The state of South Dakota is home to about two dozen four-year public universities, two-year community colleges, and private undergraduate and graduate universities combined. Whether you’re a high school senior looking at attending a South Dakota college or university, or you’re a current college student at one of South Dakota’s many institutions, this post highlights several great scholarships and resources for you to take advantage of.
Let's go over a few of South Dakota's best scholarships for students.
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31
While our quarterly scholarship is not exclusive to Minnesota students, it’s a great no-essay scholarship to apply for in addition to the scholarships on this list! Open to high school, college, and graduate students of all years. DACA students are also encouraged to apply.
Amount: $25,000
Deadline: Monthly
Details: This monthly scholarship is open to all college students! Just fill out one simple registration form.
Amount: $50,000
Deadline: Monthly
Eligibility: The ScholarshipPoints Scholarship is a monthly no essay scholarship open to all high school and college students ages 16 and older, who are US residents!
Amount: $2,000
Deadline: Monthly
Eligibility: Open to high school seniors as all undergraduate students
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: June 30, December 31
Eligibility:Before we get into some of the South Dakota-specific scholarships, check out our very own no-essay scholarship open to high school students of all years!
Amount: $3,500
Deadline: April 19
Eligibility: Scholarships for students studying for a career in retailing. Applicants must have graduated from a South Dakota high school or be enrolled in postsecondary school in South Dakota.
Amount: $1,000 (10 available)
Deadline: May 30
Eligibility: There are no financial need, minimum grade point average or class rank requirements for the ISL Midwest Senior Scholarship. The ISL Midwest Senior Scholarship is open to students who are: Legal U.S. residents.
Amount: Varies based on Tuition
Deadline: Varies based on Program
Eligibility: The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) is an agreement among WICHE’s 16 members, through which participating Western public universities allow WICHE-region students to attend select out-of-state graduate certificate, master’s, and doctoral programs – and pay up to 150 percent of resident tuition.
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: Varies
Eligibility:One-time merit-based award for a student who is a junior at a South Dakota university. Must be nominated by the university and must have community service and leadership experience. Minimum 3.5 GPA required. Application deadline varies.
Amount: $6,000
Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: The Richard Hagen Minerva Harvey Memorial state scholarship program is for enrolled members of American Indian tribes. Once approved, recipients will be authorized to receive up to four years of funding, depending on year of attendance.
Amount: Varies
Deadline: March 15
Eligibility: Renewable scholarship may be worth up to $7,500 over four years to students who take a rigorous college-prep curriculum while in high school and stay in the state for their postsecondary education.
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: January 1
Eligibility: Must have completed a minimum of one year in a dental hygiene program prior to receiving an ADHA Institute scholarship award. Students may be in the process of completing their first year when application is submitted. Must be enrolled in an accredited dental hygiene program in the United States.
Amount: $2,000 (19 available)
Deadline: April 15
Eligibility:The PREMIER Community Scholarship also emphasizes leadership, community service and character, as it is our shared belief that rewarding young leaders who excel inside and outside of the classroom is a smart investment for us all.
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: April 10
Eligibility:The Ardell Bjugstad Scholarship Program for Native American students provides support for freshman Native American students who are pursuing studies in agribusiness, agriculture production, agricultural sciences or a natural resources degree at any post-secondary institution.
Amount: $750
Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: The South Dakota Education Association/NEA awards scholarships to outstanding students who are planning on entering the teaching profession.
Amount: $5,000
Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Students interested in the South Dakota Freedom Scholarship should apply for admission through their respective college’s’ website and submit their Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) information to their respective college(s).
Amount: Varies
Deadline: March 28
Eligibility: The South Dakota Bankers Foundation annually offers five named scholarships awarded directly to students attending a South Dakota college who are pursuing a career in banking or finance. Applicants must be in their junior year.
Amount: $1,500
Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: Full-time student of the MAC region pursuing graduate education in archival administration and to encourage the study of archival administration.
Amount: $5,000
Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: PIMEF scholarships are available to students pursuing a 2 or 4 year degree in Graphic Communication & Print related majors.
Amount: Varies
Deadline: April 15
Eligibility: Provides financial assistance to South Dakota high school graduates who attend an eligible higher education institution in South Dakota and promise to work in a critical teaching need occupation in South Dakota for five years after graduating from a participating postsecondary institution.
A great resource for South Dakota students comes from the Statewide Scholarship Bulletin Board also commonly referred to as Dakota Dreams. The Statewide Scholarship Bulletin Board aims to provide students across South Dakota a platform to search numerous scholarship opportunities as new scholarships are being added all of the time.
If you are looking for a free technical degree, look no further than the Build Dakota Scholarship Fund.