Paying for College

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.

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Paying for College

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.

Cost of College

Saving for College

Financial Aid

Completing the FAFSA®

Financial Aid Offers

South Dakota Scholarships

Your Paying for College Checklist

Follow these six steps to understand your options, maximize financial aid opportunities, and make an informed college decision.

Step 1: Start Planning

Begin learning about college costs, financial aid, scholarships, and ways to prepare financially for college.

High school student? Explore the College Prep Checklists for grade-by-grade planning.

Step 2: Complete the FAFSA

Complete the FAFSA as soon as it becomes available for the academic year you plan to attend college.

High school student? Explore the College Prep Checklists for grade-by-grade planning.

Step 3: Explore Scholarships

Search for scholarships offered by colleges, employers, community organizations, foundations, and other sources.

High school student? Explore the College Prep Checklists for grade-by-grade planning.

Step 4: Review Financial Aid Offers

Compare your financial aid offers carefully to understand your total costs and available funding.

High school student? Explore the College Prep Checklists for grade-by-grade planning.

Step 5: Compare College Costs

Compare tuition, fees, housing, books, transportation, and estimated out-of-pocket costs before making your decision.

High school student? Explore the College Prep Checklists for grade-by-grade planning.

Step 6: Make Your College Decision

Choose the college that best fits your academic goals, career goals, and financial situation.

High school student? Explore the College Prep Checklists for grade-by-grade planning.

MAPPING YOUR FUTURE

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.

Explore Mapping Your Future

Paying for College Video Series

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.

Watch the Video Series

WHAT IS A COLLEGE FINANCIAL AID OFFICE?

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:

Completing the FAFSA®
Understanding financial aid and scholarship opportunities
Reviewing financial aid offers
Exploring loan and payment options
Estimating college costs
Creating a plan to pay for college

Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Financial aid professionals are here to help students and families navigate the financial side of college.

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College Financial Aid Contacts

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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