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Top 30 South Dakota Scholarships in March 2024

Written by Kayla Korzekwinski

Kayla Korzekwinski is a Scholarships360 content writer. She earned her BA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she studied Advertising/PR, Rhetorical Communication, and Anthropology. Kayla has worked on communications for non-profits and student organizations. She loves to write and come up with new ways to express ideas.

Full Bio

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and Cece Gilmore

Cece Gilmore is a Content Writer at Scholarships360. Cece earned her undergraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from Arizona State University. While at ASU, she was the education editor as well as a published staff reporter at Downtown Devil. Cece was also the co-host of her own radio show on Blaze Radio ASU.

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Edited by Maria Geiger

Maria Geiger is Director of Content at Scholarships360. She is a former online educational technology instructor and adjunct writing instructor. In addition to education reform, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement. Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania.

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Updated: March 2nd, 2024

South Dakota is known as the “Mount Rushmore” State. No doubt you’ll want to “rush” to apply for these South Dakota scholarships when you see them! Students in South Dakota have access to a variety of opportunities to fund their education in different fields of study. Continue reading to learn all about the top South Dakota scholarships!

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Scholarship Review Process

The Scholarships360 Research Team reviews all scholarships individually and strives to exclude any scholarship where any of the below applies:

  • The scholarship requires a fee to apply
  • The scholarship provider’s privacy policy allows for the misuse of student data
  • The scholarship requires paid membership in an organization (with certain exceptions for reputable trade organizations and others)
  • Student are required to sign up for a site or service to apply*
  • The scholarship seems primarily used for lead generation** or idea harvesting purposes***
  • The scholarship website has many grammatical errors and/or advertisements
  • The scholarship or scholarship providing organization seem untrustworthy
  • There is no evidence the scholarship was previously awarded
  • The scholarship has not been awarded in the past 12 months
  • There is no available contact information

If you believe a scholarship has been published in error, please reach out to [email protected] and we’ll take a look!


* There are certain exceptions to this, for example if the sponsoring organization is a major corporation or nonprofit with its own scholarship application system.
** Lead generation scholarships will require students to sign up for an app or website and require minimal (if any) application requirements.
***Idea harvesting scholarships will require students to submit blog posts or other materials that companies may use for marketing purposes.

Learn about our editorial policies
30 scholarships
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$10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Scholarships360

Exclusive
1 award worth $10,000
Deadline Jun 30, 2024
Grade Level All Grade Levels

Offered by Scholarships360

Exclusive

The Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship is open to all students who want some extra help paying for their education. Whether you are a high…Show More

The Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship is open to all students who want some extra help paying for their education. Whether you are a high…Show More

The Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship is open to all students who want some extra help paying for their education. Whether you are a high school student who hopes to go to college, a graduate student who’s in a master’s program, or an adult learner who wants to return to school, you are eligible for our no essay scholarship. This scholarship will be awarded to students who get the most out of Scholarships360 scholarships and content. You will be a strong applicant if you apply to scholarships with the Scholarships360 platform. Finalists for this scholarship will be interviewed about their process for funding their education.Show Less

1 award worth $10,000
Deadline Jun 30, 2024
Grade Level All Grade Levels
Apply

$2,000 Sallie Mae Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Sallie Mae

Easy Application
1 award worth $2,000
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level HS Upperclassmen, College & Graduate Students

Offered by Sallie Mae

Easy Application

Sallie Mae will award $2,000 each month to eligible entrants. No essay or account sign-ups, just a simple scholarship for those seeking help paying for…

Sallie Mae will award $2,000 each month to eligible entrants. No essay or account sign-ups, just a simple scholarship for those seeking help paying for…

Sallie Mae will award $2,000 each month to eligible entrants. No essay or account sign-ups, just a simple scholarship for those seeking help paying for school.

