by Joshua Espinal |
Last Updated: January 9, 2025 Important Note: The purpose of this detailed listing of South Dakota scholarships for college is to help you plan your scholarship search throughout the year. Please find information below about scholarships specifically for South Dakota students. Some of the deadlines may be from prior years. Scholarship deadlines are cyclical, so even if a deadline has passed, the website will likely be updated for the current school year. Be sure to reach out to the sponsor or check sponsor websites for the most recent details.
January
Applicants should desire a career in agriculture or leadership. Members are future farmers, chemists, veterinarians, government officials, entrepreneurs, bankers, international business leaders, teachers and premier professionals in many career fields. A single application grants access to numerous scholarship opportunities. Scholarships total nearly $2.5 million in value. This is available to members of the Future Farmers of America (FFA) who are residents of one of the following states: Arkansas, California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia or Wisconsin. The applicant must have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher. The deadline to apply is January 9th. More details here.
The Anne Sorensen Crowley-Lennox Scholarship is for $10,000 over four years and is awarded to a graduating senior from Lennox High School in South Dakota who exhibits excellence, citizenship and scholarship. The deadline to apply is January 14th. Website found here.
This scholarship awards $2,500 to an incoming first-year student from Kossuth County in Iowa who meets all USD admission criteria. The deadline to apply is January 14th. More info here.
This recognizes American Indian high school seniors who demonstrate strong academic potential. This is valued at up to $20,000 over a four-year period. Recipients are required to maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5. Partial, one-time scholarships also are available to American Indian students who demonstrate a commitment to academic learning. The deadline to apply is January 14th. Read more here.
H. Walter & E. Joyce Rembold Scholarships will be awarded to two incoming freshmen and are valued at up to $40,000 ($10,000 per year). First preference is recent Scotland High School graduates followed by second-, third or fourth-year current USD students from Scotland, South Dakota. Second preference is Freeman Public High School graduates and third preference is recent graduates from any public high school in Bon Homme County, South Dakota. The deadline to apply is January 14th. Learn more here.
Applicants should desire a career in a trade supportive of the protection and enhancement of our natural resources, environment, and/or related fields. Students that are intending to enroll or are already enrolled at a South Dakota university, technical institution, or other post-secondary trade school are eligible to apply. Applicants must also have a GPA of 2.0 or greater. The deadline to apply is January 15th. Read more here.
An applicant should desire a career in a trade supportive of the protection and enhancement of our natural resources and environment, the solid waste industry, and/or related fields not limited to but including heavy equipment operations, diesel technology, millwrights, environmental technicians, welding, GPS/computer technicians, etc. Preference will be given to South Dakota residents intending to enroll at or enrolled at a South Dakota institution of higher learning, vocational school, or other postsecondary trade school. The deadline to apply is January 15th. Learn more here.
MSSA Scholarships provides opportunities year-round for students working in health and human services within the Midwest. There are ten different scholarships within the website students can take advantage of. Students can receive up to $5,000, depending on the scholarship applied for. Applicants may apply to up to two scholarships so long as they meet all eligibility criteria. Due January 15th More info here.
If you are a senior in a high school in Minnesota, North Dakota, or South Dakota that is in a community that has a Kiwanis Club, you will be eligible for this $700 award. The deadline is January 24th. More info here.
TheDream.US Opportunity Scholarship Award will cover your tuition, fees, on-campus housing, and meals at a partner college out of state up to a maximum of $100,000 for a bachelor’s degree. Applicants must reside and study in one of these regions: Alabama, Louisiana, North Dakota, Alaska, Maine, Ohio, Arkansas, Mississippi, South Carolina, Georgia, Missouri, South Dakota, Idaho, Montana, West Virginia, Indiana, New Hampshire, Wisconsin, Iowa, North Carolina, and Wyoming. Applicants must have significant financial need, intend to enroll in an Opportunity Partner College and have a minimum GPA of 2.5. The deadline to apply is January 31st. More info here.
February
The Coaches Against Cancer Scholarship will award scholarships to qualified and deserving high school graduates. The scholarship is intended to assist qualified graduates to further their education at an accredited institution of higher education. All applicants must be or have been high school student athletes of an accredited South Dakota high school who have had some type of medical issue or whose family members have had some type of medical issue that may have affected them during their high school career. The deadline to apply is February 10th. More info here.
