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Scholarships
South Dakota scholarships: Free money for SD students
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Scholarships for South Dakota
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Sallie $2,000 No Essay Scholarship
Due: 3/31/26
$2,000
5 days left!
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Printing Industry Midwest Education Foundation Scholarship
Due: 4/1/26
$2,000
The Printing Industry Midwest Education Foundation offers renewable scholarships to those enrolled in two or four-year institutions and technical colleges offering degrees in the print communication discipline. In order to ensure acceptance, students must apply for admission to an accredited technical school, college or university. The scholarship grants are restricted to accredited colleges, universities, and technical schools that offer established one, two, and four-year programs leading t...
ISL Midwest Senior Scholarship
Due: 4/30/26
|No essay
|No Recommendations Required
|No min. GPA Required
|No Transcripts Required
$1,500
The ISL Midwest Senior Scholarship is open to high school seniors, and parents of students, who are legal U.S. residents. They must be planning to attend, physically or virtually, an eligible college the fall following the registration dates. Students must attend college classes offered by a qualifying Title IV eligible college or university that is physically located in the United States of America during the fall 2026 session. There are no financial need, minimum grade point average or class rank requirements for the ISL Midwest Senior Scholarship. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.
Rita H. Walsh Scholarship
Due: 10/1/26
|No min. GPA Required
$2,000
The Rita H. Walsh Scholarship aims to provide financial support for a student pursuing a career in nursing. Applicants must be a student pursuing a bachelor's degree (or higher) in nursing. Applicants must have a current South Dakota RN license, if they are an RN. Applicants must demonstrate the qualities of patient advocacy, patient education, compassion, and leadership. Students admitted or enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree nursing program are required to submit two letters of recommendation that must address criteria that are specific to this scholarship's criteria. At least one letter of recommendation should be from a faculty member with whom you have had your most recent nursing program experience. One letter of recommendation may be from a professional colleague (or employer if not a current RN). Pre-nursing students planning on an undergraduate degree in nursing but not yet admitted or enrolled in a nursing program are also required to submit two letters of recommendation from a professional colleague (or employer if not a current RN) that must address criteria that are specific to this scholarship's criteria. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the South Dakota Nurses Foundation for more information.
Dr. Carl & Leona Stadler Scholarship
Due: 10/1/26
|No Recommendations Required
|No min. GPA Required
$1,500
The Dr. Carl & Leona Stadler Scholarship aims to support a student pursuing a baccalaureate nursing degree. Preference will be given to a documented student enrolled member of a recognized tribal nation in South Dakota. Applicants must submit documentation of enrollment in Semester 1 or 2 of a standard undergraduate nursing major at an accredited South Dakota baccalaureate nursing program. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the South Dakota Nurses Foundation for more information.
South Dakota Nurses Association Undergraduate Nursing Scholarship
Due: 10/1/26
|No min. GPA Required
$1,000
The South Dakota Nurses Association Undergraduate Nursing Scholarship aims to provide financial support for a student pursuing a career in nursing. Applicants must be a resident of South Dakota with preference for a permanent legal resident of a county in SDNA District 4 (Brown, Campbell, Day, Edmunds, Faulk, Marshall, McPherson, Spink and Walworth counties). Applicants must be enrolled in any accredited standard baccalaureate nursing program in South Dakota. They must be in good academic standing at time of award (Fall). Preference will be given to active involvement in South Dakota Student Nurses Association (include discussion of involvement). Applicants must submit a letter of recommendation from a staff nurse or a nursing program peer that discusses their patient advocacy, patient education, compassion and leadership. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the South Dakota Nurses Foundation for more information.
Carol and Bruce Anderson Memorial Family Nursing Scholarship
Due: 10/1/26
|No min. GPA Required
Varies
After his wife Carol died in 2022, Bruce Anderson of Britton, South Dakota, wanted to honor Carol in a meaningful manner. He decided that a nursing scholarship might be a significant way to accomplish this goal. The Carol and Bruce Anderson Memorial Family Nursing Scholarship will be awarded to a current South Dakota resident, with preference given to a resident of one of these locations (in order of preference): city of Britton; counties of Marshall, Brown, Day, Roberts, McPherson, Edmunds, Faulk, or Spink. They must be students accepted into the nursing major and currently attending an accredited pre-licensure registered nurse (associate or baccalaureate degree) program at one of the eligible nursing education programs. Applicants must submit two letters of recommendation describing their personal qualities and activities that exemplify your leadership, compassion, activities, and community service. Letters of recommendation must be from non-family members, e.g., employer, pastor, school counselor. At least one letter of recommendation should be from a faculty member in your nursing program if you have completed one or more semesters in your nursing program. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the South Dakota Nurses Foundation for more information.