1 award worth $2,000
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level HS Upperclassmen, College & Graduate Students
Apply

South Dakota Bankers Association Scholarships

Offered by South Dakota Bankers Association

5 awards worth $1,500 - $4,000
Deadline Mar 29, 2024
Grade Level College Junior

Offered by South Dakota Bankers Association

Are you a college junior pursuing a banking or finance-related degree at an institution of higher education in South Dakota? If so, consider applying for…Show More

Are you a college junior pursuing a banking or finance-related degree at an institution of higher education in South Dakota? If so, consider applying for…Show More

Are you a college junior pursuing a banking or finance-related degree at an institution of higher education in South Dakota? If so, consider applying for the South Dakota Bankers Association Scholarships! There are five types of scholarships offered: the Alan M. Graff Scholarship ($4,000), the David S. Birkeland Scholarship ($3,000), the Herman Lerdal Scholarship ($3,000), the Joyce Hazeltine Scholarship ($3,000), and the Deb Gates Scholarship ($1,500). To be eligible, applicants must have expressed an interest in pursuing a banking or finance-related career, and must be majoring in business, finance, IT, cybersecurity, HR, marketing, or a related field. If you have a passion for banking or finance and are attending a South Dakota college or university, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more.Show Less

5 awards worth $1,500 - $4,000
Deadline Mar 29, 2024
Grade Level College Junior
Get Started

$40,000 BigFuture Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by The College Board

Easy Application
Multiple awards worth up to $40,000
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level High School Sophomores & Juniors

Offered by The College Board

Easy Application

Open to US-based high school students in the class of 2025 and 2026 - no essay, no minimum GPA, and no citizenship requirements.

Open to US-based high school students in the class of 2025 and 2026 - no essay, no minimum GPA, and no citizenship requirements.

Open to US-based high school students in the class of 2025 and 2026 - no essay, no minimum GPA, and no citizenship requirements.

Multiple awards worth up to $40,000
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level High School Sophomores & Juniors
Apply

MAC Louisa Bowen Memorial Scholarship for Graduate Students in Archival Administration

Offered by Midwest Archives Conference

1 award worth $1,500
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level Graduate Students

Offered by Midwest Archives Conference

Are you a resident or full-time graduate student in the MAC region (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South…Show More

Are you a resident or full-time graduate student in the MAC region (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South…Show More

Are you a resident or full-time graduate student in the MAC region (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin) who is pursuing a degree in archival administration? If so, the MAC Louisa Bowen Memorial Scholarship for Graduate Students in Archival Administration may be a great opportunity for you! Each year, the scholarship awards $1,500 to one individual in the MAC region who is pursuing graduate studies in archival administration. Applicants must also have a minimum 3.0 GPA in the most recent academic year. If this sounds like a good opportunity for you, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more.Show Less

1 award worth $1,500
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level Graduate Students
Get Started

Niche $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Niche

Easy Application
1 award worth $10,000
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level All Grade Levels

Offered by Niche

Easy Application

Easy scholarship open to all high school and college students, as well as anyone looking to attend college or graduate school in the next year

Easy scholarship open to all high school and college students, as well as anyone looking to attend college or graduate school in the next year

Easy scholarship open to all high school and college students, as well as anyone looking to attend college or graduate school in the next year

1 award worth $10,000
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level All Grade Levels
Apply

South Dakota Retailers Association Scholarship Program

Offered by South Dakota Retailers Association

6 awards worth $2,100 - $3,500
Deadline Apr 23, 2024
Grade Level College Students

Offered by South Dakota Retailers Association

Looking to pursue a career in retail or hospitality? The South Dakota Retailers Association Scholarship Program is here to help! The program offers financial assistance…Show More

Looking to pursue a career in retail or hospitality? The South Dakota Retailers Association Scholarship Program is here to help! The program offers financial assistance…Show More

Looking to pursue a career in retail or hospitality? The South Dakota Retailers Association Scholarship Program is here to help! The program offers financial assistance to students studying in fields related to retail, including business administration, the culinary arts, Auto Mechanics, Landscape Design, Pharmacy, Photography, and more. As long as you're enrolled in a qualifying program at an accredited school and have graduated from a South Dakota high school, you're eligible to apply. Plus, if you've completed at least 24 credits from a college or university or 12 credits from a tech school or professional training institute, you're good to go. Don't have that much education under your belt? No worries - full-time work experience in lieu of the education requirement is also acceptable. Apply and take the first step towards your dream career!Show Less

