The North Star Promise Scholarship
The North Star Promise (NSP) Scholarship program creates a tuition and fee-free pathway to higher education for eligible Minnesota residents at MSUM.
The NSP is a "last-dollar" program funded by the Minnesota legislature. It covers the balance of tuition and fees remaining after other scholarships, grants, stipends and tuition waivers have been applied.
North Dakota and South Dakota residents: You may be eligible for a tuition-free pathway, too!
How does the North Star Promise work?
The NSP is intended to help cover any gaps in tuition and fees after other funds have been applied. For example:
- A student eligible for NSP plans on enrolling in 15 credits at a cost of $5,213.21.
- The student receives $3,000 in grants and $625 in scholarships. Meaning $1,588.21 is not covered.
- The North Star Promise Scholarship would then be applied to cover the remaining $1,588.21.
Am I eligible for the North Star Promise?
MSUM students eligible for the North Star Promise:
- Are Minnesota Residents
- Have a family Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $80,000 or less, as reported on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Minnesota Dream Act Application
- Are not in default on a state or federal student loan
- Are earning at least one credit
- Are meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards
- Have not already earned a four-year degree
- Are enrolled in a course that applies to a degree, diploma or certificate
MSUM students DO NOT need to be first-time students to be eligible.
How do I apply for the North Star Promise?
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Minnesota Dream Act Application.
- There is no additional application beyond the FAFSA or Minnesota Dream Act Application. The office of Scholarship & Financial Aid will assess your eligibility on a term-by-term basis and award the North Star Promise Scholarship if you are eligible.
How much money could I receive?
- There is not a limit on the maximum term, yearly or lifetime dollar amount of an award you can receive. The amount you receive is based on the "last-dollar" calculation of your eligibility on a term-by-term basis. You can receive up to 100% of the amount charged in tuition and required fees per term, minus all other sources of gift aid you receive.
- You may receive the award for a total of 120 credits.
Is the North Star Scholarship renewable?
There is no maximum length of time which you can receive the award. The maximum credits you may be eligible for is 120.
If you feel you may be eligible for NSP contact the Office of Scholarship & Financial Aid.
The North Star Promise is a program of the Minnesota Office of Higher Education (OHE). The OHE also has a great North Star Promise Frequently Asked Questions webpage.
