Riverland Community College

To qualify, students must:

• Live in Freeborn County.
  You need to be a resident of Freeborn County.
• Graduate in 2025 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+
• Complete the general online application through the Riverland Foundation.
  • The application opens March 1 and must be completed by May 15.
    https://riverland.academicworks.com/users/sign_in
  • This is a general application that will qualify you for the Freeborn County Community Promise Scholarship and other scholarship opportunities at Riverland.
• Students must complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Students who receive a Student Aid Index of 15,000 or less will be eligible for the scholarship. (By completing the FAFSA, you’ll receive your Student Aid Index Score. This score is based on a variety of variables including family income, family size, etc.) Riverland staff in the financial aid office can assist families with completion of the FAFSA. 
• 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 as a Degree-Seeking Student within one year of graduation (Fall, Spring, Summer) and complete within 3 years of graduation, while maintaining good academic standing.

• This scholarship covers up to 65 credits of tuition and fees as a last-dollar scholarship.
  The scholarship funding will cover tuition and fees not met by other financial aid sources a student may receive. This includes federal/state aid including the Minnesota North Star Promise and other scholarships.  
• A $500 minimum award will be awarded each semester to every student who meets the non-FAFSA based qualifications (Freeborn County Residency, High School grad, academic criteria, and enrollment). Students must be enrolled in 6+ credits to receive the minimum award. 
• Does Not Cover Books or Tools
  The scholarship only covers tuition and fees. You’ll need to cover other expenses like books and tools.

• FAFSA Required –
  You must complete the FAFSA or Dream Act application every year to receive scholarship funds.
  • FAFSA filing Deadline(s): 
    • Starting in the Fall Term – October 15th  
    • Starting in the Spring Term – March 15th  
    • Starting in the Summer Term – June 15th  
• Completing your FAFSA as soon as possible will enable you to know your full eligibility for the Freeborn County Community Promise Scholarship. Complete the FAFSA as soon as possible to receive your Student Aid Index which will determine your eligibility. 

• Last Dollar Scholarship
  This scholarship will cover whatever tuition costs remain after financial aid like grants and other scholarship have applied.  
• Student Aid Index
  Students who receive a Student Aid Index of 15,000 or less will be eligible for the scholarship. (By completing the FAFSA, you’ll receive your Student Aid Index Score. This score is based on a variety of variables including family income, family size, etc.) Riverland staff in the financial aid office can assist families with completion of the FAFSA. 
• Minimum Award
  If you do not meet the Student Aid Index of 15,000 or less, you will receive a minimum award of $500 each semester when enrolled in 6+ credits. In addition, you will be eligible for other Riverland Foundation scholarships.

• Check your Grades and Test Scores – if you are unsure, talk to your high school counselor.  
• Apply for the Freeborn County Community Promise Scholarship during your senior year – Deadline May 15th
• Complete the FAFSA/Dream Act application. 
• Those that apply will be notified – Riverland will notify all of those who are eligible via mailed and emailed letter.  
• Enroll at Riverland   
• There will be an appeal process established for scholarship eligibility to review special circumstances. Process to be determined.   

• 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.

• If your family’s adjusted gross income is less than $80,000, the NorthStar Promise Scholarship will likely cover your tuition.  
• All students who meet academic and volunteer hour requirements will receive a $500 minimum award each semester regardless of parent income when registered for 6+ credits.