6 awards worth $2,100 - $3,500
Deadline Apr 23, 2024
Grade Level College Students
Get Started

SDGA Junior Golf Scholarships

Offered by South Dakota Golf Association

6 awards worth $1,500
Deadline Jun 30, 2024
Grade Level High School Senior

Offered by South Dakota Golf Association

Are you a college-bound high school senior who has lived in South Dakota for at least the past two years and who has a passion…Show More

Are you a college-bound high school senior who has lived in South Dakota for at least the past two years and who has a passion…Show More

Are you a college-bound high school senior who has lived in South Dakota for at least the past two years and who has a passion for golf? If so, you may be eligible for the SDGA Junior Golf Scholarships! Each year, the scholarships award $1,500 to six South Dakotan high school seniors who have previous golf experience and who will be enrolling in a post-secondary institution in the Fall semester following their high school graduation. If this sounds like a good opportunity for you, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more.Show Less

6 awards worth $1,500
Deadline Jun 30, 2024
Grade Level High School Senior
Get Started

$25k “Be Bold” No-Essay Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Bold.org

Easy Application
1 award worth $25,000
Deadline Apr 1, 2024
Grade Level All Grade Levels

Offered by Bold.org

Easy Application

Open to high school students, college students, community college students, and graduate students.

Open to high school students, college students, community college students, and graduate students.

Open to high school students, college students, community college students, and graduate students.

1 award worth $25,000
Deadline Apr 1, 2024
Grade Level All Grade Levels
Apply

John Deere Company Scholarship

Offered by American Welding Society

2 awards worth $2,500
Expected deadline March 2025
Grade Level College Sophomores, Juniors & Seniors

Offered by American Welding Society

The John Deere Scholarship was established to encourage Midwestern welding students to pursue their passions without worrying about the costs. Thus, each year, two scholarships…Show More

The John Deere Scholarship was established to encourage Midwestern welding students to pursue their passions without worrying about the costs. Thus, each year, two scholarships…Show More

The John Deere Scholarship was established to encourage Midwestern welding students to pursue their passions without worrying about the costs. Thus, each year, two scholarships will be awarded to Midwestern welding students. While the first ($2,500) will be available to a student from the states of Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin, or Missouri, the second ($2,500) will be available to a female or minority student, with preference to students from the states of Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Missouri, Nebraska, Kansas, North Dakota or South Dakota. All applicants must be enrolled in a Weld Engineering or Weld Engineering Technology (4 year degree) program or a mechanical or manufacturing engineering program with weld emphasis. Applicants must have completed a minimum of one semester of academic study in their welding program and submit two letters of recommendation along with their application. If you're eligible, we encourage you to apply!Show Less

2 awards worth $2,500
Expected deadline March 2025
Grade Level College Sophomores, Juniors & Seniors
Get Started

Rocky Mountain Coal Mining Institute Engineering/Geology Scholarship

Offered by Rocky Mountain Coal Mining Institute

Multiple awards worth $5,000
Expected deadline March 2025
Grade Level College Students

Offered by Rocky Mountain Coal Mining Institute

The Rocky Mountain Coal Mining Institute Engineering/Geology Scholarship is a fantastic opportunity for students at a four-year school who are looking to pursue a career…Show More

The Rocky Mountain Coal Mining Institute Engineering/Geology Scholarship is a fantastic opportunity for students at a four-year school who are looking to pursue a career…Show More

The Rocky Mountain Coal Mining Institute Engineering/Geology Scholarship is a fantastic opportunity for students at a four-year school who are looking to pursue a career in the mining industry. To be eligible, applicants must be a U.S. citizen and a resident of one of the RMMI member states (Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, or Wyoming). Additionally, they must be pursuing a degree in a mining-related field or in one of the engineering disciplines such as mining, geology, mineral processing, metallurgy, electrical, mechanical, or environmental. The selected students will receive an all-expense paid trip to the RMMI Annual Meeting and Conference in late June, where they will have the chance to meet industry leaders and attend all of the technical sessions. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to jumpstart your career in the mining industry!Show Less

Multiple awards worth $5,000
Expected deadline March 2025
Grade Level College Students
Get Started

$10,000 CollegeXpress Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by CollegeXpress

Easy Application
1 award worth $10,000
Deadline May 1, 2024
Grade Level High School Freshmen, Sophomores & Juniors

Offered by CollegeXpress

Easy Application

Annual $10k scholarship from CollegeXpress open to all high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors.

