This State is Planning to Offer Free College Tuition
It might be time to head north for your undergrad.
Conversations around student debt and the rising cost of tuition continue to swirl in the midst of a cost of living crisis in the US. Thankfully, with inflation finally slowing down, things are finally starting to level out.
But attending college and getting a degree is still a huge financial undertaking for most families in the country. Similar to Princeton’s recent move to waive tuition, an entire state looks like it’s moving towards the idea of making college for its attendees free.
Committing to Higher Education
Minnesota senators recently proposed the Minnesota Commitment to Higher Education Act, whichgrants eligible residents the opportunity to attend college cost-free. An estimated 59,000 students in the state would benefit from the grant.
The state is hoping this would fix its severe workforce shortage and help bolster enrollment at the state schools, which have been suffering a decline in attendance. If passed, the grant would begin for the Fall 2024 academic year.
Eligibility
Wondering if you qualify for free tuition in Minnesota? Here are the requirements you would need to meet in order to be eligible:
- Completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- Enrolled at a Minnesota state college, Minnesota state university, any of the University of Minnesota’s five campuses, or a tribal college
- Has a family gross income of less than $120,000
- Has not gotten an undergraduate degree
- Is enrolled for at least one credit per semester
- Currently meeting satisfactory academic standards
Roadblocks
While this would certainly benefit thousands of families and students, nothing has been passed yet. Many members on the Senate Higher Education Committee voiced their concerns about the huge cost for the state, which is estimated to be around $315 million per year.
Others also mentioned that it would be easy to divert the funds meant for students to things like raises for college administrators. The bill has currently been referred to the Senate Finance Committee for further deliberation.
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