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Office of Higher Education and lists its main duties, including managing financial aid and … 136A.011 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.02 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.03 Executive Officers; Employees The Office of Higher Education is led by a commissioner appointed by the governor.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 This section establishes a Student Advisory Council (SAC) to advise the Office of Higher Education. It sets out the … 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work with tribes and American Indian communities to improve access to higher education for … 136A.035 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.04 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.041 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.0411 Collecting Fees The Office of Higher Education can charge fees for seminars, workshops, and services, and for licensing private schools. 136A.0412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 These funds are available … 136A.042 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.043 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.044 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. 136A.05 Cooperation of Institutions of Higher Education All public colleges and state agencies must share information with the Office of Higher Education when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 a nonpublic college or university gives the Office of Higher Education student data or records under the specific … 136A.053 Consolidated Student Aid Reporting Requires the commissioner of the Office of Higher Education to report annually, beginning February 15, 2026, to the … 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 standard financial aid offer form beyond those in section 136A.0902. The form must … 136A.0904 Supplemental Information; Removal of Information Colleges may add supplemental information to the financial aid offer form as long as the extra information is kept off … 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 states the purpose behind the state's grants-in-aid program. The legislature declares that identifying … 136A.096 Financial Aid Goals This section directs the commissioner of the Office of Higher Education to set an annual goal for the percentage of … 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 This section establishes Minnesota's State Grant Program, the main need-based financial aid program for resident … 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. Subdivisions 1 through 4 were renumbered as the corresponding … 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. All of its subdivisions were struck by the Legislature, most … 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 state grant program that awards grants to eligible alternative teacher preparation programs working to fill … 136A.128 This section was repealed and is no longer in effect. It contains no operative statutory text and cross-references … 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 accounts and records for each person 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 or renumbered and no longer contains operative statutory text. The body cross-references … 136A.1356 This section was repealed or renumbered and no longer contains operative statutory text. The body cross-references … 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 applicants for state student financial aid programs is private data on individuals. This information … 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 may refinance existing student and parent loans on terms it sets, including its own credit requirements and … 136A.171 Revenue Bonds; Issuance; Proceeds The office may issue revenue bonds to raise money for loans made under this chapter. The total revenue bonds issued … 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 the office issues for its loan programs are negotiable instruments payable solely out of the … 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 These bonds are legal investments for public officers and public bodies, insurance companies, trust companies, banks, … 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 determine and certify to the governor each year, on or before December 1, the amounts (if any) … 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 This section provides supplemental grant funding to Tribally controlled colleges in Minnesota to help cover the cost of … 136A.18 Legislative Finding, Declaration, and Directive This is a legislative policy statement, not an operative rule. The legislature declares that Minnesota private colleges … 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 The legislature declares that a state work-study program serves the best interests of the state. It states the program … 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 allocates state work-study money to eligible Minnesota postsecondary institutions based on their resident … 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 no longer contains operative text and has been renumbered. The body cross-references section 136G.01, … 136A.242 This section was renumbered to section 136G.03. Its nine subdivisions were moved to various subdivisions of section … 136A.243 This section no longer contains operative text and has been renumbered. The body cross-references section 136G.05, … 136A.244 This section no longer contains operative text and has been renumbered. The body cross-references section 136G.07, … 136A.245 This section was renumbered to section 136G.11. Its six subdivisions were moved to various subdivisions of section … 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 no longer contains operative statutory text. It has been renumbered, with its content now found at section … 136A.26 This section no longer contains operative statutory text. It has been renumbered, with its content now found at section … 136A.27 This section no longer contains operative statutory text. It has been renumbered, with its content now found at section … 136A.28 This section no longer contains operative statutory text. It has been renumbered, with its content now found at section … 136A.29 This section is no longer in effect. The statutory text that formerly appeared at section 136A.29 has been renumbered, … 136A.30 This section is no longer in