Annual $10k scholarship from CollegeXpress open to all high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors.

Annual $10k scholarship from CollegeXpress open to all high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors.

1 award worth $10,000
Deadline May 1, 2024
Grade Level High School Freshmen, Sophomores & Juniors
Apply

American Legion Auxiliary Department of South Dakota $500 Scholarship for Colleges/Universities/Technical

Offered by American Legion Auxiliary Department of South Dakota

2 awards worth $500
Expected deadline March 2025
Grade Level College Students

Offered by American Legion Auxiliary Department of South Dakota

The American Legion Auxiliary Department of South Dakota Scholarship for Colleges/Universities/Technical is open to applicants who are children or grandchildren of veterans or members of…Show More

The American Legion Auxiliary Department of South Dakota Scholarship for Colleges/Universities/Technical is open to applicants who are children or grandchildren of veterans or members of…Show More

The American Legion Auxiliary Department of South Dakota Scholarship for Colleges/Universities/Technical is open to applicants who are children or grandchildren of veterans or members of the American Legion Auxiliary. Eligible applicants must be between 16 and 22 years old, residents of South Dakota, and financially unable to attend a university or technical institute after high school graduation. To apply, submit an original article of not more than 500 words on “Why I want to attend a College/University” or “Why I want to attend a Technical Institute,” in addition to three letters of recommendation, and a completed application. Don't miss out on this opportunity to further your education!Show Less

2 awards worth $500
Expected deadline March 2025
Grade Level College Students
Get Started

Rocky Mountain Coal Mining Institute Technical Scholarship

Offered by Rocky Mountain Coal Mining Institute

Multiple awards worth $2,000
Expected deadline March 2025
Grade Level College Students

Offered by Rocky Mountain Coal Mining Institute

The Rocky Mountain Coal Mining Institute Technical Scholarship annually awards $2,000 to students from an RMMI Member State who are pursuing a degree in a…Show More

The Rocky Mountain Coal Mining Institute Technical Scholarship annually awards $2,000 to students from an RMMI Member State who are pursuing a degree in a…Show More

The Rocky Mountain Coal Mining Institute Technical Scholarship annually awards $2,000 to students from an RMMI Member State who are pursuing a degree in a mining-related field or in engineering disciplines such as mining, geology, mineral processing, metallurgy, electrical, mechanical, and environmental. The monetary value of the scholarship will be sent directly to the college or university to be used as tuition credit for the winner. The scholarship is valued at up to $5,000 over a three-year period ($2.000 for the initial application, $2,000 for first renewal, and $1,000 for second renewal). If you're a resident of an RMMI Member State and are pursuing a degree in a mining-related field or in an eligible engineering discipline, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more.Show Less

Multiple awards worth $2,000
Expected deadline March 2025
Grade Level College Students
Get Started

$1,000 Appily Easy College Money Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Appily

Easy Application
Monthly awards worth $1,000
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level High School Freshman, High School Sophomore, High School Junior, College Freshman & College Sophomore

Offered by Appily

Easy Application

This easy scholarship from Appily is open to U.S. high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, 2027) and college transfer students. One scholarship will be…Show More

This easy scholarship from Appily is open to U.S. high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, 2027) and college transfer students. One scholarship will be…Show More

This easy scholarship from Appily is open to U.S. high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, 2027) and college transfer students. One scholarship will be awarded each month.Show Less

Monthly awards worth $1,000
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level High School Freshman, High School Sophomore, High School Junior, College Freshman & College Sophomore
Apply

South Dakota Board of Regents Annis I. Fowler/Kaden Scholarship

Offered by South Dakota Board of Regents

2 awards worth up to $1,000
Expected deadline February 2025
Grade Level High School Senior

Offered by South Dakota Board of Regents

Are you an incoming freshman at Black Hills State University, Dakota State University, Northern State University, or the University of South Dakota who will be…Show More

