North Star Promise Provides Free College Tuition for Eligible Students
A new scholarship program could give approximately 20,000 Minnesotans free college tuition this year.
The North Star Promise program pays for the cost of tuition for students at any of Minnesota’s public colleges, including North Hennepin Community College, Hennepin Technical College and the University of Minnesota.
“This is a really great and unique opportunity for individuals that thought that education wasn’t in the cards for them because of the financial barriers, now they have that opportunity to leverage this scholarship program to be able to make that dream a reality,” said Julio Vargas Essex, vice president of student affairs at North Hennepin Community College.
To be eligible for the scholarship, families need to have an adjusted gross income below $80,000.
The Northstar Promise scholarship program could give approximately 20,000 Minnesotans free college tuition at public institutions like North Hennepin Community College.
Prospective students must also fill out either a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Minnesota Dream Act application.
Essex told CCX News that about 2,500 students at the college have already applied for the scholarship.
“It’s a pretty smooth and easy process,” he said. “The great thing about the North Star Promise is there’s no separate application. All students have to do is fill out their FAFSA.”
North Star Promise scholarships are so-called “last dollar” scholarships, so they pay for expenses not otherwise covered by grants, stipends and tuition waivers. They also only pay for tuition, not additional costs for education like room and board or books.
North Star Promise scholarships will be available starting fall 2024.
The Brooklyn Bridge Alliance for Youth is hosting a promotional campaign to increase awareness of the new scholarships. The organization can help prospective students navigate the application process.
The Minnesota Legislature started the scholarship fund in 2023.