effect. The statutory text that formerly appeared at section 136A.30 has been renumbered, … 136A.31 This section is no longer in effect. The statutory text that formerly appeared at section 136A.31 has been renumbered, … 136A.32 This section is no longer in effect. The statutory text that formerly appeared at section 136A.32 has been renumbered, … 136A.33 This section is no longer in effect. The statutory text that formerly appeared at section 136A.33 has been renumbered, … 136A.34 This section is no longer in effect. Its content was renumbered and moved to Minnesota Statutes section 15D.10. Refer to … 136A.35 This section is no longer in effect. Its content was renumbered and moved to Minnesota Statutes section 15D.11. Refer to … 136A.36 This section is no longer in effect. Its content was renumbered and moved to Minnesota Statutes section 15D.12. Refer to … 136A.37 This section is no longer in effect. Its content was renumbered and moved to Minnesota Statutes section 15D.13. Refer to … 136A.38 This section is no longer in effect. Its content was renumbered and moved to Minnesota Statutes section 15D.14. Refer to … 136A.39 This section no longer contains operative statutory text. The material formerly here has been renumbered to section … 136A.40 This section no longer contains operative statutory text. The material formerly here has been renumbered to section … 136A.41 This section no longer contains operative statutory text. The material formerly here has been renumbered to section … 136A.42 This section no longer contains operative statutory text. The material formerly here has been renumbered to section … 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 the terms used in Minnesota's regulation of private and out-of-state colleges, covering sections 136A.61 to … 136A.63 Registration Schools with a physical presence in Minnesota that offer degree programs or courses must register each year with the … 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 institutions granted conditional approval for degrees or names so they can pursue accreditation must post a surety … 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 reciprocity agreement covering postsecondary distance (online) education if it decides … 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 of Higher Education can review and act on written, signed student complaints against schools registered under … 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 may assess fines for violations of the private and out-of-state public postsecondary registration laws … 136A.71 Injunction The attorney general can go to court to stop schools from violating registration laws. 136A.80 This section no longer contains operative statutory text. Its content was renumbered to section 135A.51. 136A.81 This section was repealed or renumbered and contains no operative statutory text. The cross-reference indicates the … 136A.82 Policy; Citation Declares the state's policy interest in regulating private career (vocational) schools, both nonprofit and for-profit, … 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 private career school intends to cease postsecondary operations or is told the office anticipates its closure, it … 136A.823 License Renewal Career schools must apply to renew their license at least 60 days before the current license expires, using a form from … 136A.824 Fees Sets the fees career schools must pay for initial licensing, renewals, and program changes. 136A.825 Permits for Solicitors A person who solicits students to enroll in a private career school must obtain a solicitor's permit from the office … 136A.826 Information to Students A private career school must give a prospective student its catalog, brochure, or electronic display in a way that … 136A.827 Refunds A private career school must refund all tuition, fees, and charges if a student gives notice of cancellation within five … 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 may assess fines against career schools for violating the licensing requirements in sections 136A.821 … 136A.833 Exemptions A school may apply to the office for an exemption from the career school licensing rules for itself or some of its … 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 make information about planning and preparing for postsecondary education available to all Minnesota … 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 through which the commissioner awards grants to postsecondary institutions and partnering … 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 College Savings Plan, also called the Minnesota 529 college savings plan, to encourage people to … 136G.05 Minnesota Office of Higher Education Gives the commissioner of the Office of Higher Education power to set the rules, terms, and conditions for the Minnesota … 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 the terminology changes specified in Laws 2005, chapter 56, when they replace printed material … 15D.01 Creation Creates the Minnesota Health and Education Facilities Authority as a state agency. 15D.02 Memberships; Officers; Compensation; Removal The Minnesota Health and Education Facilities Authority consists of nine members appointed by the governor with the … 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 Sets out the powers and duties of the Health and Education Facilities Authority, whose purpose is to assist health care … 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, notes, and bond anticipation notes to finance health care and education facility … 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 revenue bonds to refund (replace) its outstanding revenue bonds, including paying any … 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 Bonds issued by the authority are made legal investments for public officers and bodies, insurance companies, trust … 15D.15 Exemption From Taxes and Other Restrictions Because operating and maintaining a project is treated as an essential public function that benefits the people of the … 15D.16 Administration The authority administers these sections independently of other state departments and agencies, and it is not bound by … 15D.17 Conflict of Interest A trustee, director, officer, or employee of a participating institution, financial institution, investment banking or … 15D.18 Annual Report The authority must keep an accurate account of all of its activities, receipts, and expenditures. Each year it must …