The Dakota Corps Scholarship provides full tuition and generally applicable fees for up to four years to eligible South Dakota high school graduates pursuing degrees that prepare them for careers in critical need occupations. Recipients commit to working in South Dakota after graduation.
Eligibility Requirements:
• Graduate from an accredited South Dakota high school with a minimum 2.8 GPA.
• Earn an ACT composite or superscore of 27 or higher (or SAT equivalent).
• Be a U.S. citizen or U.S. national.
• Attend a participating South Dakota college or university in a program that prepares students for a critical need occupation.
• Apply for a scholarship period beginning within one year of high school graduation (exceptions apply for qualifying military service).
Critical Need Occupations:
• Select K–12 and secondary teaching positions
• Registered Nurse
• Accountant/Auditor
• Information Technology
• Select Engineering Fields
Critical need occupations are established for each scholarship cohort. Visit the scholarship webpage for the current list of eligible occupations.
South Dakota Employment Commitment:
Recipients must agree to work in a critical need occupation in South Dakota for each year they receive scholarship funding, plus one additional year. For example, a student receiving four years of funding must work in South Dakota for five years after graduation.
If the commitment is not fulfilled, the scholarship converts to a low-interest loan that must be repaid.
Contact Information:
South Dakota Board of Regents Scholarship Office
605-773-3455 | scholarships@sdbor.edu