North Star Promise Scholarship

Beginning in Fall 2024, the North Star Promise (NSP) Scholarship program creates a tuition and fee-free pathway to higher education for eligible Minnesota residents. 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

What is a “Last-Dollar” Scholarship?

A “last-dollar” scholarship covers remaining tuition and fees after other non-repayable financial aid is applied. This includes scholarships, grants, stipends, third-party payments, and tuition waivers. Loans and work-study are not included. The goal is to reduce or eliminate tuition costs for eligible students.

How much aid can I receive?

There is no set maximum award amount. Your funding is based on your eligibility each term and may cover up to 100% of tuition and institutional fees after other gift aid is applied. Credit limits apply: 60 credits for an associate degree and 120 credits for a bachelor's degree. Program fees, books, and online materials are not covered.

For more information, visit the Minnesota North Star Promise Scholarship Program .