Tuition set to decrease at Minnesota State College - Southeast Technical in 16-17

The saying goes that "what goes up, must come down." But most prices seem to go up, up, up! 

That's not the case with the cost of tuition at Southeast Technical. For the past four years, tuition has been frozen at $167.31 per credit. But this year tuition is actually going down to $165.64 per credit. 

The good news gets even better once the effect of financial aid is factored in. Changes to the Minnesota State Grant Program that take effect this year are projected to benefit students at state colleges as well as state universities so that all students who benefit from the State Grant will see a decrease in net tuition. 

For MnSCU students receiving state and Pell grants, the estimated average annual tuition cost for attending a state 2-year college full-time is $894. 

Also new this year is the MnSCU Two-Year Occupational Grant Pilot Program. Through this program, tuition and fees are FREE to qualifying Minnesota high school graduates who enroll in career and technical programs at Southeast Technical for the 2016-17 and 2017-18 academic years (up to 72 credits). This grant money is limited and funds will be distributed on a first-come, first served basis according to the date of application.

The Two-Year Occupational Grant covers actual tuition and general fees remaining after Pell Grant and the Minnesota State Grant have been applied to the student's account. Families with an adjusted gross income of up to $90,000 are eligible for this grant, so it is designed to make a college education more affordable for middle-income families.

"Our state colleges and universities remain the lowest cost, highest value option in higher education in Minnesota," says Steven Rosenstone, chancellor of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities. "Affordability and accessibility ensure that our colleges and universities can be places of hope and opportunity for all Minnesotans."

Ryan Kilbride, Jeremy Miller named 2016 Outstanding Alumni Awards winners

Southeast Technical honored two alumni for outstanding achievement in their careers. By coincidence both graduated from the college's accounting program: Ryan Kilbride (Red Wing, 2009) and Senator Jeremy Miller (Winona, 2004).

Ryan Kilbride was named the Outstanding Alumni of the Year Awards winner for the Red Wing campus at the college's spring Commencement Ceremony in Red Wing on May 10. Ryan graduated in May 2009 with an Associate in Applied Science degree in Accounting, earning a 3.72 GPA.

Ryan started his own business, Kilbride Tax LLC, in 2007. He then worked in accounting at Stencil Cutting and Supply in Red Wing and Consolidated Precision Products in Bloomington. He is now a Tax and Business Manager at Haworth & Co. Ltd in West St. Paul, where he supervises a staff of five.

On Wednesday, May 11, Minnesota State College - Southeast Technical Class of 2016 honored Senator Jeremy Miller as Outstanding Alumni Awards winner, Winona Campus.

A 2004 graduate, Jeremy Miller earned an Associate in Applied Science degree in Accounting from the Winona campus. He is Chief Financial Officer for Wm. Miller Scrap Iron & Metal Co., where his responsibilities include accounting, business development, marketing, human resources, and domestic and global sales.  

Jeremy is also serving his second term as a member of the Minnesota Senate. He represents Minnesota's 28th District, which includes Fillmore, Houston, and Winona counties. As the ranking member on the Senate Higher Education & Workforce Development Committee, Jeremy has fought for higher education funding and bonding bills that support capital projects in our community. 

Congratulations to both of our award winners!

2016 Southeast Technical commencement ceremonies set for May 10 in Red Wing and May 11 in Winona

As the 2016 school year draws to a close, Minnesota State College - Southeast Technical is pleased to announce commencement ceremonies for the Red Wing and Winona campuses. All are welcome to celebrate with the college as the class of 2016 graduates. There will be two ceremonies:

Red Wing Campus Commencement Ceremony
Tuesday, May 10, 2016 - 7:00 p.m.
Red Wing High School
Larry Sonju Gymnasium
2451 Eagle Ridge Drive
Red Wing, Minnesota
Note: Road construction in downtown Red Wing may affect access to Hwy 58. Please follow construction signage from Highway 61 to Hwy 58 south or use Truck Detour route.

Winona Campus Commencement Ceremony
Wednesday, May 11, 2016 - 7:00 p.m.
Winona State University
Memorial Hall
Corner of Johnson & King Streets
Winona, Minnesota
Note: The Winona ceremony will be televised live by HBC Channel 25.

A reception with punch and cookies will be held for graduates, families, and friends immediately following the ceremonies.