Thomas E. and Marianne M. Stenvig Scholarship
Due: 10/1/26
|No min. GPA Required
$1,000
The Thomas E. and Marianne M. Stenvig Scholarship aims to support a male registered nurse in pursuit of his educational goals. Applicants must have a current South Dakota RN license. They must be pursuing a graduate degree in nursing (preferred) or a related field in an accredited program. SDNA membership is preferred. Applicants must demonstrate evidence of leadership, compassion, involvement in professional organization(s), professional activities, and community service. Applicants must submit two letters of recommendation describing their personal qualities and activities that exemplify your leadership, compassion, involvement in professional organization(s), professional activities, and community service. At least one letter of recommendation should be from a faculty member with whom you have had your most recent nursing program experience. One letter of recommendation may be from a professional colleague. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the South Dakota Nurses Foundation for more information.
SDNF Scholarship
Due: 10/1/26
$2,000
The SDNF Scholarship aims to support a registered nurse pursuing a master's or doctoral degree with the career goal of an education program. Applicants must have a current South Dakota RN license and be a member of SDNA for at least one year. They must be a graduate student pursuing a master's or doctoral degree in nursing or a related field in an accredited program with the goal of practicing nursing in a South Dakota high need area or teaching in a South Dakota baccalaureate or higher degree nursing education program. Applicants must demonstrate evidence of leadership, compassion, involvement in professional organization(s), professional activities, and community service. Applicants must submit two letters of recommendation describing their personal qualities and activities that exemplify their leadership, compassion, involvement in professional organization(s), professional activities, and community service. At least one letter of recommendation should be from a faculty member with whom you have had your most recent nursing program experience. One letter of recommendation may be from a professional colleague. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the South Dakota Nurses Foundation for more information.
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.
What are South Dakota scholarships?
South Dakota scholarships are financial awards that help residents pay for college, technical school, grad school, or other education paths. They may come from the state, public universities, private colleges, community foundations, employers, or nonprofit groups.
Unlike student loans, scholarships don't have to be repaid. Some awards are based on grades or coursework, but many others look at your background, goals, or career path. Here are some factors that may get considered:
- South Dakota residency
- Academic achievement or class performance
- Financial need
- Technical or workforce training plans
- Interest in a high-need profession
- Tribal enrollment or Native student eligibility
- Leadership, service, or community involvement
What scholarships are available for South Dakota students?
The best answer is usually a mix of state-run scholarships, institutional aid, and local awards. Many students do better when they apply across all three categories.
Alongside state resources, scholarship search tools can help you find more opportunities. Platforms like Scholly Scholarships can help you find both South Dakota-specific opportunities and national scholarships that match your major, identity, interests, or background.
South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship
The South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship is a long-running merit program that's run by the South Dakota Board of Regents. It was created to support academically strong South Dakota high school graduates who attend an accredited university, college, or technical school in the state. This is one of the best-known South Dakota scholarships because it's tied to academic preparation in high school and continued progress in college.
Build Dakota Scholarship
The Build Dakota Scholarship is a major workforce-focused program for students entering eligible high-need programs at South Dakota technical colleges. The scholarship helps cover tuition, fees, books, and other program expenses, and recipients commit to living and working in South Dakota in their field after graduation. It's a strong option for students who want technical training and a direct route to a job.
Dakota Corps Scholarship
The Dakota Corps Scholarship encourages South Dakota high school graduates to attend college in-state, stay in South Dakota after graduation, and work in a critical-need occupation. It's funded through private business, nonprofit support, and the Governor’s Office.
