Minnesota Office of Higher Education

09/29/2026

The 2027-2028 FAFSA has opened EARLY this year!

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 great opportunities, including grants that do not require repayment, low-interest loans with flexible terms, and institutional scholarships.

Get started on your FAFSA today: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa

09/29/2026

Javelia Morrison-Galimore is a current student parent at St. Cloud State University, pursing a degree in both cyber security and political science, with an honors integrated minor. In addition to her academic and leadership roles, she dedicates her time to advocating for other student parents, with a strong emphasis on policy and support initiatives.

Tune into Javelia's story: https://youtu.be/8F2DFLnZFqk?si=hIMGR4HDhymK5iq9

09/29/2026

Join Minnesota Goes to College and ECMC TONIGHT for the first session of the College Planning Series: Exploring Your College Options. You’ll learn about types of degrees, finding your fit, creating a college list, researching and visiting colleges, and the next steps in your college planning journey.

To register, visit: https://bit.ly/CollegePlanningSeriesFall26

09/28/2026

This month, we spoke with Student Parents across Minnesota to learn more about their journeys and how state and campus resources have supported them both as parents and as students.

Shianna Sanford is a current student parent in the nursing program at Rochester Community and Technical College - RCTC. Balancing school, work, and parenting, Shianna shares about the support she's recieved at RCTC, and her strong dedication to continuing her education.

Tune into Shianna's story: https://youtu.be/g2DdmDoHh1s

09/28/2026

Last week, Commissioner Dennis Olson visited St. Catherine University (St. Kate’s) to hear directly from student parents about St. Kate’s Access and Success program and how state investments are helping them stay on track to earn their degrees.

Read more about the great work of St. Catherine University and how the SPSI Grant is supporting student parents: https://ohe.mn.gov/news/commissioner-olson-visits-st-kates-university-hear-about-impact-state-grants-supporting

09/25/2026

The 2027–28 FAFSA is OPEN early!

Now’s your chance to jump in and get a head start on securing financial aid! Start your FAFSA today at fafsa.gov.

09/24/2026

We’re kicking off the Minnesota Goes to College and ECMC College Place College Planning Series on September 19 with “Explore College Options,” highlighting the many higher education pathways available for students

Register today and attend to get entered to win one of two $1,000 scholarships: https://bit.ly/CollegePlanningSeriesFall26

09/24/2026

Spending time outside is a powerful form of self-care when you’re balancing school and family! 🌱 Melt away academic stress, breathe fresh air, and share new adventures with your child before winter sets in.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources manages our state parks and recreation areas, many of which have nature and learning centers onsite to help kids understand the natural world. State parks can be a low cost and exciting way to spend a beautiful afternoon with your child!

09/22/2026

Balancing rigorous coursework, exams, and parenting can make finding quality time a challenge, but reading together is a great way to connect and enjoy time with your child! 📚

Whether you’re reading to your little one or racing through the same book as your teenager, stories can bring us together and create shared experiences.

Visit your local library, check out story times and other family friendly events, and get reading with your child: https://education.mn.gov/MDE/fam/lib/

09/21/2026

OHE Assistant Commissioner Wendy Robinson recently sat down with MPR news host Angela Davis at St. Cloud State University for a panel discussion on college affordability.

She was joined by Elizabeth Brooks, Director of Financial Aid at St. Cloud State University, and Nena Vasovic, Cyclone Success Coordinator at St. Cloud Technical & Community College.

Tune in on MPR News to listen to the full conversation!

For a long time, the story has been that college is too expensive, and student debt is crippling a generation. Leaders in Minnesota are working to change that narrative. But is it enough? Angela Davis took that question to St. Cloud last week, for a North Star Journey Live discussion.