Freeborn County Community Promise Scholarship

About

The Freeborn County Community Promise Scholarship is an incredible opportunity for area high school graduates to earn a tuition-free college education here at Riverland.

The scholarship offers up to 65 credits for any program on any campus, including online. Funding serves as a last-dollar scholarship, covering expenses not met by other financial aid sources a student may receive. The Promise Scholarship is made possible by community organizations, businesses, foundations, and individuals because education matters, and our students have promise!

Who Qualifies for the Freeborn County Community Promise Scholarship?

To qualify, students must:

  • Live in Freeborn County
    You need to be a resident of Freeborn County.

  • Graduate in 2024 from a Freeborn County High School
    This includes Albert Lea High, Alden Conger High, Glenville Emmons High, and NRHEG.

  • Meet One of These Academic Requirements:

    • GPA of 2.5 or higher
    • ACT score of 18 or higher
    • ASVAB score of 31 or higher
    • MCA Reading Score of 1042+ and Math Score of 1132+
  • Attend a Qualifying High School for At Least One Semester
    You must have been enrolled in one of the qualifying schools for at least one full semester, including the spring semester of your senior year.

  • Enroll at Riverland as a Degree-Seeking Student
    You must enroll in a program at Riverland Community College and maintain good academic standing.

What does this scholarship cover?
  • 65 Credits Covered
    The scholarship pays for up to 65 credits of tuition and fees.

  • Riverland Enrollment Required
    You must enroll at Riverland in the academic year after your high school graduation (Summer, Fall, Spring).

  • FAFSA Required
    You must complete the FAFSA or Dream Act application every year to keep the scholarship.

    • Deadline(s):

    • Starting Summer Term – June 15th

    • Starting Fall Term – October 15th

    • Starting January Term – March 15th

  • Does Not Cover Books or Tools
    The scholarship only covers tuition and fees. You’ll need to cover other expenses like books and tools.

How much is the scholarship?
  • Last-Dollar Scholarship
    This means the scholarship covers whatever tuition costs remain after other financial aid (like grants and scholarships) has been applied.

  • FAFSA is a Must
    You need to complete the FAFSA because this scholarship will only kick in after other aid is applied.

How do I know if I’m eligible for this scholarship?
  • Check Your Grades and Test Scores
    See if you meet the academic requirements. If you're not sure, talk to your high school counselor.

  • Get Notified
    Later this semester, students who qualify will be notified.

  • Complete the FAFSA
    Submit your FAFSA to determine your eligibility for federal and state aid.

  • Enroll at Riverland
    If you qualify, apply and enroll in a program at Riverland. Your scholarship will automatically apply once your financial aid is sorted.

Why was this scholarship created?
  • Local community leaders wanted to help students like you attend Riverland, our local community college. Riverland offers over 100 programs that can prepare you for a successful career right here in our community. This scholarship helps you take advantage of those opportunities.

    The Albert Lea and Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce, Albert Lea Economic Development Agency, and Riverland Community College Foundation teamed up to make this scholarship possible.

How will the Northstar Promise Scholarship funding impact my Freeborn County Community Promise Scholarship award?
  • If your family’s adjusted gross income is less than $80,000, the NorthStar Promise Scholarship will cover your tuition. To qualify for the Freeborn County Community Promise Scholarship, your family income must be $80,000 or more.

 

Still have questions? Please email Foundation@riverland.edu

Want to Support the Scholarship?

This scholarship is funded by local organizations, businesses, and individuals. If you're interested in supporting it, please reach out to Janelle Koepke at the Riverland Foundation.