How to Make College Affordable or Free

1

Start at a community college like North Hennepin.

You can save thousands of dollars on tuition, especially if you plan to transfer and get your bachelor's degree.

2

Find out about free college tuition.

Review free college tuition eligibility details on the North Star Promise page.

3

Apply for grants

Grants are free money for tuition. By completing the FAFSA, you'll automatically be considered for grants.

4

Apply for scholarships

Scholarships are free money for tuition. Put some effort into the application and you could get $500-$5,000.

5

More options

Transfer in your existing credits. Take PSEO classes if you're in high school. Find out about credit for prior learning if you have relevant professional experience.

Hundreds of students were awarded free college tuition through the North Star Promise this fall semester at NHCC.

Here's what you need to know:

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Basic Eligibility Requirements

Do you have a family adjusted gross income of less than $80,000?
Are you a Minnesota resident with no bachelor's degree?
Will you be a new or returning student at NHCC fall semester 2025?

If you answered "yes" to these questions, then you may be eligible for free college tuition at NHCC!

What to do Next

Review Eligibility Details: Review free college tuition eligibility details on the North Star Promise page.
Find Your Program: Explore degree and certificate programs.
Apply to NHCC: Start your application.
Complete the FAFSA: By completing the 2025/2026 FAFSA, you'll automatically be considered for free college tuition and grants.

student smiling wearing a backpack in a hallway

What if I'm Not Eligible?

If you're not eligible for free college tuition through the NSP program, here's how NHCC makes college affordable.

Take Advantage of Grants and Scholarships

Grants and scholarships are free money you don't have to pay back.

50%

of applicants received a scholarship

48%

of eligible students received grants of $3,500 or more

$500-$5,000

Scholarship amounts

NHCC has One of the Lowest Tuitions in Minnesota

graph showing tuition costs of colleges with NHCC being the lowest

Start your application today.

Apply to NHCC

Connect with Admissions

Educational Services Building
7411 85th Avenue North
Brooklyn Park, MN 55445
763-424-0724
admission@nhcc.edu
Meet the Admissions Team

Admissions Hours

Monday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday: 8:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday: 8:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Thursday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Saturday Services
Sunday: Closed

Follow These Steps to Make College Affordable