Bill would give students money for graduating early

A Republican legislator wants to provide college scholarships to students who graduate early from Minnesota high schools. Representative Pat Garofalo of Farmington says his Early Graduation Achievement Act would help make college more affordable.

Under the bill, a student could get $2,500 for every semester they avoid by graduating early, with a maximum scholarship of $7,500. Garofalo says the program would also save the state money, because the current per-pupil spending for high school students is considerable more than the scholarships.

"One of the nice things about this program is that it's simple, it is easy and it is direct," Garofalo said. "It's very easy for parents to understand it. And it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that I think parents who are concerned about the affordability of college will be very interested in seeing their kids get involved in this program."

Garofalo says the bill would provide scholarships to 3,000 students a year. He says the incentive would not replace Minnesota's Post-Secondary Enrollment Option program, which allows high school students to earn college credits.