Freedom Scholarship
The South Dakota Freedom Scholarship is a need-based public-private partnership created to help South Dakotans stay in the state to learn, live, and work after graduation. It focuses on closing financial gaps for students who plan to build their future in South Dakota. Because it's need-based, this scholarship can really help if cost is one of your biggest college barriers.
Hagen-Harvey Scholarship
The Richard Hagen-Minerva Harvey Memorial Scholarship supports enrolled members of American Indian tribes attending a college, university, or technical institute in South Dakota. Approved students may receive up to four years of funding, depending on their year in school and program rules.
Local and community scholarships
Local scholarships can be easier to overlook, but they're often worth your time because the number of students applying may be smaller. In South Dakota, these awards may come from community foundations, local businesses, civic groups, school districts, employers, and regional nonprofit organizations. Be sure to check with:
- Community foundations
- Local employers and banks
- Civic and service organizations
- High school counseling offices
- Regional scholarship boards
Institutional scholarships
South Dakota colleges also offer their own scholarships, and these can be a big part of your total aid package. South Dakota State University and the University of South Dakota both offer institutional scholarship opportunities for incoming and continuing students, while schools like Dakota State University and Lake Area Technical College may have merit, foundation, and program-based awards.
Additional financial aid resources
South Dakota Needs Based Grant Program
The South Dakota Needs Based Grant Program is a state grant program created to help students with financial need. It's not a scholarship but another important form of financial aid..
Reduced tuition programs through the Board of Regents
The South Dakota Board of Regents also lists reduced tuition programs for certain groups, including some military-connected students, state employees, and other eligible populations. These programs are not traditional scholarships, but they can still reduce your college costs.
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What are North Carolina scholarships?
North Carolina scholarships are financial awards that help residents pay for college, workforce training, grad school or other forms of education. These awards can come from state programs, colleges and universities, nonprofit organizations, community foundations, and private donors.
Unlike student loans, scholarships don't need to be repaid. Some focus on academic achievement, but many also look at financial need, leadership, service, local ties, or intended field of study.
- North Carolina residency
- FAFSA® completion or aid eligibility
- Academic achievement
- Enrollment at an eligible college
- Financial need
- Leadership or community service
- Regional or county ties
What scholarships are available for North Carolina students?
North Carolina students can find scholarships through statewide affordability programs, college financial aid offices, private foundations, and local organizations. Some awards are broad and intended for many residents, while others are more specific to income level, county, major, or campus.
Scholly Scholarships can help you search for scholarships based on your profile, including your background, field of study, and career interests.
Next NC Scholarship
The Next NC Scholarship is one of the biggest affordability programs for eligible North Carolina students attending public universities and community colleges. It's designed to simplify college funding and help cover a large share of costs for qualifying students. For students planning to stay in-state, this is one of the best programs to review because it can serious lower your college costs.
Institutional scholarships
Many North Carolina colleges offer their own scholarships based on merit, financial need, leadership, academic departments, or transfer status. Some awards are granted automatically through the admissions process, while others require a separate scholarship application. These programs can be an important part of your overall financial aid package, especially if you apply early and meet priority deadlines.
Students comparing schools should review scholarship opportunities and campus deadlines at institutions such as the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina State University, and Central Piedmont Community College, along with any other colleges on their list.
Community foundation and local scholarships
County and community-based scholarships can be especially helpful for students because they often have smaller applicant pools and more specific eligibility requirements. These awards may come from local foundations, nonprofits, businesses, civic organizations, school districts, and employers. They can be a strong option for students with ties to a particular city, county, school district, or rural community in North Carolina.
Additional financial aid resources
UNC need-based grant
The UNC Need-Based Grant is part of the broader aid landscape for students attending institutions in the UNC System. While it's not a scholarship in the traditional sense, it can be an important form of financial support for students with demonstrated need.
Scholly Scholarships
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How to apply for South Dakota scholarships
- Pull together your main documents early so you have your transcript, resume, activity list, and a basic personal statement ready to go.
- Build a list of scholarships that fit you based on your grades, financial situation, major, career plans, identity, and where you want to study.
- Apply to a mix of state, college, and local scholarships instead of just one big award.
- Submit the FAFSA® every year so you can be considered for need-based scholarships, grants, and other aid.
