North Star Promise helps drive enrollment increase
Dakota County Technical College (DCTC) is seeing an increase in enrollment this fall term, driven in large part by initiatives to keep the cost of higher education affordable for all Minnesotans. As of the 30th day of classes in fall semester 2024, credit headcount enrollment at DCTC is 2,797, which represents an 11.5 percent change from 2023.
“Fall term is always a good time of year, but having more students on campus has made this an especially exciting semester,” said Michael Berndt, president of DCTC and Inver Hills Community College. “We have worked hard to keep college affordable and accessible, and we are grateful for the support shown by our legislators.”
Michael Berndt
One important driver of enrollment has been the North Star Promise (NSP), a new scholarship program this year that provides free college tuition for Minnesota students and families with a family Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) below $80,000.
Minnesota State preliminary North Star Promise awards as of September 23, 2024, show that nearly 250 students at DCTC are benefiting from the program for this fall term with total NSP funds paid approaching $420,000, and the average NSP award adding up to more than $1,700.
To apply, students only need to submit a completed FAFSA Form or Minnesota Dream Act application—eligible students are notified through the standard financial aid awarding process. There is no additional application. Students who take as little as one credit can qualify for the North Star Promise.
“Even though our tuition is among the lowest in the state, for many students the cost of tuition and fees may put enrolling at DCTC out of reach,” said President Berndt. “The North Star Promise is making higher education accessible to all Minnesotans, and it is exciting to see what a difference it is making in the lives of our students.”
In addition to the North Star Promise, other factors that may have contributed to the increase in enrollment include access to nearly 50 high-quality academic programs, availability of Workforce Development Scholarships that encourage students to enter programs in high demand by employers, and pent-up demand on the part of students who delayed or postponed their educational experience due to the pandemic or stopped out to take advantage of a hot job market.
“At DCTC, we are proud of the outstanding quality of our academic programs,” said President Berndt. “Initiatives like the North Star Promise make them more affordable than ever. We can help more students pursue their educational goals and better meet the region’s workforce needs.”
Learn more about enrolling at DCTC by contacting:
Admissions
admissions@dctc.edu
651-423-8266
Room 2-110
