Chapter 136A — Minnesota Private and Out-of-State Public Postsecondary Education Act

119B.251 This section was moved to a different part of the law. 135A.51 Definitions Defines key terms like 'senior citizen,' 'course,' and 'institution of higher education' for the senior citizen tuition … 135A.52 Program and Qualifications Lets senior citizens who are Minnesota residents attend state college courses for free, except for a small admin fee if … 136A.001 This section was moved to a different part of the law. 136A.002 Definitions Defines key terms used throughout the higher education chapter, including 'office,' 'commissioner,' and 'term.' 136A.01 Office of Higher Education Creates the Minnesota Office of Higher Education and lists its main duties, including managing financial aid and … 136A.011 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.02 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.03 Executive Officers; Employees The Office of Higher Education is led by a commissioner appointed by the governor. The commissioner can hire … 136A.031 Student Advisory Council The Student Advisory Council has been repealed and no longer exists. 136A.032 Community and Commissioner Participation in Postsecondary Education of American Indians Requires the commissioner to work with tribes and American Indian communities to improve access to higher education for … 136A.035 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.04 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.041 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.0411 Collecting Fees The Office of Higher Education can charge fees for seminars, workshops, and services, and for licensing private schools. 136A.0412 Acceptance of Private Funds; Appropriation The commissioner can accept private donations, grants, and gifts to support the office's work. These funds are available … 136A.042 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.043 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.044 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.05 Cooperation of Institutions of Higher Education All public colleges and state agencies must share information with the Office of Higher Education when asked. Private … 136A.051 Student Records and Data When private colleges share student data with the office, the data keeps the same privacy protections it had at the … 136A.053 Consolidated Student Aid Reporting Requires the Office of Higher Education to report each year on student financial aid across all Minnesota colleges. 136A.054 Consolidated Competitive Grant and Student Loan Repayment Program Reporting Requires annual reporting on competitive grants and student loan repayment programs run by the Office of Higher … 136A.055 Developmental Education Reporting Requires the office to report on students who need developmental (remedial) courses after graduating from Minnesota high … 136A.057 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.06 Federal Funds The Office of Higher Education is the state agency that receives and distributes federal funding for higher education … 136A.07 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.08 Reciprocal Agreements Relating to Nonresident Tuition With Other States or Provinces Allows Minnesota to make tuition agreements with other states and Canadian provinces so students can attend college … 136A.09 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.0901 Standard Financial Aid Offer Form for Higher Education Institutions Establishes the College Financing Literacy Act, requiring colleges to use a standard financial aid offer form. 136A.0902 Required Contents for Financial Aid Offer Form Lists what information must be included on the standard financial aid offer form colleges give to students. 136A.0903 Additional Requirements for the Financial Aid Offer Form Adds extra requirements for the financial aid offer form, like showing net cost and loan repayment estimates. 136A.0904 Supplemental Information; Removal of Information Colleges can add extra information to the financial aid offer form but cannot remove required items without approval. 136A.0905 Superseding Federal Law If the federal government creates its own standard financial aid form, these state rules will no longer apply. 136A.091 Summer Academic Enrichment Program Creates a summer academic enrichment program for K-12 students at colleges and nonprofit organizations. 136A.095 Grants-in-aid; Purpose This section contains technical provisions related to financial aid program definitions. 136A.096 Financial Aid Goals Sets goals for financial aid, directing the office to help students and families understand how to pay for college. 136A.097 Order of Aid Calculations The commissioner must calculate financial aid in the order programs were originally created, from oldest to newest. 136A.10 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.101 Definitions Defines key terms for state financial aid programs, including who counts as a 'student,' 'resident,' and 'eligible … 136A.103 Institution Eligibility Requirements Lists the requirements a college must meet to participate in state financial aid programs. 136A.11 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.111 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.12 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.1201 Minnesota Promise Declares the state policy that low-income students should have tuition and fees at public two-year colleges fully … 136A.121 State Grant Program The state grant program described in this section has been repealed. 136A.1211 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.1215 Grants for Students With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Provides financial aid grants for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities attending Minnesota … 136A.122 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.123 Mn Reconnect Program Creates the MN Reconnect program to help adults finish college degrees or earn credentials they started earlier. 136A.124 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.1241 Fostering Independence Higher Education Grants Provides higher education grants for former foster youth and those who aged out of foster care. 136A.125 Child Care Grants Creates a child care grant program to help student parents pay for child care while attending college. 136A.1251 This section was renumbered and moved to section 136A.915, subdivision 1. 136A.126 Indian Scholarships Provides scholarships for Minnesota resident American Indian students to attend eligible colleges. 