Scholarship Opportunity

North Star Promise

Offered by Minnesota Office of Higher Education

The North Star Promise provides eligible Minnesota residents with free college tuition and fees at Minnesota public colleges and universities and Tribal Colleges. The program is last-dollar financial aid, covering remaining eligible tuition and fees after other scholarships, grants, waivers, and stipends have been applied.

EssayNot required
RenewableYes
Grade LevelUndergraduate Student, College Student, Certificate Student

Application Timeline

Important application dates

This scholarship offers more than one application cycle. Review each window carefully before applying.

2026-27 North Star Promise Cycle

OpensTo Be Announced
DeadlineJune 1, 2026

Eligibility

  • Be a Minnesota resident student.
  • Have a family Adjusted Gross Income below $80,000 as reported on the FAFSA or Minnesota Alternative State Financial Aid Application.
  • For the 2026-27 award year, have completed the FAFSA or Minnesota Alternative State Financial Aid Application by June 1, 2026.
  • Attend an eligible Minnesota public higher education institution or Tribal College.
  • Be enrolled in at least one credit.
  • Be enrolled in a program or course of study that applies toward a degree, diploma, or certificate.
  • Have not already earned a bachelor's degree, including a bachelor's degree earned in another country.
  • Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements.
  • Not be in default on a state or federal student loan.

Requirements

  • Complete the FAFSA or Minnesota Alternative State Financial Aid Application.
  • Meet the applicable family Adjusted Gross Income requirement.
  • Enroll in at least one eligible credit at a participating Minnesota institution.
  • Complete any additional financial aid documentation requested by the institution.
  • Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress.

How to Apply

  1. 1Complete the FAFSA if you are a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen, or complete the Minnesota Alternative State Financial Aid Application if applicable.
  2. 2For the 2026-27 award year, ensure the financial aid application was completed by June 1, 2026.
  3. 3List the eligible Minnesota public college, university, or Tribal College you plan to attend.
  4. 4Complete any additional financial aid requirements requested by the institution.
  5. 5Enroll in at least one credit that applies toward an eligible degree, diploma, or certificate.
  6. 6The institution will determine North Star Promise eligibility on a term-by-term basis.
  7. 7The institution will subtract eligible scholarships, grants, waivers, and stipends from eligible tuition and fees.
  8. 8North Star Promise will cover the remaining eligible tuition and fee amount, subject to program funding and eligibility requirements.
  9. 9Complete the applicable financial aid application again for future award years to continue receiving assistance.