SF2075 - Higher Education Bill Summary

• Appropriations: Allocates $2.67 billion across fiscal years 2024-2025 to Office of Higher Education ($843.7M), Minnesota State Colleges and Universities ($1.84B), University of Minnesota ($1.48B), and Mayo Clinic ($3.6M).

• Minnesota Commitment to Higher Education: Establishes a tuition-free scholarship program for resident students with household income below $80,000 attending public colleges, universities, or tribal colleges, covering up to 100% of tuition and fees after grants.

• American Indian Scholars Program: Creates a first-dollar tuition and fee waiver pathway for eligible Minnesota American Indian students at Minnesota State Colleges and Universities or University of Minnesota.

• Student Support Initiatives: Funds emergency assistance for postsecondary students ($15.1M), hunger-free campus grants ($2.5M), student-parent support services ($12.85M), and inclusive higher education for students with intellectual disabilities.

• Direct Admissions & Policy Changes: Establishes a direct admissions program to automatically offer conditional college admission to Minnesota high school seniors; increases living expense allowance; extends student definition to one credit; provides menstrual product access; and increases employer retirement contribution rates.