Student Resources
You’ve got this. We’ve got you.
Your success is our top priority at Minnesota State. Each of our colleges and universities has resources, services, and people ready to help students access the tools and support needed to achieve their goals both inside and outside of the classroom. Explore the resources available systemwide and services available at your college or university.
Support for Basic Needs, Mental Health, and Wellness
College students are people first with dynamic and complex lives — the colleges and universities of Minnesota State are here to support students through every step of their educational journey with support for basic needs, mental health, and wellness. “Life” happens as students make progress towards their academic goals. It’s normal to experience mental health challenges, grief and loss, housing and food insecurity, as well as challenges related to finances, child and family care, transportation, and access to technology. Minnesota State is committed to providing equitable access to myriad supports for all our students: who you are, where you are, as you are.
Open Educational Resources
Open educational resources (OER) are teaching, learning, and research resources that utilize open licensing to permit their free reuse, continuous improvement, and repurposing for educational purposes. They are one tool Minnesota State uses to promote textbook affordability and the adoption of open, low-cost, high-quality materials for students at Minnesota State colleges and universities.
Academic Advising
Advising services help students with course scheduling, long-term academic planning, career exploration and placement assistance after graduation. On some campuses, students have the opportunity to attend workshops on such topics as study skills, time management, career choices, general studies requirements and academic success. Students and their advisors have access to Minnesota State Student Planner which is a set of resources that help them plan and achieve their educational goals.
Support for the Transition to (or Back to) School
The transition to college, or back to college, can be stressful, and it is impactful essential to your academic experience. Minnesota State supports students coming to college or university for the first time through First Year Experiences, Orientation programming, seminar courses, and campus programming. Minnesota State also supports those transitioning back to school after a military experience, a different career, or just some time away. For more specific information about support for your transitions, contact your college or university.
Workforce Development
Minnesota State Workforce and Economic Development works in partnership with industry, government, and education partners to develop the diverse, multi-talented, learning-agile workforce. Workforce and Economic Development features Centers of Excellence, Workforce Training Centers, and talent consulting and pipelines to grow Minnesota's economy now and in the future by tooling, re-tooling, and empowering Minnesota’s workforce with the skills and knowledge needed to
Career Exploration and Planning
Career exploration helps you make informed decisions about your future, align your work with your personal values and goals, and adapt to a changing job market. Minnesota State has the resources you need to help you succeed. For specific information about career development process, check out the resources at your college or university.
Financial Aid and the Minnesota State Promise
Your state colleges and universities offer the lowest tuition and fees in Minnesota, giving you access to first-rate education options throughout the state and the ability to avoid or limit debt. Financial Aid is available to most Minnesota State students. Contact your college or university’s Financial Aid professionals to learn more.
Beginning in fall 2024, the North Star Promise Scholarship program, which is just one element of the Minnesota State Promise, created a tuition free pathway to higher education for eligible Minnesota residents at any of the 26 state colleges and seven state universities of Minnesota State.
Student Engagement/Involvement
Getting involved at college or university helps students make friends and connections, contribute to their campus communities, and develop valuable and transferable skills and experiences. Civic Engagement, recreation and fitness, affinity and identity clubs, and student government are just a few of the ways students connect. Connect with Student Life at your college or university to find out how you can get involved.
Statewide Student Associations
There are two statewide student leadership organizations at Minnesota State. LeadMN represents students from the two-year colleges and Students United represents students from the four-year universities. Both statewide student associations have served as strong voices for Minnesota State students at the campus-level and in system, state and federal levels for many decades, and both organizations are recognized by the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustees.
Housing and Residence Life
Six of the seven Minnesota four-year state universities offer on-campus housing and meal plans for students. Room and board rates vary depending on the number of people sharing a room and the number of meals desired. Some two-year state colleges offer housing options, either on campus or nearby. For more specific information about housing opportunities, contact the college or university you wish to attend.
Accessibility Services
Many students who live with disabilities create success at Minnesota State. From accessible buildings and learning spaces, to assistive technology, to counseling, coaching, and advocacy: accessibility is a value of Minnesota State’s inclusive spaces. To learn about what types of accommodations and supports are available and how to request them, speak with the Accessibility Coordinator at your college or university.
Support for International Students and Study Abroad
Each year, Minnesota State welcomes students from around the world. For domestic students, there are also extraordinary opportunities available to study abroad or off-campus. Minnesota State offers many programs and projects providing unique educational opportunities and life-changing experiences for exceptional values.
Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
The Office of Equity and Inclusion at Minnesota State fosters learning and working environments that prioritize equity, inclusion, and belonging for all members of campus communities. Through training, consultation, and policy development, Minnesota State works to enhance student success through positive campus climates. Learn about multicultural supports, affinity groups, support for identity, and advocacy available at your college or university.
TRIO
While student financial aid programs help students overcome financial barriers to higher education, TRIO programs help students overcome class, social and cultural barriers to higher education. TRIO includes six outreach and support programs to assist low-income, first-generation college students. The programs also serve students with disabilities by helping them successfully progress from middle school to the post-baccalaureate level.
Resources for Veterans and Service Members
Minnesota State has a long history of providing high-quality support and educational access for prospective and current students who are veterans and service members, and their families. From transition support and military transfer; to credit for prior learning; to financial and policy resources, Minnesota State is a nationwide leader. Learn about the supports available at your college or university.
Get Started Toward Your Academic Goals
Minnesota State offers thousands of academic programs at the lowest tuition in the state and more than 270,000 students choose Minnesota State colleges and universities each year. From support for Admissions and Enrollment, to Transfer, to Records and Registration, Minnesota State takes a strategic approach to helping you get moving toward your academic goals. Explore how an education from Minnesota State can work for you today. For specific information on admissions, enrollment, transfer, and records/registration, contact your college or university.