Skip to main content
Tuition-Free Programs
Skip Navigation LinksHome > Paying for College > Tuition-Free Programs > College Opportunity Program
Skip Navigation LinksHome > Paying for College > Tuition-Free Programs > College Opportunity Program

 

 College Opportunity Program Logo 2024

 

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. In order to be eligible, students must be residents of the Winona Area Public Schools district (see map). 

Fill out Online Interest Form Now


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

Starting in Fall 2023, the College Opportunity Program covers students' full cost of tuition and fees and provide a stipend for books, supplies and tools.

Winona students graduating in 2023 and 2024 will receive two years (up to 70 credits, worth approximately $14,000) at Minnesota State College Southeast - plus $500 per year towards the cost of books, tools, supplies and materials – up to $1000 per student.

Because the College Opportunity Program is currently funded through 2026, students who graduate in 2025 will be eligible for one year of college (up to 35 credits, worth approximately $7,000) at Southeast and a $500 stipend.

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

Students can earn a certificate, diploma, or degree from any program taught at Southeast, and will graduate career-ready or prepared to transfer onward to a four-year institution.

What is the application process?

  1. Apply for admission to Minnesota State College Southeast. Contact a Navigator for the application fee waiver before you complete the application.
  2. Apply for financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
  3. Fill out the Online Interest Form for the College Opportunity Program.

See our FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS  page for more detailed information.

Thank you to our investors!

The College Opportunity Program is made possible by a group of generous investors who have committed to fund the pilot for the first 3 years, including Benchmark, Bob Kierlin and Mary Burrichter, Fastenal Company, Gundersen Health, Miller Ingenuity, RTP Company, The Watkins Company, and Winona Health.


Updated 5.22.2024