Riverland Community College

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 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)
• 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 must complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Students who receive a Student Aid Index of $22,437 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 as a last-dollar scholarship. 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 including the Minnesota North Star Promise and other scholarships.
• A $500 minimum award will be awarded to every student who meets the non-FAFSA based qualifications (OPS High School grad, academic criteria, volunteer hours, and enrollment).

• 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.

• April 15th – Application for the Owatonna Opportunity Scholarship
• July 1st – Volunteer Hours completed

• Last Dollar Scholarship – this scholarship will cover whatever tuition costs remain after financial aid like grants and other scholarship have applied.
• If you are not financially eligible (Student Aid Index at or below $22,437), you will receive a minimum award of $500 each semester.
• FAFSA or Dream Act Required – you need to complete the FAFSA or Dream Act application every year – scholarship funds will only apply after you have completed this process.

• 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. 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.

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