Minnesota residents who make under 80,000 AGI (Adjusted Gross Income) will be eligible for the North Star Promise (NSP) Scholarship “last dollar” program. Starting Fall of 2024, the Scholarship will cover the rest of the remaining balance of tuition and fees after other scholarships, grants, stipends, and tuition waivers deductions for new and returning students. Some individuals may be eligible to receive 100% of their balance. The goal is to provide free tuition, including fees for those in higher education. This will create a more accessible and affordable opportunity, especially for those who did not have the financial means to pursue higher education previously. As an incentive for the state, the program will also create more qualified candidates for the state’s labor force.
Other eligibility requirements include attending a Minnesota higher education public institution or Tribal college, with at least one credit enrolled, and have not already earned a bachelor degree. The course must also apply to a degree, diploma, or certificate. The individual will also need to be in good standing with previous state and federal loans Tribal colleges include:
- Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College
- Leech Lake Tribal College
- Red Lake Nation College
- White Earth Tribal and Community College
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is also a consideration, depending on the standards of the institution.
Students earning 2-year degrees, can receive the scholarship award for a total of 60 credits. Students earning 4-year degrees, can receive the scholarship award for a total of 120 credits. The maximum credits for which any student is eligible is a total of 120 credits.
