Undergraduate Scholarships
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, cultural background, and much more. The Dakota State University Foundation and other South Dakota-centric organizations sponsor the awards below.
Explore Scholarships
The DSU Champion Annual Scholarships were established in 2003 as a four-year guarantee of $4,000 ($1,000 per year). You don’t need to apply for Champion Scholarships—we award them automatically based on certain academic criteria upon admission.
DSU Presidential Champion at $16,000 ($4,000 per year)
- ACT score of 32-36, or an SAT score of 1420 or higher.
- Minimum 3.0 unweighted cumulative high school GPA.
- Maintain a 3.0 GPA evaluated each semester and complete 30 DSU Credits per academic year.
- Maintain full-time enrollment.
- Incoming freshman. (less than four years out of high school)
DSU Elite Champion at $12,000 ($3,000 per year)
- ACT score of 28-31, or an SAT score of 1300-1410.
- Minimum 3.0 unweighted cumulative high school GPA.
- Maintain a 3.0 GPA evaluated each semester and complete 30 DSU Credits per academic year.
- Maintain full-time enrollment.
- Incoming freshman. (less than four years out of high school)
DSU Merit Champion at $8,000 ($2,000 per year)
- ACT score of 24-27 or an SAT score of 1160-1290.
- Minimum 3.0 unweighted cumulative high school GPA.
- Maintain a 3.0 GPA evaluated each semester and complete 30 DSU Credits per academic year.
- Maintain full-time enrollment.
- Incoming freshman. (less than four years out of high school)
DSU Achievement Champion at $4,000 ($1,000 per year)
- ACT score of 21-23 or an SAT score of 1060-1150.
- 4.0 unweighted cumulative high school GPA.
- Maintain a 3.0 GPA evaluated each semester and complete 30 DSU Credits per academic year.
- Maintain full-time enrollment.
- Incoming freshman. (less than four years out of high school)
Students who started Spring 2026 or prior; your dollar amounts will remain the same as you were awarded and the continuing eligibility has not changed.
DSU Champion Transfer Scholarship
New Transfers - $1,500 Per Year Complete the Transfer Champion Scholarship application prior to the semester you plan to enroll at dsu.edu/scholarships.
- 24-36 ACT and a 3.0 cumulative college GPA
- Enroll and Complete 12 credit hours per semester since enrollment into post-secondary education.
- Have completed less than 4 years of post-secondary education.
- Less than 4 years out of high school.
OR
- 3.5 cumulative college GPA
- Enroll and complete 12 credit hours per semester since enrollment into post-secondary education, with a minimum of 24 earned credits.
- Have completed less than 4 years of post-secondary education.
- Less than 4 years out of high school.
APPLY FOR THE CHAMPION TRANSFER SCHOLARSHIP
Please note that, once you’ve started classes at DSU, you will no longer be eligible for this scholarship. Once the scholarship is awarded to you, however, it is renewable if you complete 30 DSU credits per academic year, maintain continuous full-time enrollment, and maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA, GPA is evaluated after each semester. This scholarship is only available for eight semesters of enrollment, which includes the semesters completed at your other post-secondary institution(s) or college(s).
DSU Rising Scholarship
The DSU Rising Annual Scholarships were established as a four-year guarantee of up to $8,000 ($2,000 per year). You don’t need to apply for DSU Rising Scholarships—we award them automatically based on certain academic criteria upon admission.
$8,000 ($2,000 per year)
Qualifications:
- ACT score of 30-36, or an SAT score of 1360 or higher.
- Minimum 3.0 unweighted cumulative high school GPA.
- Enrollment requires an undergraduate degree program within The Beacom College of Computer & Cyber Sciences.
- Maintain a 3.25 Cumulative GPA, GPA is evaluated after each semester.
- Complete 30 DSU credits per academic year.
- Maintain full-time enrollment.
- Incoming freshman.
DSU Transfer Rising Scholarship
$2,000 per year, up to 8 semesters of enrollment including prior colleges and universities.
Qualifications:
- Enrolled in an undergraduate degree program within the Beacom College of Computer & Cyber Sciences
- 3.25 cumulative college GPA
- ACT of 30 or higher or comparable SAT score.
- Have completed less than 4 years of post-secondary education.
Once you’ve started classes at DSU, you will no longer be eligible to apply for this scholarship. Once the scholarship is awarded to you, however, it is renewable if you attempt and complete 30 DSU credits per academic year and maintain a 3.25 GPA evaluated on a semester basis. This scholarship is only available for eight semesters of enrollment, which includes the semesters completed at your other post-secondary institution(s) or college(s).
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.
The Dakota State University S-STEM GROWSTEM scholarship program provides financial support to low-income student with high academic potential majoring in Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Operations, Computer Science or Mathematics. A grant from the National Science Foundation is funding this scholarship program.
Eligibility
Must be an undergraduate student, enrolled at least half-time in Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Cyber Operations, or Mathematics at Dakota State University and have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.
Students must be Pell Grant eligible. Students will be required to submit the FAFSA to determine Pell Grant eligibility to apply for the scholarship and for the scholarship to be renewed in subsequent years.
Students must be US Citizens, nationals of the United States, aliens admitted as refugees under section 207 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, or aliens lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence.
Students must have unmet financial need as calculated based on the cost of attendance and the student FAFSA, which will be determined by the DSU Financial Aid Office.
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 needs and demonstrate determination and integrity while overcoming adversity.
