University of Minnesota. Payments can be made via credit card online at pay.umn.edu.

If special circumstances occur and you cannot follow the fee payment policy or plan, please contact the billing specialist or the enrollment coordinator immediately. Please also alert the billing specialist to any discrepancies or disagreements concerning your billing statement.

We will charge a $35 handling fee for the processing of any check returned to the school due to insufficient funds. Upon receipt of the second non-sufficient funds check, all future tuition payments must be paid by cash, cashier’s check, money order, or online.