There’s been a longstanding bipartisan commitment at the Capitol to invest in the Minnesota State Grant program and directly support students. But the financial aid needs of today’s low-and middle-income students and families are not being met, and the program asks students to contribute amounts that are unrealistic and unaffordable.

We ask Governor Walz and the Legislature to prioritize the needs of college students by making a substantial new investment in the Minnesota State Grant program.

Change: Lower the share of college costs that the State Grant formula expects students to cover, from 50 to 42 percent of college costs

Impact: Increase the size of college students’ State Grant awards—by thousands of dollars

Investment:

• $60.3 million in annual ongoing funding
• $8.3 million in one-time funding

Larger State Grant awards would help two in five Minnesota resident college students. And an additional 3,800 students would become State Grant recipients.

The average State Grant award would increase:

• 59 percent Minnesota State community colleges
• 44 percent at Minnesota State universities
• 33 percent at private nonprofit institutions
• 33 percent at the University of Minnesota

The State Grant program is the only way the state of Minnesota targets funds to college students based on their financial need. Recipients:

• Earn bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees and certificates
• Attend part-time and full-time
• Attend private and public institutions