Tuition-Free Pathway for ND & SD Residents
Beginning Fall 2024, MSU Moorhead is offering a tuition-free pathway to higher education for eligible North Dakota and South Dakota residents.
Inspired by the success of the state of Minnesota’s North Star Promise, MSU Moorhead has created a tuition-free program for new students from ND and SD. The program is funded by MSUM.
This tuition-free pathway is a "last-dollar" program, covering the balance of regular tuition remaining after other scholarships, grants, stipends and tuition waivers have been applied. It serves as a “safety net” to ensure students with the greatest needs are covered financially. This program does not cover differential tuition or fees.
How does the tuition-free pathway work?
The MSUM Tuition-Free Pathway for ND and SD residents is intended to help cover any gaps in tuition after other funds have been applied. For example:
- An eligible student enrolls in 15 credits with a tuition cost of $4,419.
- The student receives $3,000 in grants and $625 in scholarships, leaving $794 not covered.
- MSUM’s program would then be applied to cover the remaining $794.
Am I eligible for free tuition from MSUM?
Students eligible for the MSUM-funded tuition-free pathway:
- Are a North Dakota or South Dakota resident
- Minnesota residents may qualify for the North Star Promise
- Have a family Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of less than $80,000, as reported on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- Are not in default on a state or federal student loan
- Are a full-time student (12-18 credits)
- Are a new first-time or transfer student at MSUM
- Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards
- Have not already earned a four-year degree
How do I apply for free tuition?
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- There is no additional application beyond the FAFSA. The office of Scholarship & Financial Aid will assess your eligibility on a term-by-term basis and award the tuition-free pathway if you are eligible.
How much money could I receive?
There is not a 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 of regular tuition charged per term, minus all other sources of gift aid you receive.
You may receive the award for a total of 120 credits or for four years, whichever is first, provided you are making Satisfactory Academic Progress and continue to remain eligible.