Undergraduate Financial Aid Guide
Our nationally recognized, technology-based curriculum keeps the University on the leading edge of quality programs designed for today’s challenges and tomorrow’s opportunities. At DSU, the goal of the Financial Aid Office is to help you finance your education. We look forward to assisting you as you earn your degree from Dakota State University!
What is Financial Aid?
Financial aid is money that you may receive to help offset the cost of your college education. Federal Financial Aid generally does not cover the full cost of attendance. Your financial aid award package could include any of these types of aid:
Grants
Grants are awards that generally do not have to be repaid. Most are available through federal funding and are awarded on the basis of demonstrated financial need.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available from many different sources. Scholarships are generally awarded based
on academic achievement or special talents and do not have to be repaid. Institutional scholarships are funded by the Dakota State University Foundation. Be sure to investigate opportunities that may be available from local and regional service clubs, fraternal organizations, and businesses.
DSU also offers students information on outside scholarship opportunities.
Also, check our web site for free scholarship searches that are available.
Loans
Loans are awarded at a pre-determined rate of interest to qualified students. Student loans must be repaid under the specified terms. (98% of DSU students repay their loans on time!) Repayment obligations usually begin after you complete your education, discontinue enrollment, or if your enrollment status drops below half-time.
Federal Work Study (FWS)
Federal Work Study (FWS) positions are awarded based on financial need. FWS employment includes on and off campus positions to serve the needs of the institution and community with available funds.
Additional Financing Options
Additional Employment Opportunities
Additional employment opportunities are available through the Career and Professional Development Office and are not based on financial need.
Investments and Savings
Investments and savings for educational costs reduce dependence on your current family income,
Federal financial aid and alternative education loans. Consider cashing in a plan to assist in paying education expenses.
Parent Plus Loan
Parent plus loan is available for dependent students. A parent may borrow a PLUS loan to help
cover educational expenses. The loan maximum is figured individually, based on your total cost of education minus any financial aid received. Parents may borrow up to $20,000 per year with an aggregate limit of $65,000. Repayment begins after full disbursement unless the parent applies for a forbearance or deferral while the student is enrolled.
Alternative Private Loan
Alternative private loan programs are available to interested students who meet individual
program eligibility criteria. Students may borrow up to their cost of attendance minus other financial aid received. The interest rates are variable based upon the Treasury bill, prime rate or SOFR index and are not capped.
Tax Benefits
Tax benefits are available to families who choose to submit information on their tax return regarding their out of pocket expenses toward the cost of tuition and certain required fees. The American Opportunity and Lifetime Learning tax credit programs are based on the amount paid by the taxpayer (either the student or the parent who claims the student as an exemption) for these expenses.
More Information
For more information, visit the IRS website.
Financial Aid Programs Available at Daktoa State University
Champion Scholarships
Champion Scholarships are renewable up to 4 years if your cumulative DSU GPA is at least 3.0 and you are continuously full-time enrolled with completion of 30 or more DSU credits
in an academic year (fall, spring, and summer), while maintaining full time enrollment. All SAT score totals are based on Math and Critical Reading. Official ACT Superscores reported
directly by ACT are accepted. Students must be less than 4 years out of high school.
New Freshman
| Presidential | Elite | Merit | Achievement | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
GPA unweighted |
ACT = 32+ or SAT = 1420+ |
ACT = 28-31 or SAT = 1300-1410 |
ACT = 24-27 or SAT = 1160-1290 |
ACT = 21-23 or SAT = 1060-1150 |
| 3.0-4.0 | $16,000 (4,000/yr) | $12,000 (3,000/yr) | $8,000 (2,000/yr) | $4,000 (1,000/yr) |
Additional Awards
Available To
Incoming freshman, minimum 30 ACT composite and 3.0 high school GPA, enrollment in an
undergraduate degree program within The Beacom College of Computer & Cyber Sciences .
Amount Available
- $2,000 - 4 year renewable
- Must maintain 3.25 cumulative GPA and full-time enrollment.
- Complete 30 DSU credits per academic year.
How to Apply
Eligible students awarded upon admission.
Available To
Incoming transfer student, minimum 3.25 cumulative GPA and 30 ACT, enrollment in a degree program within the Beacom College of Computer & Cyber Sciences, continuous full-time enrollment.
Amount Available
Eligible for up to 8 semesters minus other post-secondary continuous full-time enrollment
How to Apply
Eligible students awarded upon completing the transfer Rising application and review of final post-secondary transcripts.
Available To
Incoming freshman who has faced and overcome great obstacles in their young lives. Have
demonstrated financial need ($55,000 or less family income) minimum high school GPA of 2.5.
