Senate committee advances bill to expand direct college admissions to all Minnesota high schools

Senate File 1474, a bipartisan bill to expand Minnesota's direct admissions program to every public high school, was recommended to pass by the Senate Higher Education Committee on March 9, 2026.

The bill’s author, Senator Gustafson, told the committee the program simply informs students — based on their academic records — which Minnesota colleges already qualify them for. Supporters said the program removes confusion, reduces barriers, and helps families make informed decisions about postsecondary options.

Supporters included Matt Shaver, senior policy director at Allies, who said the program has helped participating schools increase FAFSA completion and state college enrollment and that as many as 57 Minnesota two- and four-year institutions use merit-based direct-admission criteria. William Luther, director of state affairs for the University of Minnesota Twin Cities undergraduate student government, and Eagan High School senior Josiah Schachausen gave personal testimony about how a direct-admissions notice eased the college application burden.

Committee members pressed on potential costs and implementation. Senator Putnam reported that the superintendent of Saint Cloud Public Schools told him the change "does not cost anything extra" for districts that are well organized and budget smartly. The author's A4 amendment preserves a timeline requiring all high schools to offer direct admissions by the start of the 2029 school year while allowing school boards to opt out; the committee adopted that amendment.

After member discussion and closing remarks from the author, Senator Duckworth moved that SF1474 as amended be recommended to pass and be referred to the committee on finance. The committee approved the recommendation by voice vote and the chair reported the bill will proceed to finance.

The committee's action sends SF1474 to the Finance Committee; sponsors and supporters say the measure aims to expand college access and strengthen Minnesota’s workforce by ensuring students statewide receive direct, merit-based admission information.