For many students, the largest barrier for obtaining a college degree is the cost. To help address this financial barrier and ensure every Minnesotan has the chance to pursue a postsecondary degree, the Minnesota Legislature passed the North Star Promise (NSP) program in 2023. NSP covers the remaining base tuition costs and required fees for any Minnesotan attending a public college in the state with an annual income of less than $80,000.
With NSP entering its third year of implementation, Minnesota Office of Higher Education (OHE) Commissioner Dennis Olson and Senator Omar Fateh, who was the chief author and lead architect of the program, visited Metro State University to hear how the program is working.
“In 2023, Governor Walz made historic investments in higher education that are breaking down financial barriers and increasing attainment,” OHE Commissioner Dennis Olson said. “North Star Promise stands at the top of the list in terms of landmark investments made that legislative session. It represents a commitment to Minnesotans that everyone deserves the chance to pursue a postsecondary degree.”
Located in Saint Paul, Metro State University serves a high population of non-traditional students. This includes adult learners with full-time jobs who are returning to complete their degree or enrolling for the first time, transfer students, student parents, and those seeking to make a career transition. They also serve a high population of low-income students (54% are Pell eligible), first-generation students (59%), and students of color (58%).
After NSP was established, Metro State leaders knew that it would be transformational for their campus. For example, they found many people who were interested in resuming their program, but had exhausted most of their financial aid options, such as the Federal Pell Grant and the Minnesota State Grant. Without that support, completing their degree was not an option. For these students, NSP made college possible.
“The program is transformational,” said Alee Feyngold, Associate Director of Financial Aid for Metro State.
The campus has found NSP to be a powerful tool for recruitment and retention. The campus offers informational sessions to prospective students, and Feyngold said the sessions centered on NSP are always well attended. Whether students are eligible or not, NSP serves as conversation starter around college affordability, which has boosted enrollment. When students learn about all the supports that are available to ensure their success, the decision to pursue a degree becomes more attainable.
Feyngold mentioned that she has had parents attend an informational session to support their child, but afterward they have inquired whether NSP might be available to them as well.
Several of the students told Commissioner Olson and Senator Fateh that NSP was the deciding factor in their decision to resume their degree programs and attend Metro State. After attending community colleges where they were paying out of pocket, with the support of NSP they are able to balance work, life, and their education without worrying about how they will pay their tuition bill. That balance also allows them to build community and be more active on campus by taking part in clubs and student government.
One student spoke about growing up in a family where college was not considered a priority and she didn’t think she would be eligible for state financial aid. Finding out that she was eligible for multiple financial aid programs, including NSP, means she will be the first person in her family to earn a degree.
Metro State staff indicated that for first-generation students like her, NSP was changing the trajectory for families across the state.
“It’s an investment in the future of Minnesota,” said Metro State President Ginny Arthur, adding that once a first-generation student earns their degree, it often results in building a college-going culture as their relatives and children start seeing higher education as a possibility.
By the Numbers:
Since it began in 2024, 9,794 Metro State students have received NSP, totaling more than $15.5 million in financial support.
Statewide, NSP has been awarded to over 80,000 students, with a total investment of $155 million. These numbers include North Star Promise Plus, which was a one-time program offered during the 2024-25 school year where students with the highest need could receive an additional award to help cover things like books, transportation, food, and housing.
