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!
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Still have questions? Please email Foundation@riverland.edu
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.