Dakota State University students walking around campus

Preparation + opportunity = success

That's the DSU equation. We're a four-year university with nationally recognized programs, cutting-edge facilities, and the brightest thinkers. But we're also a tight-knit, inclusive community. Small class sizes mean hands-on training and individualized attention. All this with an affordable, public school price that's among the best values in the region.

Majors & Degrees

Scholarships

Free money

There, now we have your attention

As an incoming undergrad, you can apply for multiple scholarships to offset - or even completely fund - your education.

There are opportunities for every kind of student. You can find scholarships based on grades, athletic achievement, community service, your cultural background, and much more. The Dakota State University Foundation and other South Dakota-centric organizations sponsor the awards below.

But this list is just the beginning. Our financial aid experts can help you find many more.

Let’s make this happen.

DSU general scholarships can include but are not limited to academic, athletic, music, and special scholarships for students who meet criteria established by our network of donors. The deadline to submit your application is December 15.

*Please note, that this application is for consideration of ALL General Academic Scholarships.

Apply for the General Scholarship

The DSU Champion Annual Scholarships were established in 2003 as a four-year guarantee scholarship. You don’t need to apply for Champion Scholarships—we award them automatically based on certain academic criteria upon admission.

Learn More

The DSU Rising Annual Scholarships were established as a four year guarantee of up to $20,000 ($5,000 per year). You don’t need to apply for DSU Rising Scholarships—we award them automatically based on certain academic criteria upon admission. 

Learn More

The CyberCorps and Cybersecurity Scholarship Programs award high-achieving, driven students in security degree programs following their sophomore year at DSU. These programs are funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation and the Department of Defense.

CyberCorps Scholarship Requirements

Cyber Security Scholarship Program (CYSP)

If “persistence” is your middle name, here’s the opportunity for you. Established in 2018, the Horatio Alger Denny Sanford Scholarship helps high school seniors who have persevered despite great obstacles. We’re looking for applicants who have critical financial need, and demonstrate determination and integrity while overcoming adversity.

The scholarship awards $10,000, dispersed throughout your college experience.  

Eligibility

To qualify for the Horatio Alger Denny Sanford Scholarship, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Be committed to completing a bachelor’s degree at Dakota State University
  • Be a current high school senior with plans to enroll at DSU in Fall 2023
  • Demonstrate critical financial need ($55,000 or less family income required)
  • Complete the 2023-2024 FAFSA
  • Be involved in community service activities
  • Display integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity
  • Maintain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0
  • Be a United States citizen

Apply Now

Received annually from the Hatterscheidt Foundation, these scholarships are awarded to residents of South Dakota who are in the upper 30% of their current year's high school graduating class and in need of financial assistance. DSU will provide application material to qualified candidates.

Amount: Maximum amount id $2,500.

Deadline

June 28, 2024 or until scholarship dollars have been awarded.

Eligibility

Enrolled full-time or part-time at an accredited post-secondary institution or continuous education program opens in a new window.

  • Two-year Schools.
  • Four-year Schools.
  • Vocational/Technical certificate/certification program.
  • Will complete their degree or program by the end of Spring 2024 semester (can be either Fall 2023 or Spring 2024).
  • Current cumulative grade point average of 2.75 or higher.
  • Be a U.S. Citizen or legal permanent resident with a valid permanent resident card or passport stamped I-551.
  • Be a diverse candidate.
  • Diverse shall include, but not limited to: (Gender, Disability, Race, Ethnicity, Belonging to an underserved community).
  • Able to demonstrate leadership abilities.
  • Demonstrate good moral character in all aspects of your life, including personal, professional, educational, in your community, and online presence.

Apply for the SallieMae Completing the Dream Scholarship

The South Dakota Freedom Scholarship is available to a limited number of South Dakota resident students with unmet financial need. Recipients of the scholarship must commit in writing to live and work in South Dakota for three years after graduation. Visit the South Dakota Freedom Scholarship website for a full listing of eligibility requirements.

South Dakota Freedom Scholarship

If you are graduating from a South Dakota high school, you can apply for the following scholarships:

South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship


Dakota Corps Scholarship

Annis I. Fowler/Kaden Scholarship

 

 

 

 

But wait – there's more!

We've compiled a short list of scholarships offered by organizations that aren't associated with the Dakota State University Foundation.

