Concordia and M State partner on new affordability transfer program
Concordia College and Minnesota State Community and Technical College announced a new partnership designed to create a more affordable and clearer pathway for eligible M State students to complete a bachelor’s degree at Concordia.
The M State-Concordia College Affordability Pathway is a two-year pilot program that will allow eligible students to transfer to Concordia College and pay no more than $2,500 per semester in tuition for up to five semesters. The award applies to tuition only and does not cover housing, meals, books, student fees, or other educational expenses. Remaining tuition costs will be covered through a combination of federal, state, and Concordia gift assistance.
The pathway is designed for eligible M State students at the Fergus Falls campus who graduated from one of the 21 designated Blue & Gold Scholars Program high schools in West Central Minnesota.
Students must complete an M State Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree, earn at least a 2.75 cumulative GPA, be admitted to Concordia, and meet other program requirements.
Concordia College President Colin Irvine and M State President Carrie Brimhall signed a memorandum of understanding, with announcements made at M State’s Fergus Falls campus and Concordia’s campus.
“This partnership is about more than affordability. It’s about helping students discover who they are called to become and how to use their gifts in service to others and their communities,” Irvine said. "Students evolve, and we want this partnership to make it possible for their plans to evolve with them.”
“At M State, we're proud to offer an affordable and high-quality education,” Brimhall said. “Our students work hard to earn their associate degrees, and this partnership reinforces the value of that achievement. It provides students with confidence as they consider their next steps and helps make the dream of a bachelor's degree more realistic and achievable.”
The two institutions will work together on academic alignment and advising to help students stay on pace to complete a bachelor’s degree in approximately two additional years, when possible.
The pilot will be open to 10 students per academic year. If more qualified students apply than there are available spaces, a waitlist may be maintained.
The institutions will evaluate participation, student outcomes, demand, and other measures during the pilot to determine whether to expand or modify the program.
The partnership builds on existing M State transfer pathways. In May 2025, the two schools signed an agreement for transfer pathways in psychology, biology, and business, with additional areas under development.
Additional information about the affordability pathway can be found at ConcordiaCollege.edu/MState.