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Students on Hamline campus

Hamline Promise Grant Program

Hamline Promise Grant

Full-tuition grant for first-time, first-year students

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 2025. (It does not include housing and meals, fees, and books).

 

2025–2026 eligibility for the Hamline Promise includes the following:

  • Be a newly enrolling full-time degree-seeking first year student entering Fall 2025.
  • 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, totaling $80,000 or less. (Any adjustments made through a special circumstances appeal process do not apply.)
  • Be eligible for Federal Pell Grant.
  • 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.)
  • Complete Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) no later than March 1, 2025.
Four students walking on campus

The Hamline Promise uses the same approach as the State of Minnesota to help students cover tuition. It takes into account all other financial aid you qualify for, like merit scholarships, need-based grants (such as the Pell Grant and Minnesota State Grant), outside scholarships, and tuition waivers. Once all of these are added together, the Hamline Promise will cover any remaining tuition costs up to the full amount.

Why Hamline?


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

Top-ranked: For four years in a row, Hamline has been ranked as the #1 Regional University in Minnesota (and 16th in the Midwest) by U.S. News & World Report.

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 in four years

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.

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* 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 began in the fall 2024 and will continue for eligible students who enroll in Fall 2025
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.
How do outside scholarships fit into the Hamline Promise? If a student receives an outside scholarship(s) it will be used to fulfill a portion of the Hamline Promise commitment.
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.)
  • Students need to be eligible for the Federal Pell Grant each year.
  • 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 uses the same approach as the State of Minnesota to help students cover tuition. It takes into account all other financial aid you qualify for, like merit scholarships, need-based grants (such as the Pell Grant and Minnesota State Grant), outside scholarships, and tuition waivers. Once all of these are added together, the Hamline Promise will cover any remaining tuition costs up to the full amount.

  • 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, outside scholarships, 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, May term, Summer term, or study abroad.
Is there a deadline to apply for the 2025-2026 Hamline Promise?
  • Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Aid (FAFSA) no later than March 1, 2025 to ensure eligibility.

 

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