The South Dakota Coaches Foundation Scholarship provides $1,000. To be considered, applicants must be graduates of an accredited high school and must show ample evidence that they are capable of succeeding at the postsecondary level. The deadline to apply is February 10th. Read more here.
The Yankton College General Scholarship Program is for $1,000. Applicants must have a family relationship to Yankton College alumni, former faculty or staff or a family friend, teacher, pastor or other person with a connection to Yankton College. Applicants must also be seeking a four-year degree from an accredited university or college as a full-time student. Applicants must have a high school GPA of at least 3.0. An ACT composite score of 21 or more or an SAT score of 1000 or more is required. The deadline to apply is February 21st. More info here.
The Ardell Bjugstad Scholarship Program provides support for freshman Native American students who are pursuing studies in agribusiness, agricultural production, agricultural sciences, or a natural resources degree at any postsecondary institution. Applicants must be enrolled members of a federally recognized Indian tribe whose reservation is located in South Dakota or North Dakota. The deadline to apply is February 28th. Read more here.
The Annis Irene Fowler/Kaden Scholarship is awarded to first-time freshmen at Black Hills State University, Dakota State University, Northern State University, South Dakota State University, or the University of South Dakota who will select elementary education as their major field. Special consideration is given to students with demonstrated motivational ability, a disability, or who are self-supporting. The deadline to apply is February 28th. More details here.
The Independent Insurance Agents of South Dakota Serving Others Scholarship is a scholarship that has students write an essay about someone in their community who volunteers their time and money and is otherwise selfless in their support of the community. The award, depending on your position, is between $2,500 and $10,000. Due February 28th. More info here
March
The Joyce Ivy Summer Scholars Program provides scholarships for talented female high school students to participate in a summer academic program at one of their partner programs. Scholars receive a full or partial scholarship based on demonstrated financial need, to cover tuition, room and board, travel expenses, and supplies. Joyce Ivy scholarships are combined with additional financial aid provided by the summer program. Eligible applicants are female-identifying high school students living in Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio or South Dakota, who also attend high school in one of these eight states. The application is due March 1st. More info here.
The PFund Scholarship ranges from $1,000 to $10,000. This is a vital resource and community builder for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and allied communities by providing grants and scholarships, developing leaders and inspiring giving. Applicants must identify as LGBTQIA and live or attend school in Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, or Wisconsin. The deadline is March 3rd. More details here.
The Daughters of the American Revolution (D.A.R.) Scholarship offers two one-time scholarships of $4,000 to returning full-time USF students from South Dakota. The deadline is March 7th. Apply here.
The Golden West Scholarship Program provides up to 40 awards for $1,000 each to graduating high school seniors of rural South Dakota who will be pursuing a degree at any accredited U.S. vocational school, military academy, college, or university. Eligible applicants must currently reside within one of the Golden West exchanges and be enrolled at a post-secondary institution for the upcoming fall with at least 12 or more classroom credits. The deadline is March 14th. Read more here.
The Hatterscheidt Scholarship is a one-year award valued at $2,000. To be eligible, students must be South Dakota residents graduating from a South Dakota high school. They must show financial need, have a minimum GPA of 3.0, be accepted for admission to the University of South Dakota, and be a “full-time student” or have a minimum of 12 credit hours. The deadline to apply is March 14th. More info here.
Applicants for this award must live in or maintain residency in Lincoln or Minnehaha County or they must attend school in one of these two counties. Applicants must be pursuing a degree in business and be able to demonstrate an understanding of the role of business in American society. A motivation and ability to succeed, academic excellence, and community involvement are also criteria for this award. The deadline to apply is March 15th. More info here.
This scholarship goes to the applicants with the highest class ranking among graduating seniors of Faith High School, traditionally the valedictorian and salutatorian. Applicants must plan to attend a college, university, or vocational or technical school. This scholarship offers multiple awards and is renewable. The deadline is March 15th. More info here.
This award benefits graduating seniors from Dell Rapids public or private high schools. Eligible applicants must plan to attend an accredited college or vocational or technical school and demonstrate originality and interest in seeking personal challenges. Applicants may also be evaluated according to special circumstances and must demonstrate motivation and inspiration to pursue goals. The deadline is March 15th. Read more here.
