The Senate today passed the Higher Education omnibus bill on a 37-28 vote. The legislation appropriates $4.1 billion for higher education over the upcoming and following biennium. While this represents a slight decrease from the current $4.2 billion in spending, the Higher Education Committee was one of the few committees to receive a positive budget target—$100 million in new funding for the next biennium and $25 million for the one following. 

“Minnesota has a proud tradition of supporting our colleges, universities, and students, which is why so many people choose to study here from across the country and around the world,” said Senator Zach Duckworth (R-Lakeville), Lead Republican on the Senate Higher Education Committee. “With tuition costs rising year after year, students and families need help now. This bill provides some support that will allow Minnesotans to continue their education, grow their careers, and contribute to our economy, but it doesn’t solve the state government spending problem that keeps driving the cost of tuition up.” 

The increased funding will help cover a projected $211 million shortfall in the State Grant financial aid program, which provides assistance to low- and moderate-income students attending public and private institutions across Minnesota. 

The bill also maintains nearly $50 million in annual funding for the North Star Promise program, which offers free tuition to students from households earning under $80,000 per year. 

While Minnesota State Colleges and Universities will see a slight funding increase of less than 0.5%, the University of Minnesota will receive a $5.7 million reduction in spending over the biennium. Minnesota State has signaled plans to raise tuition by 3.5% to 9% over the next two years, while the University of Minnesota increased tuition by 4.5% this academic year. 

Sen. Duckworth offered an amendment to address the record tuition hikes by reallocating funds from the North Star Promise program to implement a tuition freeze at Minnesota State. All Republicans supported the tuition freeze, while every Democrat voted against it. 

“The mismanagement of our state budget while one party had total control caused a $211 million hole in the State Grant program, and now students are facing record tuition hikes at Minnesota State colleges and universities,” said Sen. Zach Duckworth. “We have a responsibility to clean up the mess caused by such irresponsible government overspending — and more importantly, to make sure that the students and families who are trying to build a better life through higher education get the help they need. If we promise financial aid, it better be there for the people who need it most.” 

Several new mandates were included in the bill, such as: 

• Public schools must participate in the Direct Admissions program beginning in the 2029-30 school year, automatically notifying students of college acceptance without an application. 

• Campus residential buildings will be required to stock opioid overdose reversal medication; higher education employees will be authorized to administer it. 

• Colleges must implement more detailed and specific sexual harassment and misconduct policies. 

• All public and private colleges must use a standardized financial aid offer form to improve clarity for students and families. 

Reports show a veterinary shortage in Minnesota, and while the original omnibus bill eliminated the rural veterinarian loan repayment program, a bipartisan effort on the Senate floor successfully restored its funding. 

Senator Rich Draheim (R-Madison Lake) successfully offered an amendment requiring colleges and universities to report key outcomes such as job placement rates and median graduate earnings, giving students and families better information to make informed financial decisions.

Republicans offered several other amendments to improve the bill that were not adopted: 

• Priority for Minnesota students: Gives Minnesota residents priority admission status at the University of Minnesota, ensuring taxpayers are prioritized. (Sen. Rob Farnsworth, R-Hibbing) 

• Tuition Freeze at Minnesota State Colleges: Redirects funding from the North Star Promise program to freeze tuition at Minnesota State campuses, where tuition hikes up to 18% are expected over the next two years. (Sen. Zach Duckworth, R-Lakeville) 

The bill now heads to a conference committee of House and Senate members to work out the final details.