Amount: up to $30,000

Deadline: July 15 each year

Criteria:

  • Be a full-time degree seeking student
  • Applicant must be able to demonstrate tribal affiliation through the submission of a Tribal Eligibility Certificate
  • Applicant must be able to demonstrate financial need through the submission of a Financial Needs form and FAFSA

Apply Now

Amount: $6,000

Deadline: September 30, 2023

Eligibility:

  • This Scholarship Contest is open only to individuals who are legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia.
  • You must intend to enroll or be enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student in an accredited college or university in the United States for the 2023-24 academic year.
  • You must be at least 17 years old.
  • This scholarship is for individuals who identify as a cisgender, transgender, or gender non-conforming Black woman, and who are pursuing a STEM-related field.

Apply for the Black Women in STEM Scholarship

Amount: $1,000

Deadline: Monthly rolling deadline

Criteria:

  • Be legal residents of the United States and the District of Columbia who are are least 16 years old at the time of entry
  • Monthly $1,000 giveaway, designed to help students pay for their higher-education expenses
  • Every month a new scholarship will be announced with a winner selected randomly from the entrants

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Requirements :

  1. Must be a full time college student
  2. Must work at Classic Corner minimum of 20hrs/ wk during school year and minimum of 30hrs /wk during the summer
  3. Must score average or above on yearly merit reviews and maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0

Benefits :

After completion of full year the following amounts will be paid out to help w/ tuition. The amounts will be paid directly to the financial aid office and applied to your account.

  1. Year One : $500
  2. Year Two : $500
  3. Year Three : $500
  4. Year Four : $1000

Note: When applying please reference the tuition assistance program.

For More information contact:

Shannon Kauffman
Owner/ Partner
Classic Corner
(605) 256-0338
Email

Application for 2024 is now open.

Amount: Varies

Eligibility: Scholarships can be awarded to any volunteer who is age 21 or younger and has volunteered for a minimum of 100 hours through DAV or DAV Auxiliary.

Scholarships can be used at any accredited institution of higher learning; to include universities, colleges, community colleges, vocational schools, etc.

Apply for the DAV Scholarship

Deadline: May 1

Criteria:

Financial need and/or high academic achievement shall not be mandatory criteria for a recipient to be granted a scholarship.

Scholarships are limited only to graduates who attended Aberdeen Central High School for at least two years.

Scholarships are also limited to sophomore, junior, or senior year expenses of students attending a four-year accredited university or college who have demonstrated leadership skills, civic or community involvement, and a sincere concern for others.

Although preference is to be given to applicants majoring in Business, other major courses of study may also be considered.

Application

 

Amount: 10 Scholarships of $1000 Awarded through ISL Midwest Senior Scholarship

Deadline: April 28

Criteria: Scholarships are available to high school seniors in Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota or Wisconsin who will attend college in fall 2023. No minimum GPA or class rank. No financial need requirement.

Application:

Amount: Three Scholarships of $1,000 each are funded annually by the Johnsen-Herschleb Endowment.

Deadline: April 1

Criteria:

1. Scholarships are limited to Aberdeen Central high school seniors and alumni in their freshman, sophomore or junior year of college.

2. Applicants must demonstrate financial need.

3. Applicants must major in the field of business or fine arts.

4. Applicants must demonstrate academic success and leadership.

Application:

To Apply applications may be picked up at the Aberdeen Public Schools Foundation Office or in the Student Services area at Aberdeen Central High School or online at https://www.aberdeen.k12.sd.us/o/chs/page/scholarships. If you would like an application emailed to you, please contact gretchen.sharp@k12.sd.us

 

Amount: $500

Deadline:

Criteria:

  • Must be a resident of Lake County
  • Must have completed at least 1 semester of college
  • Must be currently enrolled as a full time student in at least 12 credit hours

Application: Send a resume including name, age, and name and residence of parents, extracurricular activities, goals, and work experience, names and addresses of 2 references, and a college transcript to:

Connie Daniel
23853 461st Ave.
Wentworth, S.D., 57075

Amount: Varied
Several scholarships are available for incoming freshmen, as well as current students.

Apply Now

Amount: Varied
Several scholarships are available for incoming freshman, as well as current students. 

Apply Now

Amount: $1,000

Deadline: April 1st each year.

Criteria:

  • High School Senior who lives on the Standing Rock Reservation
  • Graduating high school in either South Dakota or North Dakota
  • Applicants will reflect the values of personal integrity, individual character, and demonstrated interest in humanitarian issues.

 

Application and additional information

Amount: $3000

Deadline: November 30, 2023

Eligibility: Any female high school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student in the United States pursuing a degree related to technology or business. Applicants should submit a 1,000-word essay discussing the importance of women leaders and entrepreneurs in the technology industry.

Women in Tech Scholarship Application

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Financial Aid Office
(605) 256-5152
email

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