Are you an incoming freshman at Black Hills State University, Dakota State University, Northern State University, or the University of South Dakota who will be…Show More

Are you an incoming freshman at Black Hills State University, Dakota State University, Northern State University, or the University of South Dakota who will be majoring in elementary education? If so, consider applying for the Annis Irene Fowler/Kaden Scholarship! Each year, the scholarship awards up to $1,000 to two high school seniors with a 3.0 GPA, a passion for elementary education, and plans to attend BHSU, DSU, NSU, or USD. Recipients will each receive $1,000 in two equal installments during the upcoming Fall and Spring semesters. The scholarship was established to honor the legacy of a dedicated educator who spent nearly 50 years teaching students with learning disabilities. If you're eligible, don't miss this opportunity to continue Annis Fowler's commitment to education!Show Less

2 awards worth up to $1,000
Expected deadline February 2025
Grade Level High School Senior
Get Started

Dream.US Opportunity Scholarship

Offered by TheDream.Us

Multiple awards worth up to $20,000
Expected deadline January 2025
Grade Level High School Seniors & College Freshmen

Offered by TheDream.Us

Are you an undocumented immigrant student who came to U.S before the age of 16? If so, you may be eligible for the Dream.US Opportunity…Show More

Are you an undocumented immigrant student who came to U.S before the age of 16? If so, you may be eligible for the Dream.US Opportunity…Show More

Are you an undocumented immigrant student who came to U.S before the age of 16? If so, you may be eligible for the Dream.US Opportunity Scholarship! The Dream.US Opportunity Scholarship is open to undocumented high school seniors/graduates residing in states where they effectively have no access to college due to high out-of-state tuition costs or as their state's public universities will not admit them. The scholarship is offered by TheDream.Us, the nation’s largest college access and success program for DREAMers, or immigrant youth who came to the U.S. at a very young age without documentation. TheDream.Us believes that all DREAMers need is an opportunity, and providing them with financial support to complete college will give them that opportunity. Thus, each year, the Dream.US Opportunity Scholarship awards up to $80,000 to students to help cover the costs of one's bachelor’s degree program at one of their Opportunity Partner Colleges. If you’re an undocumented immigrant student residing in a locked-out state who is passionate about pursuing a postsecondary education, we encourage you to apply! Show Less

Multiple awards worth up to $20,000
Expected deadline January 2025
Grade Level High School Seniors & College Freshmen
Get Started

$5,000 Christian Connector Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Christian Connector

Easy Application
1 award worth $5,000
Deadline May 31, 2024
Grade Level High School Freshmen, Sophomores & Juniors

Offered by Christian Connector

Easy Application

Students applying to the $5,000 Christian Connector Scholarship must be current high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, or 2027) interested in attending a Christian…

Students applying to the $5,000 Christian Connector Scholarship must be current high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, or 2027) interested in attending a Christian…

Students applying to the $5,000 Christian Connector Scholarship must be current high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, or 2027) interested in attending a Christian university or college.

1 award worth $5,000
Deadline May 31, 2024
Grade Level High School Freshmen, Sophomores & Juniors
Apply

Region H: Heartland Scholarships 1 and 2

Offered by Society of Women Engineers

1 award worth $2,500
Expected deadline January 2025
Grade Level College Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors & Grad Students

Offered by Society of Women Engineers

The Region H: Heartland Scholarships 1 and 2 are for SWE (Society of Women Engineers) female members in any engineering, technology, or computing major. The…Show More

The Region H: Heartland Scholarships 1 and 2 are for SWE (Society of Women Engineers) female members in any engineering, technology, or computing major. The…Show More

The Region H: Heartland Scholarships 1 and 2 are for SWE (Society of Women Engineers) female members in any engineering, technology, or computing major. The scholarship is for their undergraduate or graduate studies while attending universities or colleges within the legacy Region H boundaries. The Region H boundaries include: North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, and Indiana. If you're a female SWE member pursuing a degree in engineering, technology, or computing in Region H, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more.Show Less

1 award worth $2,500
Expected deadline January 2025
Grade Level College Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors & Grad Students
Get Started

