Free College Campaign

Your Pathway to Career Advancement Starts Here


For families earning $80k or less, a college education in Minnesota is now within reach. Starting fall 2024, the North Star Promise Scholarship Program will make higher education tuition-free for 15,000-20,000 eligible Minnesota residents, as a "last-dollar" financial aid, to boost college enrollment and support the state's workforce needs. This program is offered by the State Office of Higher Education.


At the Brooklyn Bridge Alliance for Youth, our goal is to guide Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn Park families through the process of accessing a tuition-free college education. We believe educational opportunities should not be limited by financial barriers, and the North Star Promise Scholarship is one avenue to achieve this.


Our goal is to ensure every eligible person in the Brooklyns is aware of the North Star Promise and can attend college,

paving the way for a brighter future.

Eligibility 

  • Confirm your Minnesota residency.
  • Ensure your family's Adjusted Gross Income is under $80,000, as reported on FAFSA or the Minnesota Dream Act Application.
  • Complete either the FAFSA OR the Minnesota Dream Act Application.
  • Enroll in a public higher education institution or Tribal College in Minnesota.
  • Verify you are not in default on any state or federal student loans.
  • Enroll in at least one credit.
  • Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress standards.
  • Ensure you do not have a prior undergraduate degree.
  • Enroll in a program leading to a degree, diploma, or certificate.

Community Partner Resources

  • North Star Promise Promotional Videos

    Below are Vimeo links to North Star Promise Videos created in partnership with the Linden Group. To download these videos, click on the link and once you are redirected to a new page, hit the download icon in the bottom right-hand corner. Please share these videos on social media to continue to spread awareness.


    Caption Ideas: 

    • Your dreams are within reach! The North Star Promise Scholarship is here to light the way. 💫 See if you're eligible: www.ohe.state.mn.us/sPages/northstarpromise.cfm #NorthStarPromise #TuitionFreeCollege #MNColleges
    • Investing in your future starts now! The North Star Promise Scholarship makes higher education accessible for all. 🌟 Learn more here: www.ohe.state.mn.us/sPages/northstarpromise.cfm #DreamBig #NorthStarPromise
    • Spanish: ¡Tu llave a un futuro más brillante! Desbloquea oportunidades increíbles con la Beca North Star Promise. 🌟 Aprende más aquí: www.ohe.state.mn.us/sPages/northstarpromise.cfm #AccesoALaEducación #northstarpromise
    • Spanish: ¡Tus sueños están al alcance! La Beca North Star Promise está aquí para iluminar el camino. 💫 https://www.ohe.state.mn.us/sPages/northstarpromise.cfm #NorthStarPromise #TuitionFreeCollege
    • Hmong: Koj cov npau suav muaj rau hauv tes! Lub North Star Promise Scholarship no yog ntawm no los qhib txoj kev. 💫 www.ohe.state.mn.us/sPages/northstarpromise.cfm #NorthStarPromise #TuitionFreeCollege

    English

    Spanish

    Hmong

  • OHE's NSP Promotional Toolkit

    The Office of Higher Education has created a promotional toolkit for community to raise awareness about the North Star Promise Scholarship. On their site, you will find social media graphics and sample text, digital signage, printable materials and other resources to help you promote North Star Promise to students, families, friends, neighbors and more.

    OHE's North Star Promise Promotional Toolkit: https://www.ohe.state.mn.us/sPages/northstarpromisetoolkit.cfm

Other Resources

Navigating FAFSA
Completing the FAFSA is crucial and can be complex. BBAY can connect individuals seeking assistance completing the FAFSA application with FAFSA navigators to guide them through the process. There is also recordings and live trainings on how to complete the FAFSA provided by Minnesota Goes to College. College Possible also offers opportunities to get 1-on-1 financial aid application support.

Explore Educational Programs 
Minnesota State Colleges, University of Minnesota Campuses, and Tribal Colleges offer a wide range of programs. Discover the right path for you, from technical training to academic degrees. Free application opportunities are available at a multitude of public universities and colleges and there are also opportunities to have application fees waived. 

Other important links

FAQs

Who qualifies for the "free college program"? 

Eligible students for the program must be Minnesota residents with a family income under $80,000, attending a state public institution or Tribal College, not in loan default, enrolled in at least one credit, meeting academic progress, without a bachelor's degree, and pursuing a degree, diploma, or certificate.


What institutions can I attend?

Any Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, University of Minnesota campuses, and Tribal Colleges, though some programs may not qualify for federal and state financial aid due to their short duration.


What expenses does the North Star Promise Scholarship cover?

It covers the balance of tuition and fees remaining after other scholarships, grants, stipends and tuition waivers have been applied. It does not cover the additional fees associated with school, such as books, supplies, housing, or food.


Any other questions? Contact Kennedy Erickson. 


Connect with a FAFSA Navigator