Minnesota Office of Higher Education

BREAKING: The Minnesota Office of Higher Education has received a $100,000 grant through Foundation’s Great Admissions Redesign initiative! OHE will use the grant to develop, model, and test a new framework for disbursing state financial aid dollars.

Read all about it on our website: https://mn.pulse.ly/k2efbtizv8

Guess what? We're hiring! Come join Team Minnesota Office of Higher Education as a Communications and Marketing Coordinator. This position will play a key role in our digital communications work, from social media to agency newsletters to website management. The posting closes April 14, so apply today!

https://careers.mn.gov/psp/mnjob/MNCAREERS/HRCR/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=1001&JobOpeningId=93192&PostingSeq=1

Calling all Minnesota high schools! OHE is inviting interested high schools to participate in the State's Direct Admissions program. Two more virtual information session will be held on March 27 and 31. Register on our website.

https://ohe.mn.gov/news/ohe-invites-minnesota-high-schools-participate-direct-admissions

🎓💰 Comparing college financial aid offers doesn’t have to be overwhelming!
Financial aid letters can look very different from school to school, making it hard for students and families to know which option truly costs less. AwardAdvisor™ is the Minnesota Office of Higher Education's FREE app designed to help you compare college financial aid offers clearly and confidently.
✅ Add the colleges you’re considering
✅ Upload your financial aid award letters
✅ Enter how much you or your family can contribute
✅ Compare the real costs side-by-side
Take the guesswork out of paying for college and make a more informed decision.
📲 Download AwardAdvisor™ for free today on the app store or at awardadvisor.org.

Every student is college material! New high schools are invited to participate in Direct Admissions Minnesota for the 2026-27 academic year!

The Direct Admissions program is designed to encourage all graduating seniors to consider themselves “college material” by proactively notifying them of the colleges and universities that are eager to admit them. Currently participating high schools report that students benefit from boosted self-confidence, reduced self-selection bias, and enjoy a more stress-free college application process!

We are hosting four virtual information sessions for high school administration and staff to learn more about the program. Register and complete the interest form at: https://bit.pulse.ly/rtd3sref1q

https://youtube.pulse.ly/nwzn65c2nd

Direct Admissions Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

Nine Minnesota colleges have received 2026 Hunger Free Campus grants, totaling $360,000. These funds will allow schools to address food insecurity for their students.

OHE Awards $360,000 to Address Food Insecurity on College Campuses The Minnesota Office of Higher Education (OHE) awarded nine colleges with 2026 Hunger Free Campus grants, totaling $360,000. Grantees include private, non-profit institutions and Tribal colleges located across the state.

FAFSA myth busting time!

Myth: The FAFSA is only for student loans.
Truth: FAFSA helps you access more than federal and state student loans! It also assesses your eligibility for money that you DO NOT pay back, including federal, state, and college-based scholarships, grants, and work study programs. While federal and state loans offer some of the best protections for borrowers, loans are not the right fit for everyone, and you are never required to take out loans.

Learn more about paying for college: https://mn.pulse.ly/n5f6xajqe0

We have released new academic standards for reduced-credit bachelor’s degrees. These programs allow students to earn a bachelor’s degree for a minimum 90 credits, while maintaining the rigor and breadth of traditional 120-credit bachelor’s programs.

“For many people, the traditional four-year program structure can be a barrier,” OHE Commissioner Dennis Olson said. “By reenvisioning what a bachelor’s degree can look like, we are removing that barrier and helping to ensure Minnesotans have the option of earning a credential. As more reduced-credit bachelor’s degree programs get developed across the state, I am hopeful that we will continue closing attainment gaps and provide every Minnesotan with the skills they need to thrive.”

https://mn.pulse.ly/1vnhnun5qb

Governor Tim Walz has proclaimed this week Paraprofessional Recognition Week in celebration of the more than 20,000 paraprofessionals working in Minnesota schools and educational programs. These professionals are integral to student achievement, and they take on a wide range of responsibilities to help provide safe, effective and engaging learning environments for Minnesota students. Learn more about paraprofessionals and see the proclamation at https://education.mn.gov/mde/dse/para/

Feeling inspired to try something new? Learn how Minnesota State can help you find the new you! www.minnstate.edu/admissions/minnesotastatepromise.html

Are you a December 2025 grad with federal student loans? Make sure you complete exit counseling at StudentAid.gov/exit-counseling

Applying for the FAFSA is the first step in securing financial support for your education, and it does not have to be a daunting process. Completing the form unlocks significant opportunities, including grants that do not require repayment, low-interest loans with flexible terms, and institutional scholarships.

Your First Step to Getting Financial Aid | Minnesota MyHigherEd Applying for the FAFSA is the first step in securing financial support for your education, and it does not have to be a daunting process. Completing the form unlocks significant opportunities, including grants that do not require repayment, low-interest loans with flexible terms, and institutional s...