New data on MN's free tuition program elicits positive feedback

More than 53,000 college students in Minnesota were aided by the state's free tuition program in its first year. A new summary of the benefit for low-income students is drawing optimism in the higher ed community, even with other financial pressures still a concern.

Launched last fall, Minnesota's North Star Promise covers tuition and fees for students with a household income of less than $80,000. State officials say the number of recipients exceeded expectations, helping carve out positive enrollment trends.

Molly Leutz, policy director of Lead MN, which works with students at community and technical colleges, agrees these numbers reflect a strong appetite for people to overcome cost barriers and head to class.

"As we recover sort of still from pandemic losses in enrollment, the North Star Promise is an effective tool in encouraging and enabling college attendance and access," she explained.

Leutz said even though two-year schools are known for lower tuition, a recent survey of students in the Minnesota system revealed that 97% of respondents labeled access and affordability as a top priority, and added that when factoring in books, cost of living and child-care needs, and stack them up against available grants, college affordability is still very elusive.

He is hopeful that Minnesota funds North Star Promise as much as it can in the years ahead, citing a layer of uncertainty that has clouded federal Pell Grants. This summer's tax cut package pushed through by Republicans in Washington didn't include major cuts initially proposed, but there were some eligibility changes analysts say will limit access for some students. Leutz said states need to fill these gaps.

"We know in Minnesota we value higher education," she continued. "And so, making sure that there is robust support and continued funding for programs like North Star Promise so that we can continue to meet our attainment goal of 70% of Minnesota adults holding a degree or certificate."

Minnesota established that goal a decade ago in hopes of reaching 70% in 2025, but the latest available numbers show the state's attainment rate only at 63%.