North Star Promise Scholarship

Beginning in Fall 2024, the North Star Promise (NSP) Scholarship program will create a tuition and fee-free pathway to higher education for eligible Minnesota Residents at eligible institutions.  The NSP scholarship is considered a “last-dollar” program by covering the balance of tuition and fees remaining after other scholarships, grants, stipends, and tuition waivers have been applied. 

Download the North Star Promise Fact Sheet

Descargue Ia North Star Promise Hoja Informativa

Eligible students must:

  • Be a Minnesota Resident
  • Have a family Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) below $80,000 (FAFSA or MN Dream Act application)
  • Attend a Minnesota public higher education institution or Tribal College
  • Not be in default on a state or federal student loan
  • Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards
  • Have not already earned a baccalaureate degree
  • Be enrolled in a program or course of study that applies to a degree, diploma, or certificate

Application Process:

 

What is a "Last-Dollar" Scholarship?

A "last-dollar" scholarship is designed to cover any remaining tuition and fee costs that aren't covered by other scholarships, grants, and tuition waivers. Before determining the amount of your "last-dollar" scholarship, these programs consider any other non-repayable financial aid—termed "gift aid"—that you may receive. "Gift aid" includes scholarships, grants, stipends, third-party payments, and tuition waivers, but not loans or work-study. The objective of these scholarships is to maximize the use of available funds and offer as many qualifying students as possible a route to a college education without the burden of tuition and fees.

How much aid can I receive?

There is no limit on the maximum term, yearly, or lifetime dollar amount of an award you can receive. The amount you receive is based on the "last-dollar" calculation of your eligibility on a term-by-term basis. You can receive up to 100% of the amount charged in tuition and institutional fees per term, minus all other sources of gift aid you receive. There are credit limits: 60 credits for an associate degree and 120 credits for a bachelor's degree. Note: Program of study fees, books, and ebooks (including online access) are not covered.

For more information, please visit: Minnesota North Star Promise Scholarship Program