Lawmakers in Minnesota have reached an agreement to provide free college for low-income students. Starting in the 2024-2025 academic year residents whose families earn less than $80,000 will receive free tuition at Minnesota public colleges.

The program, called “North Star Promise” is the latest in a nationwide push to make college more affordable.

To fully qualify, students must maintain good academic standing, be enrolled in at least one credit per semester, not have already obtained a bachelor’s degree, and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Then the program would cover any remaining tuition minus other grants and scholarships.

The program is estimated to cost approximately $117 million in its first year, and about $49.5 million annually thereafter. The proposal heads to the House and Senate next.