Guiding the Future of Minnesota
The Minnesota Office of Higher Education (OHE) is a cabinet-level state agency that connects students and families with financial aid programs, information, and resources to help make college possible for every Minnesotan.
Sections
For Minnesota to thrive, we need to invest in educating the next generation of our state's workforce.
Whether a person earns a credential, diploma, associate's degree, bachelor's degree or beyond, additional education after high school is shown to increase career opportunities and lifetime earning potential. A highly educated workforce is also the cornerstone of a strong economy. By collaborating with public, private, and tribal colleges and universities across the state, OHE strives to break down barriers to higher education and ensure equitable access for all Minnesotans.
Explore Website Resources
Paying for College
Learn about financial aid, apply through FAFSA or the MN Dream Act, explore the state's SELF Loan, and discover other programs available to help make college more affordable.
Student Resources
Explore Minnesota colleges, find information for students facing emergency situations, request a transcript, file a complaint, and other student resources.
Outreach & Professional Resources
Find resources for high school counselors, college financial aid staff, and information on competitive grants available to help support students.
Research, Data, & Reports
Learn about statewide goals, access program reports, and explore data dashboards on higher education trends in Minnesota.
Agency Leadership
Commissioner Dennis Olson Jr. was reappointed to a second term as Commissioner of the Minnesota Office of Higher Education (OHE) by Governor Tim Walz in November of 2022. Request the Commissioner for an event, learn about the agency mission and strategic plan, and connect with a staff member.
Related OHE Websites
The Minnesota Office of Higher Education manages multiple websites to support students and staff across the state. Check out these additional online resources:
A long-term, low-interest student loan program administered by OHE. SELF Loan's variable rate options are often lower than private or even some federal loans.
Learn more about the efforts to improve the postsecondary outcomes for students from low-income backgrounds and first-generation students.
Learn more about this statewide initiative to increase college application and FAFSA completion rates.
Applying for college is complicated. MyHigherEd is a one-stop shop for preparing, searching, applying, and paying for college.
Learn more and open a 529 savings plan, which offers a flexible and tax-advantaged way to save for college.
Learn more about this public-private partnership to improve success and outcomes from birth through workforce
Latest News
Latest news from the Minnesota Office of Higher Education
OHE Awards $360,000 to Address Food Insecurity on College Campuses
The Minnesota Office of Higher Education (OHE) awarded nine colleges with 2026 Hunger Free Campus grants, totaling $360,000. Grantees include private, non-profit institutions and Tribal colleges located across the state.
OHE Updates State Academic Standards to Include Reduced Credit Bachelor’s Degrees
The Minnesota Office of Higher Education (OHE) has released new academic standards for reduced-credit bachelor’s degrees. These programs allow students to earn a bachelor’s degree for a minimum 90 credits, while maintaining the rigor and breadth of traditional 120-credit bachelor’s programs.
OHE Awards One Million in Emergency Assistance Grants
The Minnesota Office of Higher Education (OHE) has awarded 10 colleges and universities in the state with 2025 Emergency Assistance for Postsecondary Students (EAPS) Grants, totaling $1 million.