Graduating seniors of Tea Area High School, including home-schooled students in Tea who plan to attend an accredited college, university, or technical school, are eligible for this scholarship. Students must also have a GPA of 2.5 or higher over the most recent three years, demonstrate leadership ability through participation in extracurricular, community, church, or work activities, and demonstrate financial need. This scholarship offers multiple awards. The deadline is March 15th. Website found here.
Applicants for this scholarship must be graduating seniors of a public or private high school located in Dell Rapids, South Dakota, who plan to attend an accredited technical school or four-year academic college or university. Applicants must also have a GPA of 2.0 or higher. The deadline is March 15th. Website found here.
This award benefits graduating seniors of Baltic High School who plan to attend an accredited college, university, vocational school, or technical school. Applicants must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher. The deadline is March 15th. More info here.
Applicants must be graduating seniors from an accredited high school in Minnehaha or Lincoln County, South Dakota. Applicants must plan to attend an accredited college or university or vocational or technical school. Financial need, participation in school and community affairs, and motivation to pursue goals are also a must. The deadline is March 15th. More details here.
This scholarship is open to graduating seniors of Alcester-Hudson High School who have participated in agriculture courses or Future Farmers of America and who demonstrate financial need. The deadline is March 15th. Learn more here.
This scholarship provides an award for the first year of higher education at an accredited college, university, vocational, or technical school for students from the Sioux Falls area who have a financial need. Applicants must be graduating seniors of an alternative school or of a Sioux Falls area public or private high school or have earned a GED. Applicants graduating from a public or private high school must have a cumulative GPA of no greater than 3.0. The deadline is March 15th. Read more here.
Successful candidates for this award must be graduating from a Minnehaha County public or private high school and planning to attend a South Dakota college or university. Additional criteria include participation in extracurricular and community activities and a desire and ability to succeed in a chosen career field. The deadline is March 15th. More details here.
The Fred and Marie Christopherson Scholarship is for $2500. This is for applicants who will attend an accredited four-year college or university in South Dakota and have a cumulative GPA of 3.9 and an ACT score of at least 28. The deadline to apply is March 15th. Learn more here.
The Osmann Family Native American Scholarship is for $1000. This is for graduating South Dakota seniors who are enrolled tribal members, attend a South Dakota state-supported college or technical school, have a 2.5 GPA, and have participated in extracurricular or community activities. The deadline to apply is March 15th. Read more here.
Five $1,000 scholarships are awarded to area high school students who will be majoring in a healthcare field. The deadline to apply is March 15th. Website found here.
The Anna Nelson Johnson Scholarship provides financial support to graduates of the Miller School District intending to pursue a career in education. A minimum overall GPA of 3.0 is required. The deadline is March 27th. Read more here.
April
This is given to an applicant that is going into the plumbing, heating or cooling industry. The deadline to apply is April 1st. Applications are available here.
The Anderson Scholarship provides financial support to graduates of Bennett County High School attending any college, university, or technical college. Applicants are invited to briefly reflect on their high school experiences and share their intended career path, what draws them to this field, the school they plan to attend, and their reasons for choosing that specific institution. The deadline is April 1st. Learn more here.
The Anna and Bushby Scholarship provides financial support to graduates of Britton-Hecla High School who are pursuing a degree in health care. Applicants must be attending any college, university, or technical college and have a GPA of 2.0. The deadline is April 1st. Learn more here.
The Chris & Gene Smith “Get and Education” Memorial Scholarship provides financial support to graduates who reside in Hand County. Students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 and be attending any college or university receiving a bachelor’s degree. The deadline is April 1st. Read more here.
The South Dakota Retailers Association Scholarship Program provides annual awards ranging in value from $2,750 to $3,700 for students who will be enrolling in a retail-related educational program at an accredited vocational/technical school, college, or university within South Dakota. Applicants must have completed at least one year of college or one semester of vocational training and be enrolled in 12 or more credit hours per semester. The deadline is April 15th. Apply here.
The Ab & Bev Penn Memorial Scholarship provides financial support to graduates of Harding County. Qualified applicants are graduating seniors from Harding County High School with at least a 3.0 GPA and a good reputation in the Harding County community. Candidates must share an experience where they learned a valuable life lesson or describe someone who imparted a significant life lesson to them. The deadline is April 15th. Read more here.
The Al Pirner Memorial Scholarship provides financial support to graduates of Wagner High School. Students must demonstrate care for their community and be attending any college, university, or technical college. The deadline is April 18th. Read more here.
The Alfred & