August 04th, 2024

North Star Promise Scholarship Program

Beginning in fall 2024, the North Star Promise (NSP) Scholarship program will create a tuition and fee-free pathway to higher education for eligible Minnesota residents at eligible institutions as a "last-dollar" program by covering the balance of tuition and fees remaining after other scholarships, grants, stipends and tuition waivers have been applied.
By making college accessible and affordable, NSP is intended to have a positive impact on multiple fronts:

• Help stabilize enrollment at Minnesota public institutions of higher education;
• Serve as an economic driver for Minnesota by educating qualified workers who are much needed to fill vacancies in the state's labor force;
• Create a viable higher education path for Minnesota residents who may have previously thought education was not a possibility for them.

We estimate this program will impact 15,000-20,000 students in the first academic year.

 

• More Information


• 
  
  • North Star Promise Frequently Asked Questions
  • Access the North Star Promise Promotional Toolkit

 
 Eligibility RequirementsEligible students must:

• Be a Minnesota resident
• Have a family Adjusted Gross Income* (AGI) as reported on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Minnesota Dream Act Application below $80,000.
• Attend a Minnesota public higher education institution or Tribal College
• Not be in default on a state or federal student loan
• Be enrolled taking at least one credit
• Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards
• Have not already earned a baccalaureate degree (including those earned in a foreign country)
• Be enrolled in a program or course of study that applies to a degree, diploma, or certificate

 Eligible InstitutionsAll Minnesota public higher education institutions and Tribal Colleges will be eligible.

• All Minnesota State Colleges and Universities
• All University of Minnesota campuses
• All Tribal Colleges
  • Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College
  • Leech Lake Tribal College
  • Red Lake Nation College
  • White Earth Tribal and Community College

An institution may offer programs that are not eligible for Federal Title IV Aid and Minnesota financial aid.
Typically, this is because the program length is too short to meet requirements for federal and state financial aid.



*What does family Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) mean?

Application Process

• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Minnesota Dream Act Application
• There is no additional application beyond the FAFSA or Minnesota Dream Act Application.
• The eligible college or university you are attending will assess your eligibility on a term-by-term basis and award North Star Promise Scholarships to all eligible students.

Access the FAFSA  Access the MN Dream Act

Note: The 2024-25 FAFSA and Minnesota Dream Act are now available for students to complete.




North Star Promise Award InformationHow much money can you receive?How is the award determined?How are students notified about their scholarship?What does “last-dollar” mean?Is the scholarship renewable? If so, for how long?Are students attending private nonprofit colleges eligible?Can I be eligible for the scholarship, but not receive an award?Is there an age restriction on the North Star Promise Scholarship?Are family size or household size considered in the North Star Promise eligibility requirements?In order to qualify, do I have to be a new, first-time student for 2024-25 school year?About the North Star Promise Plus (NSP+) AwardNorth Star Promise Plus (NSP+) is a supplemental financial aid award given to students who are North Star Promise (NSP) eligible and who receive a Federal Pell Grant.
What are the eligibility requirements?How is the award calculated and how much money can I receive?What can students use NSP+ funds for?Can MN Dream Act eligible students receive NSP+ Funds?How do I know if I received NSP+ funds?

North Star Promise Promotional ToolkitPrintable MaterialsSocial Media GraphicsSocial Media Sample TextDigital SignagePresentation Resources

Contact Information

• We continue to plan for this exciting new state financial aid program and will update this website as more information becomes available.  In the meantime, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at [email protected]
• Click here to read additional North Star Promise Scholarship Frequently Asked Questions.
• If you are a member of the media and have questions about the program, please email OHE Director of Communications Keith Hovis, [email protected]

 



More Information

• North Star Promise Frequently Asked Questions