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Scholarships
Find North Dakota scholarships that can help you pay for college
Here's a scholarship you can apply for in minutes.
Scholarships for North Dakota
Featured
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Sallie $2,000 No Essay Scholarship
Due: 4/30/26
$2,000
South Dakota Board of Regents Ardell Bjugstad Scholarship
Due: 2/28/27
|No essay
|No min. GPA Required
Varies
The Ardell Bjugstad Scholarship is for Native American students who are pursuing studies in agribusiness, agricultural production, agricultural sciences or a natural resources degree at any postsecondary institution. To be considered for this award, an applicant must be a high school senior and an enrolled member of a federally recognized Indian tribe whose reservation is located in South Dakota or North Dakota. Two letters of recommendation are required. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.
NIAF Norman R. Peterson Scholarship
Due: 3/1/27
|No essay
$5,000
The NIAF Norman R. Peterson Scholarship will be awarded to an outstanding Italian American student at John Cabot University. This student must originally be from the Midwest. Applicants must be enrolled in a US accredited institution of higher education for the Fall 2026 semester. Applicants must have an active NIAF Membership. They may use their parent, guardian or grandparent's membership. Applicants must be a United States citizen or permanent resident alien. They must also demonstrate a commitment to or interest in Italian culture and heritage. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the National Italian American Foundation for more information.
PFund Foundation Scholarship Program
Due: 3/3/27
|No Recommendations Required
|No min. GPA Required
|No Transcripts Required
$12,000
The PFund Foundation Scholarship Program awards LGBTQIA individuals for their commitment and leadership within LGBTQIA communities. Scholarships support post-secondary academic programs as well as non-scholastic leadership development opportunities. Applicants must be either from or currently attending school in Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, North Dakota, or South Dakota. Applicants must also be currently enrolled in or admitted to a GED program, community college, four-year college, university, graduate school, trade school, professional certificate program, or apprenticeship program for the 2025-2026 academic year. Preference will be given to applicants with a strong vision for making a social or political impact in LGBTQIA communities; applicants serving, leading and working for culture change in communities around LGBTQIA issues, recognizing that access to leadership opportunities can vary; and applicants of diverse backgrounds, particularly those from traditionally under-represented communities and demographic groups including but not limited to: (1) Indigenous, Black, People of Color; first generation, immigrant, and new Americans; (2) Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming people, and (3) LGBTQIA Individuals from rural communities across the upper Midwest. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.
June Longworth Hardy Scholarship
Due: 3/4/27
|No min. GPA Required
|No Transcripts Required
$2,550
The June Longworth Hardy Scholarship will be awarded to students who must be a member of Alpha Iota at Washington University in St. Louis; or students who must be a member of Theta, majoring in elementary or secondary education in the Midwest. Applicants must provide the contact information of their reference, who should be their current or former supervisor or mentor in an academic, community, professional, and/or Theta-related capacity. Ideally, the reference should be able to compellingly speak to the applicant's commitment to Kappa Alpha Theta's values; able to clearly articulate specific details about the applicant's accomplishments, goals, and character; and be more than just the applicant's social contact. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the Kappa Alpha Theta Foundation for more information.
MAC Louisa Bowen Memorial Scholarship for Graduate Students in Archival Administration
Due: 3/15/27
$1,500
The Louisa Bowen Memorial Scholarship for Graduate Students in Archival Administration aims to provide financial assistance to a resident or student of the MAC region pursuing education in archival administration and to encourage the study of archival administration. A scholarship and a one-year membership to MAC will be awarded. Two letters of recommendation must be submitted. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.
Key things to know about North Dakota scholarships
- North Dakota scholarships help reduce your college costs. They’re financial awards that can be used for tuition, fees, books, and other education expenses—and they don’t need to be repaid.
- Opportunities exist beyond freshman year. Scholarships for North Dakota students are available to high school seniors, current college students, transfer students, graduate students, and adult learners.
- You may be able to combine multiple awards. State programs, institutional scholarships, and private awards can sometimes be stacked to lower your total cost of attendance.
- Grades often matter — but they aren’t everything. While some top North Dakota scholarships are merit-based, others focus on financial need, major, leadership, community involvement, or background.
- Applying consistently improves your odds. Submitting a few applications each month can add up and help offset college costs over time.
Paying for college can feel overwhelming, but scholarships can make a major difference. According to How America Pays for College 2025, 75% of students who received a scholarship said it made college possible. If you’re not applying, you could be leaving free money on the table.
Whether you plan to attend a state university, a community college, tribal college, or a private institution, there are scholarships designed specifically for North Dakota students.
Enter to win a $2,000 scholarship
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What are North Dakota scholarships?
North Dakota scholarships are financial awards offered by the state government, colleges and universities, foundations, Tribal Nations, and private organizations to help students pay for higher education.
Unlike loans, scholarship funds do not need to be repaid. Eligibility requirements vary by program, but many awards consider factors such as:
- North Dakota residency
- Academic achievement
- Financial need
- Field of study or career pathway
- Community service or leadership
- Tribal affiliation
- Enrollment at an eligible North Dakota institution
Because each program has different criteria, students from many backgrounds can qualify for funding.
What scholarships are available for North Dakota students?
The best strategy is to apply across multiple categories: state-funded scholarships, institutional awards, and private or community-based programs. You can search for both local and national opportunities using Scholly Scholarships.
