South Dakota Scholarships

Overview

The Build Dakota Scholarship provides full funding for students pursuing high-demand careers at South Dakota’s technical colleges.

Build Dakota at a Glance

• Covers tuition, fees, books, and required expenses
• Available at South Dakota technical colleges
• Application window: January 1–March 31
• Requires a three-year South Dakota workforce commitment

Eligible Career Areas

Advanced Manufacturing, Agriculture, Automotive, Building Trades & Construction, Engineering & Energy, Healthcare, Information Technology, Public Service, and Welding.

Recipient Commitment

• Enroll full-time in an eligible program.
• Work in South Dakota for at least three years after graduation.

Did You Know?

Graduates of South Dakota’s technical colleges have placement rates between 90–100%.

Overview

The Dakota Corps Scholarship provides full tuition and generally applicable fees to students pursuing degrees that prepare them for critical-need occupations in South Dakota.

Dakota Corps at a Glance

• Covers full tuition and generally applicable fees
• Application window: November 1–December 15
• Available at participating South Dakota colleges and universities
• Requires recipients to live and work in South Dakota after graduation
• Supports careers in critical-need fields across the state

Eligibility Requirements

• Graduate from an accredited South Dakota high school (minimum 2.8 GPA on a 4.0 scale)
• Earn an ACT Composite or Superscore of 27 or higher (or SAT equivalent)
• Be a U.S. citizen or national
• Be an incoming freshman enrolled in an approved program at a participating South Dakota institution
• Apply within one year of high school graduation (or within one year of release from active military duty)

Current Critical-Need Areas

• Teacher (K–12, select areas)
• Secondary Education (select areas)
• Accounting/Auditing
• Engineering (select areas)
• Information Technology
• Registered Nursing

Recipient Commitment

• Live and work in South Dakota in a critical-need occupation after graduation.
• Complete one year of service for each year the scholarship is received, plus one additional year.

Did You Know?

Dakota Corps helps address workforce shortages in South Dakota while allowing students to earn their degrees with significantly reduced educational costs.

Overview

The South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship rewards South Dakota students who complete a rigorous high school curriculum and continue their education at an eligible South Dakota college, university, or technical college.

SD Opportunity Scholarship at a Glance

• Award amount: Up to $7,500 over four years
• Preferred application deadline: June 1
• Applications accepted through September 1
• Available at eligible South Dakota public and private institutions
• Can be used at universities, colleges, and technical colleges across the state

Eligibility Requirements

• Complete the South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship high school curriculum requirements.
• Meet the required GPA and/or standardized test score criteria.
• Graduate from an accredited high school (or approved homeschool program).
• Enroll at an eligible South Dakota postsecondary institution.

Scholarship Requirements

• Meet annual credit hour requirements.
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress.
• Continue enrollment at an eligible South Dakota institution.

Did You Know?

Thousands of South Dakota students have used the South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship to reduce the cost of college while staying close to home and pursuing careers across the state.

Overview

The Freedom Scholarship is South Dakota’s largest need-based scholarship program. It helps students with financial need earn a bachelor’s degree while encouraging graduates to live and work in South Dakota.

Freedom Scholarship at a Glance

• No separate scholarship application required
• Apply for admission and complete the FAFSA
• Available at eligible South Dakota institutions
• Designed for students with demonstrated financial need
• Includes a three-year South Dakota workforce commitment after graduation

Eligibility Requirements

• Be a South Dakota resident for at least one year prior to applying.
• Demonstrate financial need through the FAFSA.
• Attend an eligible South Dakota institution.
• Pursue a bachelor’s degree.
• Maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA while enrolled.
• Graduate within five years or less.

Recipient Commitment

• Live and work in South Dakota for three years after graduation.
• Maintain eligibility requirements throughout enrollment.

Important Note

Failure to meet the terms of the Freedom Scholarship may result in the award converting from a scholarship to an interest-bearing loan.

Did You Know?

The Freedom Scholarship is funded through a public-private partnership and is managed by the South Dakota Community Foundation, helping support South Dakota students for generations to come.

Overview

The Critical Teaching Needs Scholarship supports future educators preparing to teach in South Dakota’s highest-need classrooms. Eligible students pursuing elementary or secondary education degrees can receive financial assistance while helping address teacher shortages across the state.

Critical Teaching Needs Scholarship at a Glance

• Application window: November 1–December 15
• Available to college juniors and seniors
• Must be enrolled in an approved elementary or secondary education program
• Available at participating South Dakota universities
• Supports future educators entering high-need teaching fields

Eligibility Requirements

• Be entering their junior or senior year of college during the upcoming academic year.
• Be accepted into an elementary or secondary education program at a participating South Dakota institution.
• Meet all scholarship application requirements.

Current Critical Need Areas (2026–2027)

• All K–12 Teaching Positions

Career Commitment

Recipients are expected to pursue careers in South Dakota’s education workforce and help meet the state’s ongoing teacher needs.

Did You Know?

Every K–12 teaching position in South Dakota is currently designated as a critical need area, creating opportunities for future educators in communities across the state.

Overview

The Jump Start Scholarship awards $1,500 to South Dakota students who graduate from high school in three years or less and continue their education at an eligible South Dakota institution.

