Moorhead Scholars Program

A Free-Tuition Guarantee for Moorhead High School’s Best and Brightest

Beginning Fall 2025, the Moorhead Scholars program covers out-of-pocket tuition costs for eligible Moorhead High School graduates at MSU Moorhead.

The Moorhead Scholars program is a “last-dollar” initiative created through a partnership between Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM) and Moorhead Area Public Schools (ISD 152). It covers any remaining regular tuition costs after federal, state, and institutional aid are applied, providing free regular tuition to high-achieving students.

MSUM is making this investment in students to recognize and reward academic performance and to encourage the best and brightest students to continue their education in Moorhead. Moorhead Area Public Schools does not provide funding for the Moorhead Scholars program. Funding for this program is exclusively provided by MSU Moorhead.

How Does Moorhead Scholars Work?

The program is designed to reward local academic excellence.

• A student graduates from Moorhead High School (Class of 2025 or later) with a 3.0 GPA or higher.
• The student enrolls at MSUM the following Fall semester.
• After all grants or scholarships the student receives are applied, the Moorhead Scholars program covers any remaining regular tuition.
• Students who make satisfactory academic progress to degree completion may receive up to four years of undergraduate tuition-free education.

Who Qualifies as a Moorhead Scholar?

To qualify as a Moorhead Scholar, students must:

• Graduate (Class of 2025 and beyond) from Moorhead High School (ISD 152).
• Achieve a minimum high school GPA of 3.0.
• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by May 1.
• Enroll full-time at MSU Moorhead the fall following their high school graduation.
  • For example, 2025 high school graduates must enroll full-time for MSUM’s Fall 2025 semester.

What do students need to do to remain in good standing for the Moorhead Scholars program?

• To continue having their remaining undergraduate tuition costs covered, students must maintain academic eligibility and be enrolled consecutively.
• Students must maintain full-time status, defined as 12+ credits per full semester.
  • Moorhead Scholars tuition funding applies to traditional Fall and Spring terms only, with the exception of summer funding available for year-round nursing cohorts.
• Submit the FAFSA on an annual basis by the priority date of May 1.
• The scholarship is good for up to four years or upon completion of their undergraduate degree, whichever comes first.