M State and Concordia College announce new Affordability Pathway between the two colleges. (Derek Sidian, KBRF News)
Fergus Falls, MN – Minnesota State Technical and Community College (M State) and Concordia College announced a new partnership on Wednesday designed to create a more affordable and clearer pathway for eligible M State students to complete a bachelor’s degree at Concordia.
The M State-Concordia Affordability Pathway is a two-year pilot program and will provide selected eligible students with a renewable tuition award that limits their share of Concordia tuition to no more than $2,500 a semester for up to five semesters. Remaining eligible tuition costs will be covered through a combination of federal, state and Concordia gift assistance, based on individual eligibility.
The pathway is designed particularly for eligible M State students at the Fergus Falls campus who graduated from one of the 21 designated Blue and Gold Scholars Program high schools in west central Minnesota. Students must complete an M State Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree, earn at least a 2.75 cumulative GPA, be admitted to Concordia and meet other program requirements.
Concordia College President Colin Irvine and M State President Carrie Brimhall signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Wednesday, with announcements made at both the M State Fergus Falls campus and Concordia campus.
M State President Carrie Brimhall signs the Memorandum of Understanding for the Affordability Pathway with Concordia College President Colin Irvine. (Derek Sidian, KBRF News)
President Brimhall said that this new pathway follows the early success of the Blue and Gold Scholars Program. “This is really building off of that excitement, and those possibilities for students is now to say not only can you get your first two years at M State for free, but you can get this next two years at Concordia for a maximum of $10,000, which really is a remarkable way to think about a high quality institution.”
President Irvine said the colleges are investing into the future of these students, as their story is just beginning. He said, “We believe that where students start, whether they start here (M State), or start a Concordia, or start elsewhere, isn’t the end of the story, which is true for all of us.”
The two institutions will work together on academic alignment and advising to help students stay on pace to complete a bachelor’s degree in approximately two additional years when possible.
The pilot will be open to 10 students per academic year. Additional students who are interested will be added to a waitlist. The institutions will evaluate participation, student outcomes, demand and other measures during the pilot to determine a potential expansion or changes to the program.
You can watch the full announcement and an interview with President Brimhall below. Additional information can be found at ConcordiaCollege.edu/MState.
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