St. Thomas Students Advocate for Financial Aid Parity at Minnesota Capitol

"The support has lessened the burden on my family financially, but it's done so much more than that."

That'sDare Akinmusire's take on what would have happened if his family hadn't received aid from the state of Minnesota to pay for his college education.

The senior at the University of St.

Thomas was one of a group of students who visited the Minnesota Capitol on March 12 to advocate for an expansion of the state's State Grant program, which covers tuition for students from families with household incomes up to $80,000, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

The state's North Star Promise program, created in 2023, covers tuition at public colleges for students from families with household incomes up to $80,000, but students who attend private nonprofit colleges are not eligible.

The Promise Equalization Scholarship, which would invest $13.9 million into the State Grant program, would increase awards for students who wish to attend a private institution.

"I think people have misconceptions about the financial means of students going to nonprofit private colleges," Akinmusire says.

"Things are changing, and we need to have these conversations about how to support a diverse cross section of students who often face economic challenges but still deserve to make the best college decision for themselves."

St.

Thomas

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