North Star Promise viewed favorably by many Minnesotans

Note: This post is based on a January 2025 survey

Most Minnesotans have a favorable view of North Star Promise, the state’s new college financial aid program.

Overall, about half (53%) of adults in Minnesota expressed a strongly favorable opinion of the program, while 28% held a somewhat favorable view. A relatively small share of Minnesotans (18%) said they did not have a favorable view of the program, according to a Minnesota Community Survey of 1,477 adults from Dec. 4, 2024, to Jan. 20, 2025.

In fall 2024, North Star Promise began awarding financial aid packages to students enrolled in Minnesota public higher education institutions and Tribal Colleges. To qualify, a student’s parents must have an adjusted gross income of less than $80,000.

The University of Minnesota and Minnesota State systems reported enrollment increases in fall 2024. State officials said the program contributed to enrollment growth.

Positive views of the program are widespread. Most Minnesotans view North Star Promise at least somewhat favorably across gender, education, political party, racial and ethnic, income and geographic groups.

Certain groups of Minnesotans are especially likely to have extremely or very favorable views of North Star Promise:

·      Ages 18-29 (79% favorable)

·      Hispanic adults (75%)

·      Asian adults (72%)

·      Democrats (70%)

·      Lower-income households (69%)

·      Immigrants (66%)

·      Minneapolis and St. Paul residents (63%)

The groups most likely to view North Star Promise as not very or not at all favorably:

·      Republicans (35%)

·      Upper-income households(29%)

·      Men (21%)

·      Ages 65+ (21%)

·      Suburban residents (21%)

·      Greater Minnesota residents (21%)

View our terminology page for definitions of income tiers, racial and ethnic groups, education levels and geographic regions.

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