136A.127 This section has been repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.1274 Underrepresented Student Teacher Grants Provides grants for student teaching stipends to low-income students from underrepresented racial or ethnic groups. 136A.1275 Student Teacher Grants in Shortage Areas Provides student teaching grants for low-income students who plan to teach in shortage areas or rural schools. 136A.1276 Alternative Teacher Preparation Grant Program Creates a grant program for alternative teacher preparation programs that serve people who already have a bachelor's … 136A.128 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.129 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.13 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.131 Accounting and Records The Office of Higher Education must keep proper accounting records for each student who receives a financial aid grant. 136A.1311 Cash Flow The office can borrow from the general fund to cover temporary cash flow gaps in the grant account. 136A.1312 Financial Aid Administrator, Professional Judgment Financial aid administrators at colleges can use professional judgment to adjust a student's financial need calculation. 136A.1313 Financial Aid Audits Public colleges that handle state grants directly can arrange their own audits instead of having the office audit them. 136A.132 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.133 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.134 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.1351 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.1352 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.1353 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.1354 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.1355 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.1356 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.1357 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.1358 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.1359 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.136 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.14 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.141 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.142 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.143 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.144 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.145 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.146 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.1465 North Star Promise Creates the North Star Promise program to make public college more affordable for students from families earning under a … 136A.15 Definitions Defines key terms for the state student loan program, including who qualifies as a borrower and what counts as an … 136A.155 Additional Institution Eligibility Requirements Lists the requirements a school must meet to participate in state student loan programs. 136A.16 Powers and Duties of Office Gives the Office of Higher Education power to run state student loan programs, including making loans, setting interest … 136A.161 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.162 Classification of Data Data collected from financial aid applicants is private. Some data may be shared with schools, legislators, or for … 136A.17 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.1701 Supplemental and Additional Loans The office can offer additional or supplemental student loans beyond the basic loan program. 136A.1702 Legislative Oversight The office must notify legislative committees before making major changes to student loan programs. 136A.1703 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.1704 Student Loan Refinancing The office can refinance existing student and parent loans at potentially better terms. 136A.171 Revenue Bonds; Issuance; Proceeds The office can issue revenue bonds to raise money for student loans, up to $1.2 billion outstanding at any time. 136A.172 Negotiable Notes; Issuance; Conditions The office can issue short-term negotiable notes to fund student loan programs and can renew them as needed. 136A.173 Negotiability; Bond Anticipation Notes; Payment; Conditions Revenue bonds and notes issued for student loans are negotiable and can be sold. Bond anticipation notes can be issued … 136A.174 Security for Bonds Revenue bonds for student loans can be secured by a trust agreement with a bank or trust company. 136A.175 Refunding Revenue Bonds; Proceeds; Investments The office can issue new bonds to refinance older bonds and invest the proceeds in safe investments until needed. 136A.176 Bonds Not State Obligations Student loan revenue bonds are not backed by the state's taxing power or credit. They are paid only from loan … 136A.177 Rights of Bondholders Bondholders can go to court to enforce their rights if the office fails to meet its bond obligations. 136A.178 Legal Investments; Authorized Securities Student loan revenue bonds are approved as safe investments for banks, insurance companies, and public retirement funds. 136A.1785 Loan Capital Fund Creates a loan capital fund where the office holds money from its student loan programs for future lending. 136A.1787 Self Loan Revenue Bonds Annual Certificate of Need Requires the office to certify each year that it has enough money to pay its bonds and maintain the loan capital fund. 136A.1788 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.1789 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.179 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.1791 This section was repealed in 2025 and is no longer in effect. 136A.1792 Promotion of Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Programs Requires the state to promote federal public service loan forgiveness programs to eligible public employees. 136A.1793 Promotion of Teacher Loan Forgiveness Programs The commissioner must share information with teacher education programs about loan forgiveness options for teachers. 136A.1794 Agricultural Education Loan Forgiveness Program Creates a loan forgiveness program for people who become agricultural education teachers in Minnesota. 136A.1795 Large Animal Veterinarian Loan Forgiveness Program Creates a loan forgiveness program for veterinarians who practice large animal medicine in underserved areas. 136A.1796 Tribal College Supplemental Grant Assistance Provides supplemental grant money to students attending tribal colleges in Minnesota. 