The scholarship is awarded $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.
- Demonstrate critical financial need ($65,000 or less family income required).
- Complete the FAFSA.
- Be involved in community service activities.
- Display integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity.
- Maintain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.5.
- Be a United States citizen.
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.
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.
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.
Ascent believes in the power of education, and we’re excited to help students, like you, achieve your goals. That’s why we’re giving away a $1,000 scholarship to one lucky student. Entering is easy and only takes a few minutes- no essay required!
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
Amount
$500
Deadline
June 19, 2026
Eligibility
All student athletes are eligible regardless of the sport they are engaged in or the capacity in which they participate. The student must be a high school senior or be attending a post secondary institute.
Criteria
Write a short essay (500 - 1,000 words) answering the following questions:
- How did your participation in sports during your high school years influence you?
- Has your participation influenced your career goals?
- Has your participation influenced how you relate to your family?
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
Citizens wants to honor the dedication of students and families pursuing higher learning! Fill out the registration form to be entered for a chance to win a Grand Prize of $15,000 to use towards school expenses and one of the $2,500 monthly prizes for use towards school expenses. Additionally, each quarter a student who meets the required criteria for the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Scholarship Prize will be eligible to win a $2,500 quarterly prize for use towards school expenses.
Requirements
- Must be a full-time college student
- Must work at Classic Corner minimum of 20hrs/ wk during the school year and a minimum of 30hrs /wk during the summer
- Must score average or above on yearly merit reviews and maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0
Benefits
After completion of a full year, the following amounts will be paid out to help with tuition. The amounts will be paid directly to the financial aid office and applied to your account.
- Year One: $1,000
- Year Two: $1,000
- Year Three: $1,500
- Year Four: $1,500
Note: When applying please reference the tuition assistance program.
For more information contact:
Shannon Kauffman
Owner/ Partner
Classic Corner
(605) 256-0338
Email
Amount
Three Scholarships of $1,000 each are funded annually by the Johnsen-Herschleb Endowment.
Deadline
April 1
Criteria
- Scholarships are limited to Aberdeen Central High School seniors and alumni in their freshman, sophomore, or junior year of college.
- Applicants must demonstrate financial need.
- Applicants must major in the field of business or fine arts.
- 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. If you would like an application emailed to you, please contact gretchen.sharp@k12.sd.us
Amount
$15,000 (3 recipients)
Deadline
January 31, 2026
Eligibility
US high school seniors and college students (all majors)
Criteria
Write an essay on "How can we reimagine policing in the United States to strengthen accountability, build community trust, and support the wellbeing of those who serve and protect?"
Eligibility
- Be a full-time student at a partner school
- Meet your institution's academic requirements
- Work a minimum of 10 hours and a maximum of 19 hours per week during the school year
- Work 90 days with a satisfactory performance rating
- Cannot currently be employed with a competitor of First PREMIER Bank or PREMIER Bankcard
- Scholarship winners are not benefits-eligible
Amount
Up to $2,500
Deadline
December 1, 2025
Eligibility
- Enrolled full-time or part-time at an accredited post-secondary institution or continuous education program.
- Two-year schools
- Four-year schools
- Vocational/technical
- certificate/certification program On track to complete degree or program by the end of the Spring 2026 semester but currently facing financial challenges.
- Current cumulative grade point average of 2.75 or higher.
- A U.S. Citizen or legal permanent resident with a valid permanent resident card or passport stamped I-551.
- Demonstrate leadership abilities and good moral character.
Amount
$1000
Deadline
December 12, 2025
Eligibility
- US citizens & legal residents 17 to 30 years old
- Students must be enrolled at least part-time
- Must be enrolled in a recognized College/University functioning in the United States of America
Criteria
Write a 1000 -1500 word essay on the topic "Zero Trust in the Age of AI: Rethinking Identity & Access Management for the Next Decade"
Amount
Varied
Several scholarships are available for incoming freshmen, as well as current students.
Amount
$1,000 - $4,000
Deadline
January 15
Eligibility
The SDSWMA Scholarship Program, an entity of the South Dakota Solid Waste Management Association (SDSWMA), provides scholarships annually to students pursuing vocational trade degrees for Commercial Driver’s License, Heavy Equipment Operations, Diesel Technology, Environmental Technicians, GPS/Computer Technicians, etc. Preference is given to South Dakota residents intending to study at South Dakota colleges. Applicants must also intend to enroll for the fall semester.
To Apply
- Submit a cover letter including the following:
- Contact Information – please provide a permanent mailing address
- Interests
- Background
- Work history and/or extra-curricular activity
- Financial need
- Goals for the future and career goals
- Applicants must furnish a copy of their most recent grade transcript. This scholarship is not solely awarded based on grades or overall GPA. We are more interested in your dedication and goals for the future.
- Three letters of reference.
- High School seniors applying for a scholarship must include an acceptance certificate from the post-secondary institution they will be attending.
- Submit application letters via email to: sdsolidwaste@yahoo.com or through the mail at the following address:
- SDSWMA Scholarship Program
1616 Melody Lane
Aberdeen, SD 57401
- SDSWMA Scholarship Program
- Application letters must be emailed or postmarked no later than January 15 of each year, for the following school year.
- Further information can be obtained by contacting SDSWMA by phone (605-216-3256) or sending an email to SDSWMA at sdsolidwaste@yahoo.com.
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.