SDES Eastern Chapter Scholarships

Offered by South Dakota Engineering Society

Multiple awards worth $2,000
Expected deadline January 2025
Grade Level High School Senior

Offered by South Dakota Engineering Society

Are you a high school senior in eastern South Dakota who will be attending an engineering program at either the South Dakota School of Mines…Show More

Are you a high school senior in eastern South Dakota who will be attending an engineering program at either the South Dakota School of Mines…Show More

Are you a high school senior in eastern South Dakota who will be attending an engineering program at either the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology or South Dakota State University? If so, you may be eligible for the SDES Eastern Chapter Scholarships! Each year, the scholarships award $2,000 to multiple incoming engineering students residing in SDES' Eastern Chapter Area. If you're an incoming college freshman at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology or South Dakota State University, and you attended a high school in Eastern South Dakota, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more.Show Less

Multiple awards worth $2,000
Expected deadline January 2025
Grade Level High School Senior
Get Started
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How to win South Dakota scholarships

In order to win South Dakota scholarships, you should highlight your passions and the unique qualities of South Dakota as a state. By showcasing your genuine interests and enthusiasm, you can stand out from the competition and demonstrate your commitment to personal and professional growth in South Dakota. 

Perhaps you grew up on a family farm in South Dakota. It may not be surprising that you want to pursue a career in modern agriculture practices. So make it known that your environment of South Dakota inspired your future career and passion! Doing so will allow you to be a well-rounded candidate for South Dakota scholarships. 

South Dakota scholarship grantors are looking for students who will help better their state by receiving an education in South Dakota! So, be sure to detail how much South Dakota means to you! 

Resources for acing South Dakota scholarship essays

South Dakota scholarships may require you to write a scholarship essay which could be anywhere from 250 words to 500 words. So, you should familiarize yourself with some common scholarship essay prompts and with our Scholarships360 guides on how to start and end a scholarship essay. Additionally, be sure to review how to write an essay about yourself and the ultimate guide to finding and winning scholarships to ensure you are well prepared to win South Dakota scholarships! 

South Dakota student debt snapshot

According to the Department of Education, in total, South Dakota residents owe $3.6 billion in federal student loan debt. Student borrowers owe an average of $30,954 each (those numbers do not include private loans). Around 59.2% of loan borrowers are under the age of 35. As you are starting your higher education journey, remember that scholarships allow students to take fewer loans. Keep on reading to learn more about merit scholarships at top South Dakota colleges and universities!

Merit scholarships at South Dakota colleges and universities

University of South Dakota

  • Eligibility: All first time freshman students who are accepted to USD and demonstrate academic achievement in high school
  • Amount: $500 up to full tuition
  • Deadline: December 1

South Dakota State University

  • Eligibility: First year students who have a 3.0+ GPA and a 1100+ SAT or 22+ ACT
  • Amount: $1,000 up to $4,000
  • Deadline: Admission to South Dakota State University

Dakota State University

  • Eligibility: Freshmen accepted to DSU based on but not limited to academic, athletic, music and special scholarships
  • Amount: Varies
  • Deadline: December 1

Augustana University

  • Eligibility: First year students based on high school GPA or SAT/ACT scores
  • Amount: $19,000 up to $24,000
  • Deadline: December 15

University of Sioux Falls

  • Eligibility: Incoming freshmen with a 2.4+ GPA 
  • Amount: $8,000 up to full tuition
  • Deadline: Admission to the University of Sioux Falls

Black Hills State University

  • Eligibility: First year undergraduate students with a 2.6+ unweighted GPA and a 580+ SAT
  • Amount: $1,000 up to $4,000
  • Deadline: February 1

South Dakota School of Mines & Technology

  • Eligibility: Incoming freshmen with a 3.0+ GPA and a 24+ ACT or 1160+ SAT
  • Amount: $1,000 up to $7,000
  • Deadline: January 15

Consider in-state tuition and tuition reciprocity

In-state tuition allows residents of a state to receive cheaper tuition for a college or university in their state. Additionally, many universities and colleges reserve scholarships and financial aid for in-state students, which helps reduce the cost of attending college for those who live there.