136A.18 Legislative Finding, Declaration, and Directive Declares that private colleges serve an important role in educating Minnesotans and that the state should help support … 136A.19 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.20 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.21 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.22 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.225 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.23 Trustees of Incorporated Colleges May Prescribe Course of Study; Annual Report Trustees of private colleges can set courses of study, grant degrees, and must file an annual report with the state. 136A.231 Education; Postsecondary Students; Work-study Programs Creates a state work-study program to help college students earn money while gaining work experience. 136A.232 Administration; Agreements With Educational Facilities The Office of Higher Education runs the work-study program and makes agreements with colleges to participate. 136A.233 Work-study Grants The office distributes work-study money to eligible colleges based on their enrollment, with priority for community … 136A.234 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.235 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.236 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.237 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.241 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.242 This section was renumbered and moved to section 136G.03, subdivision 1. 136A.243 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.244 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.245 This section was renumbered and moved to section 136G.11, subdivision 1. 136A.246 Dual Training Competency Grants Provides grants to train employees in occupations identified as needing more skilled workers in Minnesota. 136A.25 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.26 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.27 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.28 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.29 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.30 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.31 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.32 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.33 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.34 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.35 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.36 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.37 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.38 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.39 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.40 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.41 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.42 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.51 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.52 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.53 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.55 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.61 Policy Declares that legitimate private colleges serving Minnesota students should be regulated to protect students and … 136A.615 Citation Sections 136A.61 to 136A.71 may be called the Minnesota Private and Out-of-State Public Postsecondary Education Act. 136A.62 Definitions Defines terms used in the regulation of private and out-of-state colleges, such as 'school,' 'degree,' and … 136A.63 Registration All private and out-of-state colleges operating in Minnesota must register with the Office of Higher Education each … 136A.64 Information Required for Registration Schools must provide detailed information to the office as part of registration, including finances, programs, and … 136A.645 School Closure When a school plans to close, it must notify students and the office and create a plan to protect student records and … 136A.646 Additional Security New schools that get conditional degree approval must post a financial security bond until they earn full accreditation. 136A.65 Approval of Degrees and Name No school can grant degrees or use the name 'college' or 'university' in Minnesota without approval from the office. 136A.653 Exemptions Certain schools can apply for exemption from registration and degree approval requirements. 136A.657 Exemption; Religious Schools Religious schools offering programs focused solely on religious training are exempt from state regulation. 136A.658 Exemption; State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement Schools The office may join an interstate agreement for regulating online college programs across state lines. 136A.66 List of Registered Institutions The office maintains a public list of all registered schools approved to grant degrees in Minnesota. 136A.67 Registration Representations Schools cannot claim to be approved by the state unless they are fully registered, and must follow advertising rules. 136A.672 Student Complaints The office can review and act on student complaints against registered schools. 136A.675 Risk Analysis The office must develop tools to identify schools that may be financially unstable or poorly managed. 136A.68 Records Registered schools must keep student records for at least 50 years and have a plan for records if the school closes. 136A.685 Private Institutions; Adjudication of Fraud or Misrepresentation The office can deny or revoke a school's registration if there has been a finding of fraud or misrepresentation. 136A.69 Fees The office charges registration fees to cover its costs. Fees vary based on whether the school is new or renewing. 136A.70 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.705 Penalty The commissioner can fine schools up to $25,000 per day for violating private school registration laws. 136A.71 Injunction The attorney general can go to court to stop schools from violating registration laws. 136A.80 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.81 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.82 Policy; Citation Declares the state's interest in regulating private career (vocational) schools to protect students and the public. 136A.821 Definitions Defines terms for private career school regulation, including 'private career school,' 'program,' and 'solicitor.' 136A.822 Licensure Private career schools must get a license from the Office of Higher Education before operating in Minnesota. 