Cost & Aid

To be eligible for the North Star Promise Scholarship program, students must:

• Be a Minnesota resident
• Have a family Adjusted Gross Income* (AGI) as reported on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Minnesota Alternative State Financial Aid Application below $80,000.
• Not be in default on a state or federal student loan
• Be enrolled taking at least one credit
• Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards
• Have not already earned a baccalaureate degree (including those earned in a foreign country)
• Be enrolled in a program or course of study that applies to a degree, diploma, or certificate

There is no additional application beyond completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Minnesota Alternative State Financial Aid Application. Saint Paul College evaluates eligibility each semester and awards North Star Promise Scholarships to all qualified students.

• 2025–2026 Academic Year (Fall 2025, Spring 2026, Summer 2026):
  • Submit the FAFSA or Minnesota Alternative State Financial Aid Application by the 30th day of the term
• 2026–2027 Academic Year (Fall 2026, Spring 2027, Summer 2027):
  • Submit the FAFSA or Minnesota Alternative State Financial Aid Application by June 1, 2026

Saint Paul College also offers free FAFSA workshops. These sessions provide support from experienced staff who guide students through the financial aid process, including FAFSA completion, North Star Promise eligibility, and other financial aid opportunities. Learn more at our workshops.

Complete the FAFSA

A last-dollar scholarship pays for any remaining eligible tuition and fees after other financial aid has been applied.

Before calculating the scholarship amount, the program considers all gift aid (financial aid that does not need to be repaid), including:

• Grants
• Stipends
• Scholarships
• Third-party payments
• Tuition waivers

The goal of a last-dollar scholarship is to make the most of available funding and help as many eligible students as possible attend college without paying tuition and fees out of pocket.

North Star Promise covers base tuition and required fees:

• MSCSA (Minnesota State College Student Association) Fee
• Student Activity Fee
• Technology Fee
• Parking, Safety, and Facilities Fees
• Health Services Fee

Other expenses not covered by North Star Promise could include:

• tuition differential
• books/kits/tools
• locker fees
• housing
• supply charges
• course-specific fee
• other non-standard charges

No. The North Star Promise (NSP) Scholarship does not cover tuition differentials.

If you enroll in courses that have differential tuition, NSP will cover tuition charges up to the resident undergraduate tuition rate. Any amount charged above the resident undergraduate rate due to a tuition differential will not be covered by NSP.

If you are enrolled in any of the courses or programs listed below, you are being charged differential tuition, and this policy applies to you.

Programs (all courses):

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Culinary
• Medical Lab Tech
• Pharmacy Tech
• Physics
• Practical Nursing
• Pre-Engineering
• Respiratory Therapy
• Surgical Tech

Individual courses:

• ARTS 1713
• ARTS 1714
• ARTS 1756
• ASLS 1411
• ASLS 1412
• ASLS 1413
• ASLS 1414
• ASLS 1415
• ASLS 1420
• ASLS 1430
• BIOC 2700
• BIOC 2790
• INTP 1512
• INTP 1513
• INTP 2411
• INTP 2412
• INTP 2421
• INTP 2422
• INTP 2431
• INTP 2432
• HLTH 1465
• MUSC 1310
• MUSC 1313
• MUSC 1320

Students are notified of their eligibility for the North Star Promise through their financial aid award notification in eServices.

Because award amounts depend on factors such as enrollment, tuition and fees, and other financial aid received, the exact calculation may occur after the semester begins. Students may first be notified of eligibility, with final award amounts confirmed later.

Yes. A student may meet all eligibility criteria but not receive a North Star Promise award if their other gift aid (grants, scholarships, waivers, and stipends) fully covers tuition and required fees. In this case, no additional funding is needed.

If a student does not qualify for the North Star Promise Scholarship program, other scholarships and payment options can still help make college affordable.

The North Star Promise Scholarship program is managed by the Office of Higher Education (OHE) in Minnesota. You can refer to the Frequently Asked Questions on the official OHE website, or send an email directly to NorthStarPromise.OHE@state.mn.us.

The Financial Aid team at Saint Paul College is always available to answer questions about this program or other financial assistance options.

OHE's Website