Amount Available
Up to $10,000 over 4 years
How to Apply
Available To
Incoming transfer student, minimum 24 ACT composite, 3.0 cumulative GPA, continuous fulltime enrollment, or 3.5 cumulative college GPA with minimum 24 earned credits, continuous full-time enrollment.
Amount Available
$1,500 per year for up to 8 semesters minus other post-secondary enrollment.
How to Apply
Eligible students awarded upon completing the Transfer Champion application and review of final post-secondary transcripts.
Available To
Students who meet the academic and athletic criteria established by the DSU Athletic Department.
Amount Available
Varies
How to Apply
Contact the DSU Athletic Office at 605-256-5229 or Jennifer.Walz@dsu.eduAvailable To
High school graduates with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and composite ACT score of 24; student must be a SD resident; Regents Scholar Curriculum required.
Amount Available
- 4 year renewable
- First Three Years: $1,500
- Fourth Year: $3,000
- Must maintain 3.0 GPA and complete 30 credits per academic year.
How to Apply
More information and application available at sdos.sdbor.edu or from your high school counselorAvailable To
SD residents enrolled in baccalaureate degree programs, must have financial need as dertermined by FAFSA.
Amount Available
Varies
How to Apply
More information available at freedomscholarshipsd.comAvailable To
Students who graduated from a South Dakota high school with a minimum 2.8 GPA and composite ACT of 27; must agree to work in a critical need occupation
Amount Available
- 4 year renewable.
- Full tuition and standard fees up to 16 credits, approximately $10,060.
- Must maintain 2.8 GPA and full-time enrollment.
How to Apply
Application and additional information available at sdbor.edu/dakotacorps/Pages/welcome.aspxor from your high school counselor
Available To
Undergraduate students who are residents of SD, must be enrolled full-time and have financial need.
Amount Available
$1,000 per year
How to Apply
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) available online.Available To
Students with a low calculated Student Aid Index.
Amount Available
$740 - $7,395 in 2024-2025 (prorated for less than full-time enrollment)
How to Apply
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) available online.Available To
Student with a low calculated Student Aid Index and exceptional financial need.
Amount Available
$100 - $2,000 per year
How to Apply
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) available online.Available To
Students who plan to teach in a high-need field in a low income school district. Teaching service requirement is four years of full-time teaching
Amount Available
Up to $4,000 per year for full-time enrollment. Pro-rated for less than full-time enrollment.
How to Apply
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) available online.
Available To
Students who demonstrate financial need.
Amount Available
Max annual amounts per grade level:
- 1 - $3,500
- 2 - $4,500
- 3 & higher - $5,500
How to Apply
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) available online. Signed master promissory note (MPN) following award notification.
Available To
Students with low or no financial need, to replace a portion of the family contribution
Amount Available
- $2000/year for dependent Undergraduates
- Independent and Graduate students eligible for extended Unsubsidized by grade level:
- 1 to 2 $4,000
- 3 to 5 - $5,000
- Graduate-$20,500, not to exceed cost of attendance.
How to Apply
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) available online. Signed master promissory note (MPN) following award notification.
Available To
Parents of undergraduate dependent students and graduate students
Amount Available
Parent may borrow up to $20,000 per year, aggregate max of $65,000
How to Apply
Apply online using Parent FSA account and password.
Available To
Credit ready enrolled students (Most students will need a credit worthy-cosigner)
Amount Available
Up to total cost of attendance less expected financial aid.
How to Apply
Obtain an application from lenders or online.
Available To
Students with exceptional financial need.
Amount Available
DSU award varies $4,000 - $5,500 paid monthly as the hours are worked.
How to Apply
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) available online.
Available To
Eligible students.
Amount Available
Varies
How to Apply
Steps to Apply for Financial Aid
Submit your application, high school and/or college academic transcripts, a copy of your American College Testing (ACT) Profile, and $21 application fee. Final high school transcript or GED certification is required of all students to receive federal financial aid.
Transfer Students: You must submit transcripts from any previous institutions you attended before you are awarded Federal financial aid at DSU.
Be sure to check with your high school counselor or principal for local scholarship opportunities and applications. South Dakota high school graduates completing the Regents curriculum and receiving a composite ACT of 24 or better should apply for the SD Opportunity Scholarship.
Check out DSU Scholarships, links to free scholarship searches, and outside scholarships.
In order to fill out your FAFSA online, both you and a parent will need to create an FSA account.
You’ll need the FSA account in order to sign your FAFSA online and access other federal student aid sites.
You may apply online and you can complete your application any time after October 1. Both student and parent information is required on the dependent student’s application.
DSU priority date is March 1 to ensure consideration for certain limited aid programs. Later applications are processed according to available funding. Be sure to include DSU’s school code on your FASFA (003463).
The FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS) will include your calculated Student Aid Index (SAI). Your SAI is used to determine your eligibility for the Federal Pell Grant and other types of Federal financial aid at DSU. Check the FSS for accuracy. If you provided Federal Student Aid your E-mail address, you will receive your FSS electronically within days of completing the electronic application. Otherwise, the FSS will be mailed to you.
Use one of the following options:
- Provide the correct information on FAFSA's website.
- Mail corrections on your signed FSS to the federal student aid processor at the address provided.
It is important to promptly complete and return all forms that the Financial Aid Office may require to complete your financial aid file. You may be required to submit a 2024 tax return transcript obtained from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) (and your parent’s, if dependent) to the Enrollment Service Center in Vermillion if your application results are chosen for "verification." Other documentation may also be requested to determine eligibility such as a
birth certificate, Social Security card, visa, or marriage certificate. We are required to comply with Federal regulations and verify the information you reported on your FAFSA with documentation that we request.
Financial Aid offer notifications are emailed to new students who have been accepted for admission after January 15. Watch your DSU email!
Financial Aid Eligibility
Financial aid is determined by merit or financial “need.” Merit-based aid is awarded by reviewing an applicant’s academic achievements, special abilities, or leadership skills. Student qualifications are compared against the competitive pool for scholarships. Financial need is based on the amount of educational costs that exist after your Student Aid Index (SAI) has been determined. Most financial aid is based on your need, which is determined using the information that you report on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Information reported is used to calculate a fair estimate of what you and your family can provide for educational expenses, known as your SAI, and what need is remaining.
Cost of Education - Student Aid Index = Financial Need
DSU follows the Federal Philosophy that “the primary responsibility of financing a college education belongs to you and your family.” If you would like an estimate of your SAI before you officially apply for for 2026-2027, complete an estimator.
Cost to Attend
The direct educational expenses (tuition, fees, food & housing) for a typical DSU student during the 2025-2026 year is approximately $18,444 based on 15 credits per semester for a SD resident student living on campus. Every student will also have additional indirect educational expenses incurred for books, personal expenses and transportation to and from the university. Indirect expenses vary depending on personal needs and circumstances.
More than 71% of DSU's degree-seeking students received financial aid in the 2024 award year.
Visit studentaid.gov a Department of Education website specifically for students.
Direct University Costs for the Academic Year: September 2025 - May 2026
(Based upon 15 credits per semester, includes Tablet PC lease)
| Tuition Residency Status | South Dakota & SD Advantage | **Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Tuition & Fees | $9,938 | $13,130 |
| On Campus Food & Housing* | $8,506 | $8,506 |
| Est. Direct Educatin Cost | $18,444 | $21,636 |
Cost of attendance budgets vary based upon living arrangements and residency status of a student. Students living off campus should add $2,500 to expected costs over the costs of students on campus. Students living with parents should reduce their expected costs by $4,500 compared to students living on campus.
The estimated costs for books and supplies for an academic year is $800.
Financial Aid Budgets will also include estimated costs for travel, personal, and miscellaneous expenses averaging $5,000. Students with dependent care costs or disability expenses should contact the Office of Financial Aid for a budget adjustment.
*Double residence hall room and minimum meal plan used.
**This tuition rate is equal to 150% of the resident rate, and applies to non-resident students.
New freshmen students and new transfer students from Wyoming, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, Kansas, Missouri and Colorado are eligible for a tuition rate equivalent to the resident undergraduate rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Many families mistakenly think they don’t qualify for aid and prevent themselves from receiving Federal financial aid by failing to apply for it. In addition, there are a few sources of aid such as unsubsidized Stafford and PLUS loans that are available regardless of need.
No. You can apply for Federal financial aid any time after October 1. To actually receive funds, however, you must be admitted and enrolled at DSU.
Sometimes, due to special circumstances, the application process does not reflect your family’s real ability to contribute to your educational expenses. These could be situations such as a family tragedy, divorce or separation or loss of income. If this is the case for your family, contact the Financial Aid Office to explain the situation. Do not make corrections to your FAFSA based upon your special circumstances.
Based on your documented information, the DSU Financial Aid Director may be able to use "professional judgement" and review your situation on an individual basis. If you feel you qualify, please contact our office.
If you are an independent student, your parents’ tax and asset information is not required on the FAFSA. You are determined to be an independent student if you meet any of the criteria on the FAFSA that determine dependency status.
Information is subject to change without notice for compliance with Federal Regulations or institutional policy. Consumer information on placement rates, completion rates, athletic equity, campus crime, etc., is available upon request.
Dakota State University offers all educational programs, materials, and services to all people without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, handicap, or national origin. Dakota State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Dakota State University does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the admission or access to or employment in its programs or activities.