Tell us: Are you going to college for free with Minnesota’s new North Star Promise program?

This fall marks the start of a “free college” program in Minnesota.

The North Star Promise Scholarship Program helps cover tuition and fees for Minnesota residents whose family adjusted gross income is below $80,000 who are attending a Minnesota public higher education institution or Tribal College. That includes all University of Minnesota campuses and the Minnesota State system, which is comprised of many community and technical colleges as well as state universities.

Students are eligible as long they have not already earned a bachelor’s degree, according to the Minnesota Office of Higher Education. Funds can be applied to attain certifications, learn a trade, or pursue 2- and 4-year degrees. There is no age restriction.

The program is expected to have a huge impact. State legislators and college access advocates hope the North Star Promise program will help boost enrollment and make higher education affordable.

It’s also expected to impact whether students stay in Minnesota or go to college in nearby states, driving competition. In the last year, South Dakota ended tuition reciprocity in a bid to attract Minnesotans with lower tuition and North Dakota State University announced it will also offer free undergraduate tuition for up to two years for Minnesotans whose families make less than $80,000 per year.

MPR New is curious to hear from you. Did the North Star Promise program impact your decision to attend college? How and why?

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