State of Minnesota Programs
North Star Promise Program
Beginning in fall 2024, the North Star Promise (NSP) 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.
No separate application process is required.
Eligibility
- 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.
- Students attending any University of Minnesota campus will be considered.
- Not be in default on a state or federal student loan.
- Be enrolled taking at least one credit.
- Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards.
- Be pursuing your first degree and enrolled in an undergraduate degree program.
*Family Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) is defined as follows:
- For dependent students: AGI of the parent (and parent spouse if applicable).
- For independent students: AGI of the student (and student spouse if applicable).
- The Adjusted Gross Income is found on the Federal Income Tax Return information used on the student’s FAFSA for the aid year.
If eligible for the program, an amount will appear on your financial aid notice in the summer.
American Indian Scholars Program
The American Indian Scholars Program provides a first-dollar tuition and fee-free pathway for Minnesotans eligible for resident tuition who are enrolled members or citizens of any federally recognized tribe or Canadian First Nation to attend a Minnesota State institution or the University of Minnesota. Students not eligible for resident tuition who are enrolled members or citizens of a Minnesota Tribal Nation are also eligible for the program.
Eligibility
To be considered eligible, you must:
- Be pursuing your first degree and enrolled in an undergraduate degree program.
- Have fewer than 180 credits at the college-level.
- Be a Minnesota resident who qualifies for resident tuition and an enrolled member or citizen of a federally recognized American Indian Tribe or Canadian First Nation.
- If you do not qualify for resident tuition, you are still eligible for this program if you are an enrolled member or citizen of a Minnesota Tribal Nation.
If you meet the eligibility requirements, you can complete the American Indian Scholars Program Application. Once your eligibility is determined there is no need to submit an application again while attending any UMN campus.