Investing in the Workforce of Tomorrow
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, individuals with a college degree on average earn more than those with only a high school diploma, and this earnings gap continues to widen. Yet for many prospective students, their dream of earning a college degree is overshadowed by the fear of student loan debt. Rising tuition costs are becoming their most challenging barrier.
At a time of growing skepticism about the value of higher education, it’s important to recognize the role of the colleges and universities of Minnesota State in meeting this challenge. We are preparing students for successful careers while minimizing their financial burden by offering the lowest tuition and fees in the state. Driven by the desire to build better lives for themselves and their families, our students are pursuing their education while balancing work, family responsibilities, and other obligations. They deserve our support.
Fortunately, there are important programs making a real difference for these students. This fall, 500 Minneapolis College students benefited from the North Star Promise Scholarship, which covers tuition costs for eligible Minnesota students from families earning less than $80,000 annually. Also, Workforce Development Scholarships are helping students reduce their expenses while gaining skills for in-demand careers.
As industries evolve, from healthcare to advanced manufacturing, the demand for a well-trained workforce grows. The colleges and universities of Minnesota State are positioned to meet this demand by partnering with local businesses and tailoring our programs to regional economic priorities.
This investment is about more than individual students—it’s about our state’s economic development; it’s about our communities. The return on this investment will be in the form of welders, machinists, nurses, dental technicians, entrepreneurs, educators, HVACR technicians, and other trained professionals to fill critical gaps in Minnesota's workforce.
Our students will shape our future. It’s time to recognize their value and strengthen our collective commitment to higher education.
Sincerely,
President Sharon Pierce