- Track deadlines carefully with a spreadsheet, calendar, or checklist so you do not miss school-specific or state deadlines.
- Use Scholly Scholarships to find state-specific opportunities as well as ones based on your skills, background, and interests.
What are the eligibility requirements for SD scholarships?
Every scholarship has its own rules, but many South Dakota programs look for some combination of the following:
- South Dakota residency
- Enrollment at an eligible in-state college, university, or technical school
- Minimum GPA or academic coursework
- Financial need for need-based awards
- Intended study in a high-need field
- Service or work commitment in South Dakota
- Tribal enrollment or other identity-based eligibility for certain programs
How can I improve my chances of winning a scholarship?
- Start with state programs, then widen your search. Begin with the major South Dakota scholarships, but don't stop there. Add local and institutional awards so you give yourself more chances to win.
- Apply even if you are not a perfect match on paper. Some students rule themselves out too early. If you meet the core requirements, it's worth applying.
- Keep your essays specific. Strong scholarship essays usually sound personal and concrete, not generic. Use examples that show your goals, your effort, and why the opportunity fits you.
- File the FAFSA® early. Need-based scholarships and grants may depend on FAFSA® information, and some aid is limited.
- Ask schools about automatic and separate scholarship processes. Colleges have different ways of handling scholarships. Check if admission alone is enough or if you need another application.
More scholarship resources
South Dakota students can widen their search by looking beyond state-specific pages and using scholarship categories that match their goals and background.
- 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're 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
South Dakota students have a solid range of scholarship options. When you combine those with college aid and local scholarships, you can build a stronger plan to pay and reduce how much you may need to borrow. Apply for South Dakota-specific programs, file the FAFSA®, and check scholarship pages at the colleges you are considering.
To keep your search moving, check 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're short on time. For scholarships based on your state, background, and interests, search using Scholly Scholarships.
FAQs about South Dakota scholarships
What scholarships are available for South Dakota students?
South Dakota students can look at statewide options like the South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship, Build Dakota Scholarship, Dakota Corps Scholarship, the Freedom Scholarship, and the Hagen-Harvey Scholarship, along with local and institutional awards.
How does the South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship work?
It's a merit-based state scholarship for academically accomplished South Dakota high school graduates who attend an eligible in-state college, university, or technical school and continue meeting program standards.
Are there scholarships for Native American students in South Dakota?
Yes. The Hagen-Harvey Scholarship is one key option for enrolled members of American Indian tribes attending eligible South Dakota institutions, and some students may also find additional opportunities through Tribal and Native education resources.
Are there scholarships for agriculture or rural community students?
Yes. South Dakota students interested in agriculture, technical fields, or rural workforce needs may find strong fits through Build Dakota, local foundation awards, and college-based scholarships tied to workforce or regional priorities.
Do South Dakota scholarships require FAFSA®?
Not all of them do, but some need-based programs and grant resources use FAFSA® information, so filing it is still one of the smartest steps you can take.
Do South Dakota colleges offer their own scholarships?
Yes. Colleges and universities across the state may offer merit, departmental, foundation, and need-based scholarships through admissions or financial aid offices.
Are there easy or no-essay scholarships for South Dakota students?
Yes. In addition to state and college scholarships, you can also look for easy-apply and no-essay options through broader scholarship platforms like Scholly® Easy Apply Scholarships and our $2,000 No Essay Scholarship.
Can South Dakota technical college students get scholarships?
Yes. Technical college students are especially relevant for programs like Build Dakota, and some schools also offer their own institutional or foundation-based aid.
Can I combine more than one South Dakota scholarship?
Sometimes, yes. Whether awards can stack depends on the scholarship rules and the college’s financial aid policies, so check with each school.
When should I start applying for South Dakota scholarships?
Start as early as possible, ideally before your senior year deadlines begin to pile up. State, institutional, and local scholarships may all have different timelines.
Are merit scholarships the main option in South Dakota?
No. South Dakota has merit scholarships, but it also has need-based, workforce-focused, and identity-specific programs.
What colleges should I check first for South Dakota scholarships?
Start with the schools you are seriously considering, such as South Dakota State University, the University of South Dakota, and Dakota State University or Lake Area Technical College, then review each scholarship page and deadline carefully.
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