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Paying for college isn’t just an investment in your future - it’s an investment in yourself. When you think of all the things you’ll purchase throughout your life, few have the ability to shape your future and open new doors like a college degree.
Want to understand how to afford a college degree? South Dakota students have a variety of options, from state-level scholarships to federal financial aid. Find the right financial solution for you and your student(s) using our student-centered resources and financial aid tools.
Paying for college doesn’t happen all at once. Follow these six steps to understand your options, maximize financial aid opportunities, and make an informed college decision.
Planning ahead pays off. Students are encouraged to begin saving for college, exploring the South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship, and discussing financial goals with their families long before senior year.
Click each step to expand and learn more...
College planning doesn’t begin during your senior year. Students who start early have more opportunities to prepare academically and financially for life after high school.
Start by:
Helpful Tip: The earlier you begin planning, the more options you’ll have when it’s time to make your college decision.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) is the first step to accessing many forms of financial aid, including grants, scholarships, work-study opportunities, and student loans. Many colleges and scholarship programs use FAFSA information to determine eligibility, so completing it early is important.
Helpful Tip: Complete the FAFSA as soon as it becomes available to maximize your opportunities for financial aid.
Scholarships can help reduce the cost of college and, unlike loans, do not need to be repaid. Explore state-managed scholarships, Junior institutional scholarships, and local opportunities through your school, community organizations, and scholarship search tools.
Helpful Tip: Don’t assume you won’t qualify—many scholarships consider academics, financial need, leadership, activities, career interests, and more.
After you’ve been admitted to college and completed the FAFSA, you’ll begin receiving financial aid offers. Take time to carefully review each offer to understand grants, scholarships, loans, and other forms of assistance.
Helpful Tip: Compare the amount of aid offered—not just the total cost of attendance.
College costs can vary from institution to institution. Consider tuition, fees, housing, books, transportation, and other expenses when comparing your options. Remember that the least expensive option on paper isn’t always the least expensive after scholarships and financial aid are applied.
Helpful Tip: Compare each college’s estimated out-of-pocket cost after financial aid has been awarded.
Once you’ve reviewed your options, it’s time to choose the college that’s the best fit for you academically, financially, and personally. Be sure to complete any next steps, including accepting financial aid, submitting deposits, and registering for orientation.
Helpful Tip: Choose the college where you feel supported and can see yourself succeeding—not just the one with the lowest sticker price.
Mapping Your Future is a free resource designed to help students and families prepare for college and beyond. Explore tools and information related to college planning, financial aid, career exploration, and financial literacy to help you make informed decisions every step of the way.
Paying for college can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. This free video series walks students and families through topics like financial aid, scholarships, FAFSA, understanding college costs, and avoiding common mistakes—making it easier to confidently plan for the future.
Every college has a Financial Aid Office dedicated to helping students and families understand the cost of college and identify ways to pay for it. Financial aid professionals can answer questions about FAFSA, scholarships, grants, loans, work-study opportunities, and financial aid offers.
Financial Aid Offices commonly assist students with:
Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Financial aid professionals are here to help students and families navigate the financial side of college.
Whether you have questions about FAFSA, scholarships, financial aid offers, or college costs, the financial aid offices below are ready to help.
Click on an institution below to visit its financial aid webpage and find contact information.
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