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.
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:
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Minnesota Dream Act Application.
- That’s it! The Financial Aid office will determine your eligibility on a term-by-term basis and award North Star Promise scholarships to all eligible students.
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 required 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.
For more information, please visit: Minnesota North Star Promise Scholarship Program