North Star Promise

New and continuing students are eligible. To be eligible for the North Star Promise program, individuals must:

• Be a Minnesota resident
• Have a family Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) as reported on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Minnesota Dream Act Application below $80,000*. (*Equates to an annual family combined salary of approximately $100,000–$110,000)
• Attend a Minnesota public higher education institution or Tribal College
• Not be in default on a state or federal student loan
• Be enrolled taking at least one credit
• Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards
• Have not already earned a bachelor’s degree
• Be enrolled in a program or course of study that applies to an undergraduate degree, diploma, or certificate

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

There is no additional application beyond the FAFSA or Minnesota Dream Act Application. Century College will assess your eligibility on a term-by-term basis and award North Star Promise Scholarships to all eligible students.

There is no limit on the maximum term, yearly, or lifetime dollar amount of an award you can receive. The amount you receive is based on the “last-dollar” calculation of your eligibility on a term-by-term basis. You can receive up to 100% of the amount charged in tuition and required fees per term, minus all other sources of gift aid you receive.

A “last-dollar” scholarship is designed to cover any remaining tuition and fee costs that aren’t covered by other scholarships, grants, and tuition waivers. Before determining the amount of your “last-dollar” scholarship, these programs consider any other non-repayable financial aid—termed “gift aid”—that you may receive. “Gift aid” includes scholarships, grants, stipends, third-party payments, and tuition waivers, but not loans or work-study. The objective of these scholarships is to maximize the use of available funds and offer as many qualifying students as possible a route to a college education without the burden of tuition and fees.

The North Star Promise Scholarship program is managed by the Office of Higher Education (OHE) in Minnesota. You can refer to the Frequently Asked Questions on the official OHE website or send an email directly to the Office of Higher Education.

Attend an upcoming Open House event

Get the answers you need to find, fund, and select the ideal degree program for you at Century College’s Open House event Tuesday, April 9, 4pm - 7pm. Learn more and RSVP for the event >