Minnesota Ag Connection - Increased Scholarships Expands U Access for Minnesotans

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Increased Scholarships Expands U Access for Minnesotans
Minnesota Ag Connection - 02/17/2017

More Minnesota students are now accessing need-based scholarships from the University of Minnesota, thanks to the University's increase in available funding for the 2016-17 academic year.

The expansion of need-based aid was among the progress points outlined by Vice Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Education Robert McMaster in an annual update on enrollment management to the University's Board of Regents today.

Nearly 14,000 Minnesota resident undergraduate students across the University's five campuses received a U of M Promise Scholarship this academic year. This includes 1,500 first-time recipients, thanks to an increase in the family income cap to $120,000, compared to $100,000 previously. This change was made to increase the number of students from Minnesota's low- and middle-income families who benefit from financial support while attending the state's flagship university.

Created in 2007, the U Promise program guarantees aid for Minnesota families with incomes under $120,000. Since then, more than 40,000 students have been served across the U of M system. More details on the program can be found in this press release.

"Student success is always our number-one focus," said McMaster. "Our continued growth in student satisfaction, record retention and graduation levels, and increased financial support are all important ways we serve Minnesota families and provide students with a world-class education that is also affordable."

McMaster also highlighted efforts in support of the Twin Cities campus five-year enrollment plan, approved by the Board last year. These include welcoming 5,880 incoming undergraduate students, the most diverse in University history, and largest entering first-year class since 1970; retaining and graduating more students than ever before; and meeting the needs of Minnesota's workforce by awarding more than 3,300 STEM degrees, an increase of nearly 200 (6 percent) year over year, with a goal of 3,600 by 2020-21.

Regents will continue to receive regular updates on implementation of this plan. Additionally, the Board has committed to a work session at the May meeting to discuss the diversity of the student body and consider possible amendments to the plan.

The Board will meet again March 23-24 on the Duluth campus. There will be no committee meetings held. The full Board meeting will begin at 9 a.m. on March 24.

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