At a Glance

• Award Amount: $1,500
• Application Deadline: September 1
• No separate application fee
• Must graduate in three years or less
• Must attend an eligible South Dakota institution

Eligibility Requirements

• South Dakota resident
• Complete the recommended high school program
• Graduate from a South Dakota public high school in three years or less

Overview

The South Dakota Needs Based Scholarship provides awards ranging from $500 to $2,000 to students with demonstrated financial need attending participating South Dakota institutions.

At a Glance

• Award Amount: $500–$2,000
• No separate application required
• FAFSA required
• Available at participating South Dakota colleges and universities
• Awarded based on financial need and institutional review

Did You Know?

Participating institutions match state funding, helping provide nearly $800,000 in need-based assistance to South Dakota students each year.

Overview

The Hagen-Harvey Scholarship provides financial assistance to enrolled members of American Indian tribes pursuing higher education at eligible South Dakota colleges, universities, and technical colleges.

Hagen-Harvey Scholarship at a Glance

• Award Amount: Up to $6,000 over four years
• Available to enrolled members of American Indian tribes
• Attend an eligible South Dakota institution
• Must maintain a 2.5 cumulative GPA
• Supports undergraduate education in South Dakota

Eligibility Requirements

• Be an enrolled member of an American Indian tribe.
• Graduate from an accredited South Dakota high school.
• Apply within five years of high school graduation (or within one year of release from active military service, if applicable).
• Enroll full-time at an eligible South Dakota institution.

Did You Know?

Recipients may receive scholarship support for up to four years, with award amounts increasing as students progress toward graduation.

Overview

The Ardell Bjugstad Scholarship supports Native American students pursuing degrees in agribusiness, agriculture production, agricultural sciences, or natural resources at eligible postsecondary institutions.

Ardell Bjugstad Scholarship at a Glance

• Supports Native American students
• Available to first-year college students
• Eligible fields include agriculture and natural resources
• Can be used at eligible postsecondary institutions
• Focuses on preparing future leaders in agriculture-related industries

Eligibility Requirements

• Be a Native American student.
• Be entering their freshman year of college.
• Pursue a degree in:
  • Agribusiness
  • Agriculture Production
  • Agricultural Sciences
  • Natural Resources

Did You Know?

The Ardell Bjugstad Scholarship honors South Dakota rancher and conservationist Ardell Bjugstad, whose work helped preserve Native American access to sacred and culturally significant lands.

Overview

The Annis Irene Fowler/Kaden Scholarship supports first-time college students pursuing elementary education at South Dakota’s public universities, with special consideration given to students who demonstrate motivational ability, have a disability, or are self-supporting.

Annis Irene Fowler/Kaden Scholarship at a Glance

• Available to first-time college freshmen
• Must pursue Elementary Education
• Attend a South Dakota public university
• Special consideration for students who are:
  • Self-supporting
  • Living with a disability
  • Demonstrating exceptional motivation

Eligible Institutions

• Black Hills State University (BHSU)
• Dakota State University (DSU)
• Northern State University (NSU)
• South Dakota State University (SDSU)
• University of South Dakota (USD)

Did You Know?

This scholarship was established to help support future elementary educators and encourage students from diverse backgrounds to pursue careers in teaching.

Overview

The Marlin R. Scarborough Memorial Scholarship recognizes outstanding South Dakota students who have demonstrated academic achievement and leadership during their college careers.

Marlin R. Scarborough Memorial Scholarship at a Glance

• Available to college juniors
• Must attend a South Dakota public university
• One student is nominated by each public university
• Awarded through an institutional nomination process

Eligibility Requirements

• Be classified as a junior at the time the scholarship is awarded.
• Attend one of South Dakota’s public universities.
• Be nominated by their institution.

Did You Know?

Each South Dakota public university selects and nominates one student for this scholarship, making it a highly competitive and distinguished recognition.

Overview

The United States Senate Youth Program recognizes outstanding high school student leaders and provides an opportunity to engage with national leaders while earning a college scholarship.

U.S. Senate Youth Program at a Glance

• Award Amount: $10,000 undergraduate scholarship
• Available to high school juniors and seniors
• Two students are selected from South Dakota each year
• Includes participation in Washington Week (held in Washington, D.C., or virtually)
• Applications typically open in late August

Eligibility Requirements

• Be a current high school junior or senior.
• Demonstrate leadership through elected or appointed positions in student government or other approved organizations.
• Complete the application process through their school.

Did You Know?

Only two students from South Dakota are selected each year to participate in this nationally recognized leadership program alongside students from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) schools.

Overview

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program is one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students, recognizing outstanding achievement in academics, leadership, and service.

U.S. Presidential Scholars Program at a Glance

• National recognition program
• Open to exceptional graduating high school seniors
• Includes an expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C.
• Scholars receive the U.S. Presidential Scholars Medallion
• Sponsored by the White House

Program Highlights

Selected scholars have the opportunity to:

• Meet national and international leaders.
• Participate in ceremonies and special events in Washington, D.C.
• Connect with accomplished peers from across the country.
• Visit museums, monuments, and other historic sites.
• Join a distinguished network of Presidential Scholars alumni.

Did You Know?

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program is considered one of the highest honors bestowed upon graduating high school seniors in the United States.