Owatonna Opportunity Scholarship

To qualify, students must:

• Live in the Owatonna Public School District.
• Graduate from Owatonna Public Schools.
• Meet One of These Academic Requirements:
  • GPA of 2.5 or higher
  • ACT score of 18 or higher
  • ASVAB score of 31 or higher
• Complete application for the scholarship.
• Complete required volunteer hours in the community.
• The Class of 2025 will need 5 volunteer hours to qualify, every year the amount will prorate (2026 will need 10, 2027 will need 20, 2028 will need 30, 2029 and future years will need 40). Log your hours here.
• Enroll at Riverland as a Degree-Seeking Student (pursuing a certificate, diploma or degree) within one year of completing high school and maintain good academic standing.
• Students who have family incomes that make they eligible for the Northstar Promise Scholarship will not be eligible for the tuition award from the Owatonna Opportunity Scholarship. They will still be eligible for the minimum award each semester.
• 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.

• This scholarship covers tuition and fees. The scholarship funding will cover tuition and fee related expenses not met by other financial aid sources a student may receive. This includes federal/state aid the and other scholarships. Students who are eligible for the Northstar Promise Scholarship are not eligible for the gap tuition scholarship for the Owatonna Opportunity Scholarships. Northstar Promise Scholarship eligibility is based on students the family adjusted gross incomes (AGI) less than $80,000.
• Every student enrolled in 6 or more credits who meets the program qualifications (including being an OPS High School graduate, meeting academic criteria, completing volunteer hours, and maintaining enrollment) will receive a minimum award of $500
• Does NOT Cover Books or Tools - The scholarship only covers tuition and fees. You’ll need to cover other expenses like books and tools.

• This is a new scholarship for the Class of 2025 graduates. Currently, funding is available for the 2025-2026 academic year (Fall 2025, Spring 2026, Summer 2026). As more community partners contribute to the funding of this community scholarship program, it is hoped that it will continue to future years and students may be able to receive up to 65 credits of free-tuition.
• Students must enroll at Riverland within one-year of graduation (Fall 2025, Spring 2026, and Summer 2026).

• FAFSA Required – 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 Owatonna Opportunity Scholarship. Complete the FAFSA as soon as possible to receive your Student Aid Index.

• May 1st – Application for the Owatonna Opportunity Scholarship
• July 1st – Volunteer Hours completed

• For students who are eligible for the Owatonna Opportunity Scholarship, this scholarship will cover whatever tuition costs remain after financial aid like grants and other scholarships have applied. 
• Students who have family incomes that make they eligible for the Northstar Promise Scholarship will not be eligible for the tuition award from the Owatonna Opportunity Scholarship. They will still be eligible for the minimum award each semester.
• Student Aid Index
  Students who meet all the other eligibility requirements for the scholarship and receive a Student Aid Index of 15,000 or less will be eligible for the tuition 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. The FAFSA for Dream Act application is required every year to receive scholarship funds.
• Every student enrolled in 6 or more credits who meets the program qualifications (including being an OPS High School graduate & resident, meeting academic criteria,  and maintaining enrollment) will receive a minimum award of $500.

• Students will receive a pro-rated scholarship amount based on the number of years attending Owatonna Public Schools. See the percentages below for graduates of Owatonna:

  • Attend 4 years – 100% of the tuition and fees

  • Attend 3 years – 75% of the tuition and fees

  • Attend two years – 50% of the tuition and fees

  • Attend one year – 25% of the tuition and fees

• Check your Grades and Test Scores – if you are unsure, talk to your high school counselor.
• Apply for the Owatonna Opportunity Scholarship – Deadline April 15th senior year
• 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. The appeals committee meets once a month to review appeals. Appeal Form

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.

• If your family’s adjusted gross income is less than $80,000, you will qualify the NorthStar Promise Scholarship and will not be eligible for the tuition scholarship for the Owatonna Opportunity Scholarship.  The NorthStar Promise Scholarship will likely cover your tuition costs. 
• All students who meet academic and volunteer hour requirements will receive a $500 minimum award regardless of parent income.