Contact: Sandy Connolly, Director of Communications
Office of Higher Education
(651) 259-3902
ST. PAUL, MN--Governor Mark Dayton has directed the Minnesota Office of Higher Education to release the spending balance in the Minnesota State Grant program, bringing a grant increase of $295 to full time Minnesota students.
Commissioner Larry Pogemiller announced the action today, saying the increased awards for over 100,000 students will begin going out July 1st.
"Governor Dayton recognizes that one of the best ways to help lower- and middle-income students attend the college of their choice without taking on too much debt is through the State Grant program," said Pogemiller. "Last session, the Governor and the legislature, on a bipartisan basis, made the largest new investment in the program in a generation, expanding access to 9,000 additional students, including many more students in the middle-income range."
The increased grant awards are possible because of a spending balance in the state grant program, largely due to revised enrollment numbers at state public colleges and universities, increases in the federal Pell grant and improved family incomes.
The Minnesota State Grant program is the largest financial aid program funded by the state, awarding up to $180 million in need-based grants to over 100,000 Minnesota residents attending eligible colleges and universities in Minnesota. Its Shared Responsibility model recognizes both the private and public benefit of higher education, and asks students, families and the state to share in the cost.
"By recognizing the price of attendance in determining the grant amount, the State Grant program helps low-income students attend the University of Minnesota or a private college if it best meets their needs and aspirations," said Pogemiller. "The choice provided by this program builds equity of access into Minnesota's postsecondary system."
For more information, contact Sandy Connolly at 651-259-3902 or by email at sandy.connolly@state.mn.us.
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