Contact: Sandy Connolly, Director of Communications
Office of Higher Education
(651) 259-3902
St. Paul, MN -- Beginning July 1, new programs are in place to help Minnesota students prepare for and succeed in college, as well as offer protection against rising costs and student debt.
A change to how Minnesota State Grant awards are determined makes the program much more responsive to tuition and cost of living increases. The Minnesota Office of Higher Education (OHE), who administers the program, can now be more nimble in adjusting grant awards to more adequately cover rising costs students face.
OHE estimates that close to 90,000 low- and middle-income Minnesota students will receive a State Grant next year. As a result of changes enacted during the 2015 legislative session, students can be assured that as their costs go up, their grant award will increase, as well.
"These need-based grants are one of our most effective tools for increasing affordability and reducing student debt for low- and middle-income students," said Pogemiller. "This new flexibility is critical to helping students keep up with the rising cost of tuition and living expenses."
Other programs going into effect July 1 include:
For more information on any of these programs, contact Sandy Connolly at 651-259-3902 or by email at sandy.connolly@state.mn.us
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