Moorhead Area Public Schools and Minnesota State University Moorhead announced October 21 that they will be launching the Moorhead Scholars program ahead of the 2025-26 school year. This new program will aim to keep high-performing students in the community by offering full-tuition MSU Moorhead scholarships to Moorhead High School graduates who have earned top grades.
“This program aligns perfectly with our goal to help students thrive in a changing world,” said Superintendent Brandon Lunak. “We believe in supporting academic achievement and opening doors to higher education right here in Moorhead.”
Starting with the Class of 2025, Spuds who graduate from MHS with a GPA of 3.0 or higher can receive a four-year commitment of free college tuition at MSU Moorhead. This is accomplished through a combination of federal, state and institutional grants and scholarships for MSUM.
“We are proud to partner with Moorhead Area Public Schools in offering this opportunity for Moorhead’s brightest students,” said Dr. Tim Downs, MSU Moorhead President. “By investing in the next generation of scholars, we are investing in the future of our community.”
To become a Moorhead Scholar, students must meet the following criteria:
Graduate from Moorhead High School
Achieve a minimum high school grade point average of 3.0
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Enroll as a full-time student at MSU Moorhead in the fall following their high school graduation
Moorhead Scholars is a last-dollar program designed to recognize and reward academic excellence by covering any remaining tuition costs at MSUM after all available gift aid has been applied. This innovative partnership highlights a shared commitment to nurturing local talent and fostering educational success within the Moorhead community.
“The Moorhead Scholars program will do more than support students – it is building a stronger Moorhead,” said Mayor Shelly Carlson. “The future of our community depends on empowering the next generation, and this program does exactly that.”
Important note: MAPS does not provide any funding for the Moorhead Scholars program. Funding for this program is exclusively provided by MSUM.