North Dakota Scholarship (up to $6,000)
The North Dakota Scholarship provides merit-based funding for eligible high school graduates who complete a rigorous curriculum and attend a North Dakota college or university. Students may qualify for either the Academic or Career & Technical Education pathway.
ND Scholars Program
The ND Scholars Program recognizes top academic performers in the state. High-achieving students may receive scholarship support and statewide recognition.
ND Native American Scholarship
North Dakota students who are enrolled members of federally recognized Tribal Nations may qualify for state or Tribal education scholarships. Students can explore resources through their Tribal education office as well as scholarships for Native American students.
ND Dollars for Scholars
Local chapters of Dollars for Scholars support students in communities across North Dakota. Awards often prioritize local residents and may be less competitive than national programs.
Institutional scholarships
Colleges such as the University of North Dakota, North Dakota State University, Minot State University, and regional community colleges offer merit-based and need-based institutional scholarships. Some are automatic with admission, while others require separate applications.
If you're still comparing schools, you can review costs and financial aid packages using Scout College Search.
North Dakota State Grant
Although not considered a scholarship, the North Dakota State Grant helps eligible residents pay for tuition at approved North Dakota institutions. Because grants are need based, completing the FAFSA® is typically required for consideration.
Scholly Scholarships
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Find scholarships that are right for you
Easily search through thousands of college scholarships based on your background, major, state you live in, and more.
Hot tip! Smaller scholarships may have less competition, increasing your odds of winning.
How to apply for North Dakota scholarships
- Complete the FAFSA® early. Many state and institutional programs use FAFSA® data to determine eligibility.
- Create a scholarship list. Include state programs, local awards, institutional scholarships, and private opportunities.
- Prepare core materials. Have transcripts, a resume, and a personal statement ready to adapt.
- Track deadlines carefully. Many top North Dakota scholarships close between February and April.
- Apply consistently. Even smaller awards can add up over time.
To streamline your search, explore Scholly Easy Apply Scholarships, which allows you to apply to multiple scholarships with one application.
What are the eligibility requirements for North Dakota scholarships?
While each scholarship has unique criteria, common eligibility requirements may include:
- Proof of North Dakota residency
- Enrollment at an approved in-state institution
- Minimum GPA standards for merit awards
- Demonstrated financial need
- Completion of specific high school coursework
- Progress toward a degree or certificate
How can I improve my chances of winning a scholarship?
- Apply to a mix of large and small awards. Smaller local scholarships often have fewer applicants.
- Tailor each essay. Connect your goals to the mission of the scholarship provider.
- Ask for recommendations early. Give teachers or mentors time to write strong letters.
- Highlight measurable impact. Show leadership, growth, and results in your activities.
- Use scholarship search tools. Many families use dedicated search platforms to find opportunities.
More scholarship resources
North Dakota students can use these resources to locate scholarships that align with their major, experiences, and long-term plans.
- Scholarships by major
See scholarship options connected to your intended field of study. - Scholarships for high school seniors
Ideal if you are planning for college during your senior year of high school. - Scholarships for college students
Scholarship opportunities continue after freshman year — explore options for current undergraduates. - Scholarships for first-generation students
If you are the first in your family to attend college, these awards are designed with you in mind. - Scholarships for adults and returning learners
Find support if you are going back to school later in life or finishing a degree. - Scholarships for women
Explore scholarships that support women across a variety of majors and career paths. - LGBTQ+ scholarships
Discover scholarships that support students who identify as LGBTQ+ or who are allies. - STEM scholarships
Funding options for students pursuing science, technology, engineering, or math degrees. - Scholarships for graduate students
Learn about scholarships that can help reduce the cost of master’s, PhD, or professional programs. - Scholarships for minority students
Scholarship programs supporting students from underrepresented racial and ethnic backgrounds. - Scholarships for Native American students
Opportunities for American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian students.
Your next steps
North Dakota scholarships can significantly reduce what you pay out of pocket for college. By combining state programs, institutional aid, and private scholarships, you may be able to lower how much you need to borrow.
To keep your search moving, look at monthly opportunities like Scholly Easy Apply Scholarships, our $2,000 No Essay Scholarship, and $5,000 No Essay Grad School Scholarship. These low-effort options can help you start applying, even if you are short on time. To explore scholarships tailored to your state, background, and interests, search using Scholly Scholarships.
FAQs about North Dakota scholarships
What scholarships are available for North Dakota students?
North Dakota students can apply for state-funded programs like the North Dakota Scholarship and State Grant, institutional awards from colleges, local community scholarships, Tribal education funding, and private scholarships.
What is the North Dakota Scholarship?
It is a merit-based state scholarship awarded to eligible high school graduates who complete required coursework and attend a North Dakota college.
What is the North Dakota State Grant?
A need-based grant program for eligible North Dakota residents enrolled at approved institutions, typically requiring FAFSA® completion.
Are there scholarships for Native American students in North Dakota?
Yes. Students may qualify for Tribal education funding and state-supported Native American scholarship programs.
Do North Dakota universities offer their own scholarships?
What deadlines do most North Dakota scholarships follow?
Many programs open in the fall and close in late winter or early spring, but deadlines vary by provider.
Are there easy scholarships North Dakota students can apply for?
Yes. Options like the $2,000 No Essay Scholarship and Scholly Easy Apply Scholarships allow students to apply quickly.
Need more money for college?
Private student loans can help you cover additional costs for school.
No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Odds of winning depend on number of entries received. See Official Rules and Entry Periods on each scholarship page.
FAFSA® is a registered service mark of U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Aid.