College Opportunity Program - FAQ
Updated 5.22.2024
About the program
What is the College Opportunity Program?
Funded by Winona area businesses and individuals, the College Opportunity Program ensures that every eligible student graduating from a Winona area high school or homeschool between 2023-2025 will have access to a college education at Minnesota State College Southeast by covering the cost of tuition and fees and providing a stipend for books, supplies and tools.
Who qualifies for The College Opportunity Program?
Students must be a 2023, 2024, or 2025 graduate of a Winona area high school (Cotter High School, Hope Lutheran High School, Riverway Learning Community, Winona Area Learning Center, or Winona Senior High School) or homeschool graduate and be a Winona Area Public Schools district resident.
Are the funds limited to a certain number of Winona Area students?
No, there is no limit to the number of students who can benefit.
Do I get the funds automatically, or do I have to apply?
You need to complete an admissions application to Southeast, apply for financial aid, and fill out an online interest form for the College Opportunity Program. See "About the Application Process" below.
How much money is the College Opportunity Program worth to a student?
The College Opportunity Program will cover up to 70 credits for students graduating in 2023 and 2024. At the current estimated Tuition & Fees cost per credit of $209.34, that's more than $14,000! (The program is currently funded for 35 credits for students graduating in 2025 -- more than $7,000.)
Questions about eligibility
Do I have to live in the Winona Area Public Schools district to be eligible?
Yes, you must reside within the Winona Area Public Schools district boundaries (see map)
- Students who live in neighboring school districts are not eligible.
- Open enrollment (students who live outside of the district but opt in to attend high school in a Winona high school) are not eligible.
- Online students who do not live in the Winona Area Public Schools district are not eligible.
Are homeschool students eligible?
Yes, if you live within the Winona Area Public Schools district boundaries.
Are students who transfer into a Winona area high school before high school graduation eligible?
Yes, students who graduate from a Winona area high school and live in the Winona Area Public Schools district are eligible.
Are students who attended a Winona area high school but transfer away from the school district before graduating eligible for the College Opportunity Program?
No, only students graduating from a Winona area high school or homeschool graduate are eligible.
Are students who live in the Winona Area Public School district but attend school elsewhere eligible?
No, Winona resident students who open enroll out of Winona into another school district or online program are not eligible. The College Opportunity Program is available to students graduating from Cotter High School, Hope Lutheran High School, Riverway Learning Community, Winona Area Learning Center, Winona Senior High School, or a homeschool program.
How the College Opportunity Program Works
How will this program work with other college financial aid?
The College Opportunity Program is a "last dollar" program. That means you must apply for financial aid. After federal and state grants (grants are money that you do not have to pay back) are applied, the College Opportunity Program will cover the remaining cost of your tuition and fees.
What if I don't qualify for any federal or state grants?
Eligible students can receive up to 100% of their tuition and fees from the College Opportunity Program.
Am I required to apply for any grants, scholarships, or loans if I am in this program?
The College Opportunity Program will cover the cost of tuition and fees after federal and state grants and all scholarships are applied. However, if desired, you may apply for loans that cover costs not associated with tuition and fees.
Can I attend any Southeast program or for any degree, diploma, or certificate?
Yes, you can enroll in any program offered by the college in Winona, Red Wing, or online. For a list of programs, see www.southeastmn.one/academics.
Does the program cover books and tools?
The program provides $500 per year towards the cost of books, tools, supplies and materials - a maximum of $1000 per student.
Is there an application fee or deposit requirement for the college?
There is an application fee to apply for admission to Minnesota State College Southeast, but you can get a promo code from the College Opportunity Program Navigators or Coach. The code will waive the application fee. Contact the Navigators or Coach before you apply (email [email protected]). There is no deposit fee required to secure enrollment.
How long do I have to use the College Opportunity Program benefit?
The College Opportunity Program is currently funded from Fall 2023 until Spring 2026. You are eligible for the College Opportunity Program as soon as you graduate from high school and for two consecutive years after (one year for 2025 graduates).
Timeframe:
- 2023 Graduates - up to 70 credits to be used in 2023-2024, 2024-2025
- 2024 Graduates - up to 70 credits to be used in 2024-2025, 2025-2026
- 2025 Graduates - up to 35 credits to be used in 2025-2026
Can I attend Minnesota State College Southeast part-time?
Yes, you can attend part-time. However, the benefit is only available for a limited time after you graduate from high school, so you will want to plan your education pathway accordingly.
Can I lose my funding once I have started at Southeast?
If a student fails to make sufficient progress toward a degree or certificate or does not meet academic progress requirements, funding would be placed in suspension and the student would not receive funding for the next semester. The program would be reinstated if the student demonstrates sufficient progress the following semester. For more detailed information, see: Satisfactory Academic Progress
About the College Opportunity Program application process
What is the application process?
- Apply for admission to Minnesota State College Southeast. Contact a Navigator ([email protected]) for the application fee waiver before you complete the application.
- Apply for financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- Fill out the Online Interest Form for the College Opportunity Program.
What can I do now, prior to applying for the College Opportunity Program?
Visit the college, make an appointment to meet with a College Opportunity Program Navigator ([email protected]), and explore college programs to find a program that interests you! Programs are listed at southeastmn.one/academics.
Who can I talk to for more information?
For questions about admissions and enrollment, contact Minnesota State College Southeast at 507-453-2700 or [email protected].