This bill seeks to improve student financial assistance programs in North Dakota by establishing new provisions and amending existing laws related to skilled workforce student loan repayment, scholarships, and financial aid grants. It creates a skilled workforce student loan repayment program fund and a skilled workforce scholarship fund, both of which will be continuously appropriated to the state board of higher education. The bill outlines eligibility criteria for applicants, including residency requirements that mandate applicants to live and work in North Dakota or within fifty miles of the state in high-demand occupations. Additionally, it introduces a supplemental state grant for individuals with a family income of no more than $80,000 to help cover tuition costs, while ensuring that the total financial assistance does not exceed the cost of attendance.

Furthermore, the bill amends Section 15.1-21-02.6 of the North Dakota Century Code to set scholarship amounts and eligibility criteria for students in accredited higher education institutions or registered apprenticeship programs. Eligible students can receive scholarships of $750 per semester or $500 per quarter/clock-hour term, provided they maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.75 and make progress toward program completion, with a cap of $6,000 in total scholarships. The bill also clarifies that scholarships cannot exceed the total cost of attendance when considering all financial aid sources, allows for non-consecutive term enrollment without losing eligibility, and extends scholarship validity to six academic years post-high school graduation. Additionally, it appropriates $2,000,000 from the general fund for supplemental student financial assistance grants for the biennium from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 15-10-38.1, 15-10-38.2, 15-63-05, 15.1-21-02.6
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Senator Magrum: 15-10-38.1, 15-10-38.2, 15-63-05, 15.1-21-02.6
Adopted by the House Education Committee: 15-10-38.1, 15-10-38.2, 15-63-05, 15.1-21-02.6
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for House Appropriations - Education and Environment Division Committee: 15-10-38.1, 15-10-38.2, 15-63-05, 15.1-21-02.6
Adopted by the Conference Committee: 15-10-38.1, 15-10-38.2, 15-63-05, 15.1-21-02.6
Enrollment: 15-10-38.1, 15-10-38.2, 15-63-05, 15.1-21-02.6