CLC Connection: Do you qualify for free college tuition?

Dr. Hara Charlier, President, Central Lakes College

Big things are on the horizon as we introduce the North Star Promise (NSP) Scholarship program, set to launch in fall 2024. This marks a significant stride towards our commitment to providing an accessible, affordable, and transformative education at Central Lakes College.

The NSP Scholarship program is Minnesota’s guarantee that finances should never be a barrier to education. NSP offers eligible Minnesota residents a tuition and fee-free pathway to higher education at Central Lakes College. This last-dollar initiative ensures that eligible students can pursue their academic aspirations without the burden of tuition costs, covering the remaining balance after other scholarships, grants, stipends, and tuition waivers have been applied.

Eligibility is straightforward — students must be Minnesota residents, have a family Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) below $80,000, attend a Minnesota public higher education institution or Tribal College, not be in default on a state or federal student loan, and meet other essential criteria outlined in the program guidelines.

Students just need to fill out the Federal Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for this new grant, said Mike Barnaby, CLC Director of Financial Aid.

And this is only one component of our commitment to you. The “CLC promise” ensures that each student has access to an extraordinary education that is affordable and accessible and enhances their quality of life. Further, we promise to be a highly supportive resource for students of all ages and walks of life and all their different college, career, and community dreams. CLC’s programs help you meet your educational goals so you can meet your life goals.

We have layers of support to ensure that every student has what they need to meet those goals, including a tuition freeze through spring 2025 and scholarships available through the CLC Foundation. This creates an unparalleled opportunity for students to pursue their educational goals without financial barriers.

Our commitment to providing an exceptional education is evident in the array of resources available to our students. From integrated support services like campus food pantries, mental health resources, and housing assistance programs to engaged faculty and staff embodying our “culture of caring,” Central Lakes College is more than an educational institution—it’s a community dedicated to student success.

We take pride in offering over 70 academic programs, including trades, sciences, and liberal arts, both on campus and online. With the flexibility to accommodate various schedules, our commitment to student success extends to assigned academic advisors, free tutoring, and seamless transfer pathways to Minnesota State universities.

Central Lakes College and Minnesota State collectively stand as the embodiment of extraordinary education and exceptional value. We invite you to explore the North Star Promise Scholarship’s possibilities and encourage all eligible students to take advantage of this unique opportunity.

For more details on the NSP Scholarship and the application process, please visit our website: https://www.clcmn.edu/central-lakes-college-promise/

Let’s embark on this journey together, shaping a brighter future for our students and our community.