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FACT BRIEF

Does a new Minnesota program fund free college tuition only for undocumented immigrants?

By Alberto Gomez
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NO

The North Star Promise program enacted last month, which funds up to 100% of post-scholarship college tuition for certain students, applies to all eligible Minnesotans — not just undocumented immigrants.

In order to qualify, applicants must not have earned a bachelor's degree, have a household income below $80,000, take at least one credit per semester, remain in good academic standing and fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The program will take effect beginning in the 2024-25 school year.

The program does not mention undocumented students explicitly, but they are among those eligible. While undocumented students are ineligible for federal aid, under the 2013 Minnesota Dream Act, they may apply for state financial aid.

Lawmakers have said the program will increase college attendance amid rising costs, affecting 15,000 Minnesota students beginning in the 2024-2025 school year.

Students attending private colleges and universities do not qualify for the North Star Promise.

This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.
Sources
Office of Governor Tim Walz & Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan Governor Walz Signs One Minnesota Budget into Law
State of Minnesota H.F. No. 2073: Higher Education Conference Committee Report
Federal Student Aid Eligibility information
Minnesota Office of Higher Education Minnesota Dream Act
Axios Minnesota to provide free college tuition to undocumented students
Minnesota Public Radio News 'Free college' bill passes Minnesota Legislature
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Fact briefs are short, credibly sourced summaries that offer “yes/no” answers in response to claims found online. They rely on publicly available, often primary source data and documents. Fact briefs are created by contributors to Gigafact —a nonprofit project looking to expand participation in fact-checking and protect the democratic process. See all fact briefs here.