The Red Wing College Promise - FAQ

(Updated as of 5/22/2024)

Funded by the Jones Family Foundation, the Red Wing College Promise ensures that every eligible student graduating from a Red Wing public high school beginning in 2023 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.

Download a complete list of Frequently Asked Questions (PDF). In a hurry? Here are the Top 8 FAQs:

Who qualifies for The Red Wing College Promise?

Students who are a 2023 (or later) graduate of a Red Wing public high school (Red Wing High School, Tower View Alternative High School, 5RiversOnline, River Bluff Education Center with a diploma indicating Red Wing Public Schools) and are a Red Wing school district resident

Students who identify as either first generation to attend college, low-income, or as a member of a historically underserved racial/ethnic group are strongly encouraged to apply.

Students with a minimum high school GPA of 2.0 in their junior and senior years

Minnesota State College Southeast recognizes that various circumstances affect a student's GPA. Therefore, students without a high school GPA of 2.0 in their junior and senior years can qualify for the Red Wing College Promise by working with the Red Wing College Promise Navigator to develop a plan to be academically successful while attending Southeast. To start the process, please send an email to [email protected].

How much money is the Red Wing College Promise worth to a student?

The Red Wing College Promise will cover up to 70 credits. At the current estimated Tuition & Fees cost per credit of $209.34, that's more than $14,000!

How will this program work with other college financial aid?

The Red Wing College Promise is a "last dollar" scholarship. That means you must apply for financial aid (through the FAFSA or Dream Act) and institutional aid (Southeast Foundation scholarships). After all scholarships and federal/state grants (grants are money that you do not have to pay back) are applied, the Promise program will cover the remaining cost of your tuition and fees.

Can I attend any Minnesota State College Southeast campus for any degree, diploma, or certificate?

Yes, you can enroll in any of the certificate, diploma, or degree programs offered by the college in Red Wing, Winona, and 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 - up to $1000 per student.

How long do I have to use the Red Wing College Promise benefit?

You are eligible for the Red Wing College Promise as soon as you graduate from high school and for three consecutive years after. That means you can begin college at Southeast starting in Fall 2023 or after that time, but your access to the program ends after spring term of the 3rd year after your high school graduation. For the high school class of 2023, the program is available until Spring Semester of 2026. For the class of 2024, the program is available until Spring Semester of 2027.

Can I attend Minnesota State College Southeast part-time?

Yes, you can attend part-time. However, the benefit is only available for three years after you graduate from high school, so you will want to plan your education pathway accordingly.

What is the application process?

Apply for admission to Minnesota State College Southeast.
Apply for financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Dream Act.
Fill out the online interest form for the Red Wing College Promise.
Complete the Southeast Foundation scholarship application.

Who can I talk to for more information?

For questions about participating in the Red Wing College Promise, contact Diane Jacobson, Red Wing College Promise Navigator, at [email protected] or 651-385-6412.

Red Wing College Promise Page