136A.8225 School Closure When a career school plans to close, it must notify students and the office and protect student records. 136A.823 License Renewal Career schools must apply to renew their license at least 60 days before it expires. 136A.824 Fees Sets the fees career schools must pay for initial licensing, renewals, and program changes. 136A.825 Permits for Solicitors Anyone who recruits students for a career school must get a solicitor permit from the office. 136A.826 Information to Students Career schools must give prospective students their catalog and important school information before enrollment. 136A.827 Refunds Sets refund rules for career schools, including how much tuition must be returned if a student drops out early. 136A.828 Prohibitions Career schools cannot falsely claim state approval, guarantee jobs, or use misleading advertising. 136A.829 Revocation of License or Permit The office can refuse, revoke, or suspend a career school's license or a solicitor's permit after a hearing. 136A.8295 Student Complaints The office can review and act on student complaints against licensed career schools. 136A.83 Inspection The office can inspect a career school's records, classrooms, and equipment at any reasonable time. 136A.831 Injunction The attorney general can go to court to stop career schools from violating licensing laws. 136A.832 Penalty The commissioner can fine career schools up to $25,000 per day for violating licensing laws. 136A.833 Exemptions Certain career schools can apply for exemption from licensing requirements if they meet specific criteria. 136A.834 Exemption; Religious Schools Religious career programs focused solely on religious training are exempt from state licensing. 136A.84 Direct Admissions Program Creates a direct admissions program where colleges proactively admit qualifying high school students. 136A.85 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.86 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.861 Intervention for College Attendance Program Grants Provides grants for programs that encourage underserved students in grades 6-12 to attend and succeed in college. 136A.862 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.87 Planning Information for Postsecondary Education The office must provide all Minnesotans starting in 7th grade with information about planning and paying for college. 136A.88 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.901 Spinal Cord Injury and Traumatic Brain Injury Research Grant Program Creates a grant program for research into spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries at Minnesota institutions. 136A.902 Spinal Cord and Traumatic Brain Injury Advisory Council Establishes a 14-member advisory council to guide the spinal cord and traumatic brain injury research grant program. 136A.91 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.915 Student-parent Support Initiative Creates a grant program to support college students who are parents, including child care, housing, and academic help. 136A.921 Inclusive Higher Education Technical Assistance Center Establishes a center to provide technical assistance for inclusive higher education programs for students with … 136A.922 Inclusive Higher Education Grants Creates a competitive grant program to fund inclusive higher education programs at Minnesota colleges. 136G.01 Plan Established Creates the Minnesota 529 College Savings Plan to help families save for higher education with tax benefits. 136G.05 Minnesota Office of Higher Education Gives the Office of Higher Education power to set rules for the Minnesota 529 college savings plan. 136G.07 Investment of Accounts The State Board of Investment manages the money in 529 college savings accounts. 144.1494 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 144.1495 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 144.1496 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 144.1497 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 15.001 Application of Laws 2005, Chapter 56, Terminology Changes State agencies must use updated terminology from a 2005 law when they replace printed materials and signs. 15D.01 Creation Creates the Minnesota Health and Education Facilities Authority as a state agency. 15D.02 Memberships; Officers; Compensation; Removal The authority has nine members appointed by the governor, plus a representative from the Office of Higher Education. 15D.03 Policy Declares the state policy that helping health care and education organizations finance facilities serves the public … 15D.04 Definitions Defines terms used in the Health and Education Facilities Authority law, including 'project,' 'bond,' and 'institution.' 15D.05 Powers; Duties Lists the powers of the authority, including issuing bonds, making loans, and entering agreements to finance facility … 15D.06 Source of Payment of Expenses All expenses of the authority are paid from its own funds, not from state tax dollars. 15D.07 Notes of the Authority The authority can issue short-term negotiable notes to fund its operations and projects. 15D.08 Bonds of the Authority The authority can issue revenue bonds to finance health care and education facility projects. 15D.09 Trust Agreement Revenue bonds can be secured by a trust agreement with a bank or trust company for added bondholder protection. 15D.10 Revenue Refunding Bonds The authority can issue new bonds to refinance existing bonds at better interest rates. 15D.11 Bonds Are Not State Obligation Authority bonds are not backed by the state's credit or taxing power; they are paid only from project revenues. 15D.12 Revenues The authority can set and collect fees, rents, and charges for the use of facilities it finances. 15D.13 Remedies of Bondholders and Trustees Bondholders and trustees can go to court to enforce their rights if the authority fails to meet its obligations. 15D.14 Bonds Eligible for Investment Authority bonds are approved as legal investments for banks, insurance companies, and public funds. 15D.15 Exemption From Taxes and Other Restrictions The authority and its bonds are exempt from state and local taxes, and its activities are not subject to certain … 15D.16 Administration The authority operates independently from other state departments and agencies. 15D.17 Conflict of Interest People connected to institutions that use the authority's services are not considered to have a conflict of interest. 15D.18 Annual Report The authority must keep accurate financial records and submit an annual report to the legislature and Historical …