While much remains in flux at the Capitol this session, there has been strong support so far for preserving funding for need-based aid for college students. Minnesota's State Grant program provides crucial support for one out of four college students at two- and four-year institutions, whether they are public or private.

"We urge policymakers to sustain their support for this important resource, one that helps ensure that low- and middle-income students are able to complete their college degrees and contribute to our state's workforce," said Paul Cerkvenik, president at the Minnesota Private College Council. "So far we're seeing strong interest in targeting limited state resources through this program."

This academic year has seen increased demand for State Grant support, as more students enrolled in school and financial need increased. That has required rationing of the program's funds, which meant that about 20,000 students lost grants and more than 80,000 saw their awards shrink in size.

Gov. Mark Dayton's budget protected the State Grant program, maintaining its base level appropriation of $144 million annually over the next biennium, which runs from July 2011 to June 2013. That was an important statement of support, given the sizable cuts his budget had to make elsewhere.

Proposals from the House and Senate that were passed in March also provided welcome news for college students. The House budget would add $27 million for the State Grant program, which would fully fund the program for the next two academic years. The Senate higher ed budget would add $7.2 million to the State Grant program. Because enrollments and family need are increasing, additional funding is needed to eliminate grant rationing.

With one month left in the scheduled session, it is impossible to predict how the differences between the administration and legislators will be addressed — on this aspect of higher education funding as well as the budget in general. The Council will continue to work with other supporters of student aid to encourage policymakers to do all they can to sustain the State Grant program.

Student advocates
Nearly 400 students have come to the Capitol this session, to speak with legislators in small group meetings about the value of the State Grant program. Coming from 16 of the Minnesota Private College Council member institutions, they've made the case that it is important for all college students, no matter the kind of institution they attend. One piece that captured the students' experience at the Capitol was produced by a Macalester College student, Anna Garziano, for Uptake. Another strong resource is a video that Augsburg College produced that includes students explaining the importance of the program.