Benefits of Staying in Minnesota for College

Access to Financial Aid

One of the biggest reasons to explore college options in Minnesota is your ability to access state financial aid. Minnesota resident students can take advantage of the state’s generous financial aid programs like the Minnesota State Grant, North Star Promise, and more. 

MN State Grant

This gift-aid program helps students from low- and moderate-income families pay for educational expenses at eligible Minnesota colleges and universities. In the 2023-2024 school year the Minnesota Office of Higher Education awarded $243million to 71,500 students. To determine if you are eligible you need to submit a financial aid application and meet the following criteria: 

• Be a Minnesota resident student
• Are a graduate of a secondary school or its equivalent or are at least 17 years of age
• Be enrolled as undergraduates for at least three credits at one of more than 130 eligible schools in Minnesota

North Star Promise

This program creates a tuition-free pathway to graduation for eligible Minnesota resident students. Eligible students will receive grant and scholarship funding that will cover the full cost of tuition and required fees at eligible state institutions here in Minnesota, which includes schools in the Minnesota State system, the University of Minnesota system, and all tribal colleges. We encourage you to learn more about this great program and explore if it is an option for you.

Additional State Financial Aid Programs

Beyond the two programs discussed above, there are many other great grants and scholarships available to Minnesota resident students who stay in the state for college. There are programs for students who were in foster care, American Indian Students, student teachers, and more. Explore our financial aid page to discover additional options that are available to you.

Direct Admissions

Here in Minnesota, there is a program that notifies graduating high school seniors from participating Minnesota high schools of the Minnesota colleges and universities that are eager to admit them based on their academic records and their projected graduation date. That program is called Direct Admissions. Over 250 Minnesota high schools participate in Direct Admissions to provide their students with access to higher education in the state. Direct Admissions students gain numerous benefits, including free college applications and assistance along the way with their application process. Visit the Direct Admissions webpage to learn more and see if your high school participates.

Job Prospects

Minnesota consistently upholds promising employment landscape, with strong employment opportunities and low unemployment rates. Beyond the stable job market, graduates can take advantage of local internship experiences, job-shadowing opportunities, and leverage their local network thanks to their Minnesota-based education.

If you want to learn more about job outlooks in Minnesota, you can visit the Minnesota Employment and Economic Development website to explore your options. If you are uncertain about what careers you are interested in, take a look at the resources available for your career exploration.

Learning Environment

Beyond the classroom, college provides a platform for personal growth and development. The state of Minnesota offers a variety of different environments to support your self-discovery journey into adulthood. Whether you want to attend a school in the heart of downtown Minneapolis or St. Paul, or venture to the far-reaching and remote edges of the state, there is an institution waiting for you. The location and setting of your institution will affect your lifestyle, your opportunities to find a job, cost of living, and exposure to new communities and social interactions. Use our College Search Tool to explore your options today.

Wherever you end up, we hope you feel supported in your journey! Don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Admissions Office at the institutions you are interested in. You can always explore new areas, visit campuses, and get a real feeling about the surrounding community before making up your mind.

Good luck!