How Direct Admissions Helps More Students Apply to College

The Minnesota Office of Higher Education aims to prove that every student in the state is college material. By reducing the guesswork and paperwork of college applications, the Direct Admissions Program streamlines the path to higher education, allowing students to focus more on finding the right fit and preparing for their college journey. This article will dive into how the program works, its benefits, and what it means for Minnesota students looking to take their next steps toward a brighter future.

Direct Admissions

Why does the State offer this program?

The numbers show that more and more young adults are leaving Minnesota or not enrolling in postsecondary education after high school. Experts think this trend will make a big dent in a workforce already struggling to recover post-COVID-19.

Studies by the Minnesota Office of Higher Education (OHE) show that in 2017, 21% of graduating seniors did not enroll in any institution, compared to 2022, when that number jumped to 36%. Also, fewer students are enrolling in the fall semester immediately after graduating from high school: 68% enrolled right away in 2017 compared to 58% in 2022.

To encourage students to apply (and later attend) college and choose in-state institutions, the State of Minnesota piloted Direct Admissions in 2022. OHE in part created the program because of its success in other states: both Idaho and South Dakota started similar, successful programs. Specifically, after Idaho launched its version of Direct Admissions in 2016, the state saw a jump in statewide full-time enrollment of 11.3%.

OHE also aims to reduce self-selection bias, or the tendency of students to only apply to schools where they think they’ll get in. This can be a particular issue for Black, Indigenous, and other communities of color, in which significant educational disparities exist. In 2016, the OHE reported that 59% of white students enrolled in a 2- or 4-year university in fall 2015, compared to 43% of Hispanic, 32% of Black, 52% Asian, and 34% of American Indian students, respectively. Direct Admissions hopes to ease the process for these communities of color and expand students’ outlook on potential future schools.

Making applying easier and even talking about college to high school seniors, can have a positive impact on their plans. This is especially true for students who thought that college wasn’t an option due to their parents’ income. Direct Admissions staff not only encourage students to apply, they also share information about all financial aid options, including free college tuition for students whose family’s annual adjusted gross income is below $80,000. 

How does it work?

OHE knows that the college application process is complicated, especially for first-generation college students, non-English speaking students, students from communities of color, those from low-income families, and those who may not have guidance from parents or guardians. So, Direct Admissions was designed to be as simple as possible. Here’s how it works:

1. In October of their senior year, high school students on track to graduate will receive a list of colleges who have agreed to admit them based on their GPA and classes taken by the end of junior year.
2. Students review the list of colleges and choose which they would like to apply to and send the letter back to their high school.
3. Students must fill out the formal application for each college, and there is no fee, but many of the applications will be streamlined because the applicant has already received direct admission. (Note: some colleges may request MORE information, so be on the lookout for any document requests).
4. Colleges send out official acceptance letters.
5. To decide where they want to go, students should use the OHE website to compare the colleges that have accepted them.
6. FAFSA is due. Students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to get a better picture of the total cost of attending each college (School counselors can help with the application and decision-making process.).
7. Students make their final selection!

What else do I need to know?

The possibilities for your future are endless, but it’s important to know that only certain colleges (including technical schools, tribal colleges, community colleges, four-year public and private universities) and high schools participate in Direct Admissions. Currently, over 120 high schools and 55 colleges and universities are enrolled in the program. Before banking on Direct Admission, students should check if their high school is signed up and if any of the colleges they’re interested in are on the list. Note: If one of your choices is not on the list, you can still apply! You just have to submit a separate application, and there’s no guarantee of acceptance.

Direct Admissions means you’re accepted into your choice of colleges or universities from your letter, but it doesn’t mean you’re automatically accepted into every program, major, or minor for each school. Many programs have GPA requirements, prerequisite courses, auditions, or portfolios, so be sure to discuss your area(s) of interest with an admissions counselor before making any assumptions. Depending on which school and program you’d like to pursue, you may need to spend time in your senior year preparing the required application materials.

For undocumented students, applying to college can be uniquely difficult. However, undocumented students are eligible for Direct Admissions and don’t face any special considerations. If young adults qualify for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status, they need to complete the Minnesota Dream Act application to access financial aid from the state.

Where can I find out more?

This simple and effective program has the potential to help thousands of graduating seniors in Minnesota apply and get into college. And the more institutions that sign up, the more doors that open for future college students.

Direct Admissions is helping reshape college access for students across Minnesota. By reframing the idea of "college material" and ensuring that every qualified student receives personalized admissions offers, the program gives students confidence in knowing that colleges are eager to welcome them.

For students, families, and educators, Direct Admissions shows that college is not just an aspiration but an achievable next step. By expanding opportunities and breaking down traditional barriers, Minnesota is helping to ensure that more students can realize their potential and pursue the education they deserve.

Visit Direct Admissions Minnesota for a list of participating schools, frequently asked questions and additional resources. You’ve got this!