Here are a few well-known South Dakota universities and their in-state vs out-of-state tuition costs: 

University of South Dakota

  • In-state tuition: $7,773
  • Out-of-state tuition: $11,283

South Dakota State University

  • In-state tuition: $3,887
  • Out-of-state tuition: $5,642

How do you get in-state tuition? 

In order to establish residency in South Dakota for the in-state tuition rates, you will need to live in South Dakota for 12 consecutive months immediately preceding the first scheduled day of classes of the semester. Then, you will need to prove your intent to make South Dakota your permanent home by obtaining things such as a South Dakota driver’s license, registering your vehicle in South Dakota, and/or registering to vote in South Dakota. 

Does South Dakota offer tuition reciprocity

No, South Dakota no longer participates in the Midwest Student Exchange

South Dakota scholarship spotlight

South Dakota Farm Bureau Scholarship

  • Eligibility: Applicant, applicant’s parents, or guardians must be a current member of South Dakota Farm Bureau, and must have been a member for 2 years and applicants must have a passion for agriculture
  • Amount: Varies
  • Deadline: March 1

South Dakota Bankers Association Scholarship

  • Eligibility: South Dakota college students entering their senior year who are pursuing a career in banking or finance
  • Amount: $1,500 up to $4,000
  • Deadline: March 31

Eastern Chapter Scholarships

  • Eligibility: South Dakota graduating seniors in the Eastern Chapter area planning to attend either South Dakota State University or South Dakota School of Mines & Technology for engineering
  • Amount: $2,000
  • Deadline: Mid-January

South Dakota Retailers Scholarship Program

  • Eligibility: South Dakota high school graduates/GED earners planning to enroll in retail-related courses of study at qualifying, accredited South Dakota technical schools, colleges, universities, or certified professional training institutes
  • Amount: $2,200 up to $3,400
  • Deadline: Mid-April

Critical Teaching Needs Scholarship

  • Eligibility: Undergraduates with a 2.8+ GPA who are enrolled in their final two years of study at a South Dakota postsecondary institution. Applicants must be fully admitted to an elementary OR secondary education program at the institution that is preparing them to work in a critical-need teaching area. Award winners must agree in writing to stay in South Dakota and work in a critical-need teaching occupation for 5 years after graduating
  • Amount: Varies
  • Deadline: March 15

South Dakota Golf Association Scholarships

  • Eligibility: South Dakota residents attending a four-year South Dakota college, university, or accredited post high school institution
  • Amount: $1,500
  • Deadline: June 30

South Dakota Solid Waste Management Association (SDWMA) Scholarship Program

  • Eligibility: High school seniors planning on a trade that supports the protection and enhancement of our natural resources and environment, the solid waste industry and/or related fields. Preference given to South Dakota residents enrolling/enrolled in South Dakota institutions
  • Amount: Varies
  • Deadline: January 15 

Gordon Horgen Scholarship

  • Eligibility: Native American high school seniors or college sophomores planning on going into the teaching profession
  • Amount: $750
  • Deadline: February 15

Dakota Corps Scholarship Program

  • Eligibility: Graduates of South Dakota high schools with at least a 2.8 GPA and an ACT score of 27 or greater (or the SAT equivalent). Upon college graduation, scholarship earners must agree, in writing, to stay in South Dakota and work in a critical need occupation
  • Amount: Full cost
  • Deadline: December 15

Additional South Dakota resources

FAFSA Guide

On October 1st of every year, the FAFSA opens. South Dakota students should apply as soon as possible to be considered for financial aid. 

Build Dakota Scholarship Fund

Full-cost scholarships for South Dakota students attending a South Dakota technical college. There are different programs for each school.

Frequently asked questions about South Dakota scholarships

Where else can I find South Dakota scholarships?

Make sure you try our Scholarships360 free matching tool. Our platform updates every day with new scholarship opportunities that are matched specifically to you!

Can I apply for multiple South Dakota scholarships?

Yes, and you should! Even if you earn scholarships granted by a specific college, you can still apply to private organizations that grant scholarships as well.

Do I need to be a South Dakota resident to receive South Dakota scholarships?

While most South Dakota scholarships might require applicants to be residents, there are always exceptions. Make sure that you do your research!

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