Students on Hamline campus

Hamline Promise Program

Hamline First Year Free Tuition Program
 

Hamline University is committed to helping make a Hamline education affordable for academically eligible Minnesota students with significant demonstrated financial need, as reported on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

In recognition of a student’s academic performance and potential for success while acknowledging the challenges of college costs, Hamline is proud to offer the Hamline Promise. The Hamline Promise program covers 100% of tuition costs for up to four years for entering first-year students in fall of 2024. (It does not include housing and meals, fees, and books).
 

Hamline students sit on wall

 

Eligibility for the Hamline Promise includes the following:

  • Be a newly enrolling full-time degree-seeking first year student entering in the fall of 2024.
  • Be a Minnesota resident or graduate of a Minnesota high school. Learn more about the definition of a Minnesota resident for state financial aid purposes.
  • Have a cumulative high school GPA of 3.0 or higher at the point of admission.
  • Have a family Adjusted Gross Income (AGI), as reported on the FAFSA, plus any foreign income exclusion, total $80,000 or less. (Any adjustments made through a special circumstances appeal process do not apply.)
  • Not be in default on state or federal student loans.
  • Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards.
  • Have not previously earned a bachelor's degree. Be enrolled full-time at Hamline, taking between 15-18 credits each term.
  • Be enrolled in a program or course of study that applies to a bachelor’s degree. (Online Degree Completion programs are excluded.)

The Hamline Promise includes all earned merit scholarships, need-based aid (including Pell Grant and Minnesota State Grant), and any tuition waivers when calculating tuition costs.

Why Hamline?


A Hamline degree provides you with the professional knowledge and skills to help you succeed.

Top-ranked: For three years in a row, Hamline has been ranked as the #1 Regional University in Minnesota.

We make sure you succeed: We’re the top university in Minnesota for increasing your socioeconomic mobility and the only school in Minnesota recognized for ensuring you succeed.

Four-year graduation guarantee: We make sure you graduate on schedule.

Career preparedness: From your very first class, Hamline makes sure that you receive hands-on, real-world experiences in your chosen field.

Faculty who care: Our faculty is committed to getting to know you and providing personalized mentorship.
 

* These are the friendliest schools for Pell Grant recipients, Universitybusiness.com
**2023 Economic Mobility Index, Thirdway.org

Ranked #8 in the United States for ensuring you succeed in college.*

Ranked #1 in Minnesota for socioeconomic mobility for students post-graduation**

Frequently asked questions about the Hamline Promise program
 

How do students apply for the Hamline Promise?
  • There is no separate application.
  • Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
When does the Hamline Promise program start? The program will begin in fall 2024.
For dependent students, whose income counts for determining eligibility—parents, student, or both? Parent(s) and/or stepparent (listed on the FAFSA) and student incomes will be used to calculate the family Adjusted Gross Income for eligibility purposes.
For independent students, whose income counts for determining eligibility? Student and spouse (if applicable) income(s) will be used to calculate the family Adjusted Gross Income for eligibility purposes.
Are students who are ineligible to complete a FAFSA form eligible for the Hamline Promise Program? No
Do students have to file the FAFSA and meet eligibility requirements for the Hamline Promise Program each year?
  • Yes. It is possible for students who qualified as a new incoming first year to not qualify in following years, if they no longer meet the eligibility requirements
  • If a student's family Adjusted Gross Income on the FAFSA plus any foreign income exclusion is above $80,000 in some years, they would no longer be eligible for the Hamline Promise Program. (in this case, the student would retain any merit scholarships or need-based aid for which they qualify based upon the results of the FAFSA.)
  • Additionally, if students no longer meet other eligibility criteria noted above, they would no longer be eligible for the Hamline Promise Program.
How often will Hamline review a student for continuing eligibility for the Hamline Promise? A student’s eligibility will be reviewed annually based on the results of the FAFSA form.
How long can students receive the Hamline Promise? Hamline students are eligible for the Hamline Promise for up to 8 semesters or 128 credits earned, whichever comes first.
What college costs does the Hamline Promise cover?
  • The Hamline Promise covers the remaining tuition, between 15 and 18 credits, after other grants and scholarships are accounted for (state, federal, institutional scholarships and grants, and tuition waivers).
  • The Hamline Promise does not cover housing, food, books, fees, and other living expenses.
  • The Hamline Promise does not cover Winter term, Summer term, or study abroad.

 

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