Minnesota Senate Passes Free College Tuition Bill for Low-Income Families

The Minnesota Senate has approved a new program called "North Star Promise" that will provide free college tuition and fees for families making less than $80,000. The program will cover tuition and fees for residents who attend schools in the University of Minnesota or Minnesota State system or in-state Tribal colleges. The state would fund up to 100% of tuition and fees plus up to half of the value of Pell Grant, which is a federal need-based assistance, any student received. The proposal now goes to Gov. Tim Walz's desk for signature after the Minnesota House approved the measure Monday.