MN Office of Higher Education

Minnesota OHE Receives $100K Grant to Develop Sustainable State Financial Aid Model

The Minnesota Office of Higher Education received a $100,000 grant through Lumina Foundation's Great Admissions Redesign initiative to develop, model, and test a new framework for disbursing state financial aid dollars. OHE is one of 10 grant recipients, with Lumina investing a total of $3.5 million to simplify the college admissions process and expand student access across the nation. Any changes to the financial aid model would require approval of the Minnesota Legislature.

Minnesota Colleges Invited to Apply for ECFE Teacher Shortage Grant Program

The Minnesota Office of Higher Education announced the opening of the Early Childhood and Family Education (ECFE) Teacher Shortage Grant Program Request for Proposals. Up to $950,000 is available to award eligible postsecondary institutions grants of up to $250,000 each. The program aims to strengthen the pipeline of licensed teachers serving Minnesota's youngest learners, with priority for future educators from rural communities and students of color. Eligible applicants are Minnesota postsecondary institutions offering PELSB-Approved teacher preparation programs.

Minnesota High Schools Invited to Direct Admissions 2026-27

The Minnesota Office of Higher Education (OHE) is inviting new high schools to participate in Direct Admissions Minnesota for the 2026-27 academic year. The voluntary program involves 55 Minnesota colleges and universities reviewing academic records of participating high school seniors to offer proactive admission. High schools interested in joining should complete the Direct Admissions High School Interest Form by March 31, 2026, or attend one of two virtual information sessions on March 27 or March 31, 2026.