MnSCU is separate from the University of Minnesota. The law creating MnSCU was passed by the Minnesota Legislature in 1991 and went into effect July 1, 1995. The law merged the state's community colleges, technical colleges and state universities into one system. Instead of three separate governing boards and three chancellors, there is now one board and one chancellor for the entire system.
Students enroll in the individual colleges and universities.
A universal MnSCU application form is accepted at all Minnesota State Colleges and Universities.