Policy 5.08

Part 1. Purpose

To provide transparency regarding tuition and fees assessed to Minneapolis College students.

Part 2. Tuition

The College charges tuition consistent with Minnesota statutes and policies. The College charges per-credit, differential course and program, and market-driven tuition. All tuition includes the cost of consumable supplies used in the classroom or laboratory. Advance deposits are considered a prepayment of tuition and are refundable in accordance with Minnesota State Board of Trustees Policy 5.12

Per-Credit

The College charges tuition on a per-credit basis for its courses. Per-credit tuition rates are approved by the Minnesota State Board of Trustees as part of the annual operating budget process. Outside the exceptions listed below, the College's base per-credit tuition rate applies.

Differential Course and Program Tuition

The College charges tuition by course or program when special circumstances exist. These circumstances may include but are not limited to, an extraordinary cost of offering the course or academic program (e.g., need for specialized equipment and supplies, accreditation standards, delivery methods (off-site locations, online, clinical experience, etc.)), or a desire to incentivize enrollment in a specific course or program.

Setting tuition by program assigns a per-credit price for all the core courses in an academic program, regardless of whether or not the student is degree-seeking within that program. Setting tuition by course assigns a per-credit price for an individual course, based on the unique circumstances of that course. Differential course and program tuition rates are reviewed by system office personnel for compliance with procedure and approved by the Minnesota State Board of Trustees as part of the operating budget process. The College maintains documentation regarding differential rates including costs included in the differential charge.

Market-driven

The College charges market-driven tuition for customized training and continuing education offerings.

Part 3. Required Fees

Late Payment and Payment Plans

See College procedure 5.08.01 regarding fees associated with the late or delayed payment of tuition and fees.

Parking

Parking fees are paid for actual usage of the College’s parking facilities and are not assessed on a per-credit basis. Students pay an amount that is equal to or less than that paid by the College’s employees for the same type of parking (reserved, general, etc.).

The College has the option to collect fines and towing fees for parking violations under Minnesota Statute §136F.22 and Minnesota State Board of Trustees policy.

Senior Citizen Fee in Lieu of Tuition

The College charges an administrative fee in lieu of tuition to senior citizens pursuant to Minnesota Statute §135A.51 and Minnesota Statute §135A.52. A senior citizen enrolled under this statute must pay any materials, personal property, or service charges for the course.

Statewide Student Association

The College collects a statewide student association fee as authorized by Minnesota Statutes §136F.22 and per Minnesota State Board of Trustees policy.

Part 4. Discretionary Fees/Charges at Minneapolis College

Application

A fee is assessed when individuals complete an application to enroll in the College. (See College Procedure 4.01.01 for additional details.)

Assessments

The College may charge fees to discourage certain behaviors, including, but not limited to, library overdue charges, a non-sufficient funds (NSF) bank charge, restitution to pay for damages incurred, or violations of campus health and safety policies.

Credit for Prior Learning

Minneapolis College will assess a fee for the assessment of student learning done prior to, or outside of, enrollment at the College. This fee may be adjusted annually but will not exceed one-half the cost of the base credit rate. The following conditions also apply:

• A fee is not charged for previously evaluated credit for prior learning by student transfer of credits from other Minnesota State or regionally-accredited higher education institutions.
• A fee is not charged for transcripting credits for an award of credit for prior learning.
• A fee is not charged for students seeking faculty consent for enrollment in a course or waiver of prerequisites that do not involve an award of credit for prior learning.
• A fee is not charged for analysis and awarding of credit for military courses and military training pursuant to Minnesota Statutes §197.775.

Health Services

The College assesses a health services fee on a per-credit basis that will be used to fund operations at the campus’ student health clinic. The College’s student senate will be consulted on this fee amount annually.

Personal Property

Personal property charges apply to items that become the personal property of a student and have an educational or personal value beyond the classroom. These items may include, but are not limited to, tools, books, and materials retained by the student. It also includes official transcripts, identification cards, and replacement or additional diplomas.

Service

Service charges are for services for, or on behalf of, the student and may include:

• Equipment, including purchases, special leases, or rentals as required by the College or program of study. Situations requiring students to purchase or lease technology are reviewed by the technology fee advisory group and the College’s student senate will be consulted.
• Special testing, including but not limited to, testing for counseling (e.g. career interest inventories, type indicators, etc.); occupational certification, licensure, or assessment; retesting of entry-level assessment; and optional testing requested by the student. Students are not charged for initial entry assessment or required outcome assessment.
• Other instructional services, such as:
  • Additional instructional costs not included in tuition but paid by the student to a vendor or auxiliary service (theater tickets, bowling lane rentals, green fees, ski lift tickets, etc.) may be a service charge if identified at the time of registration.
  • Costs of private lessons or services associated with a credit-bearing course (flight training, voice or instrument, art, etc.) may be charged in addition to tuition.
  • Electronic course materials, including online subscriptions but not including open educational resources (OER) materials.
• Other non-instructional services provided to students such as legal services, health services, background checks, drug and alcohol screening, and insurance.
• Actual course-related travel costs required for transportation, room, board, and other expense.

Student Life

The College assesses a student life fee on a per-credit basis that will be used to fund the operation of the College’s student life activities. The College’s student senate will be consulted on this fee amount annually.

Student Union

The College assesses a student union fee on a per-credit basis that will be used to support the debt, operations, and maintenance of the College’s Helland Student Center. The College’s student senate will be consulted on this fee amount annually.

Technology

The College assesses a technology fee on a per-credit basis that will be used for the acquisition and/or maintenance of technology for academic and student support activities that provide or enhance student access to technology. Academic and student support activities include but are not limited to technology infrastructure, computer labs, wireless networks, ongoing technology support, and software licensing.

Per Board of Trustees Procedure 5.11.1, Part 4, Subpart H, Minneapolis College has an advisory group that reviews the technology fee.

Owner(s) Title: Vice President of Finance and Operations

Date of Adoption: 7/1/1999

Date of Implementation (if different from adoption date): N/A

Date Last Amended: 3/12/2025 (Comprehensive Review)