A new legislative proposal in Minnesota could reshape how the North Star Promise Scholarship is awarded potentially limiting financial aid to only students pursuing “high-demand” careers. This change is stirring debate among lawmakers, educators, and students alike. While some argue the bill would strengthen the state’s workforce, others worry it could restrict access to education for thousands of students.
If you’re a current or future college student in Minnesota, here’s what you need to know about the proposed bill and how it could affect eligibility for tuition assistance.
What Is the North Star Promise Scholarship?
The North Star Promise is a state-funded scholarship program designed to cover tuition and fees for eligible low-income Minnesota residents attending:
- Minnesota State Colleges and Universities
- University of Minnesota campuses
- Tribal colleges within the state
To qualify, students must meet income, residency, and academic requirements. The program was created to make college more accessible and to reduce student debt for families earning less than $80,000 per year. Since launching in 2023, the scholarship has supported over 49,000 students, contributing to a 7.7% enrollment increase across Minnesota State campuses.
What Changes Does the New Bill Propose?
A bill introduced by Rep. Ben Bakeberg (R-Jordan) proposes that only students in “high-demand” career paths would be eligible for North Star Promise funding. According to Bakeberg, this would align student aid with workforce needs and help solve labor shortages.
The decision on what qualifies as “high-demand” would be determined by the Minnesota Office of Higher Education (OHE) in collaboration with the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). They would publish an updated list of the top 20 in-demand jobs in the state, and scholarships would only go to students pursuing those fields.
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Why Some Lawmakers and Educators Support the Bill
Supporters argue that focusing financial aid on high-demand fields ensures graduates can find employment more easily. They say the goal is not to eliminate access to education but to prioritize programs that contribute directly to Minnesota’s economic growth.
Bakeberg, who also works as a middle school principal, explained that the change would make sure public funds are invested in degrees that offer greater job security and fill urgent workforce needs. The state already offers a similar scholarship, the Workforce Development Scholarship which supports students pursuing programs in health care, education, IT, and advanced manufacturing.
What Are the Concerns Around the Proposal?
Critics of the bill believe it unfairly limits student choice and discourages those interested in liberal arts, social sciences, or creative fields. Mike Dean, Executive Director of North Star Prosperity, said the change could lead to reduced participation and negatively impact businesses that benefit from a diverse range of college graduates.
Additionally, many of the jobs currently considered “in-demand” like cashiers, nursing assistants, or truck drivers don’t require a college degree, raising concerns about the criteria used to define eligibility.
Some lawmakers worry that the bill oversimplifies the purpose of higher education. Rep. Nathan Coulter (DFL-Bloomington) argued that education is not solely about filling jobs. “We are investing in future leaders, not just workers,” he said during a recent committee meeting.
How Students Could Be Affected
Students like Jessica Sander, a first-year University of Minnesota history major, say the change could be devastating. As the first in her family to attend a four-year college, she said the North Star Promise scholarship made it possible. Limiting access based on major could force students to take on full-time jobs or pursue fields they aren’t passionate about just to afford tuition.
“We are students, dreamers, and future leaders, not just workforce numbers,” Sander told legislators.
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Another Bill Could Add Residency Requirements
In addition to the bill targeting career programs, Rep. Peggy Scott (R-Andover) has proposed that students who receive North Star Promise funds must remain in Minnesota for at least one year per year of funding received. If they leave the state early, they would be required to repay the scholarship as a loan (with some exceptions).
Scott says this would ensure the state benefits from its investment in students. But critics say it could deter applicants or complicate students’ post-graduate plans.
The North Star Promise program was created to improve access to college and reduce financial barriers. These proposed changes while aiming to address workforce needs may significantly narrow who benefits from the scholarship. Many educators and student advocates warn that the shift could undo the progress already made in boosting enrollment and reducing student debt.
For now, the future of the scholarship program remains uncertain, as the bills are still under legislative review. If you’re a current or prospective college student in Minnesota, it’s worth staying updated on these developments. You can follow updates directly from the Minnesota Office of Higher Education: https://www.ohe.state.mn.us
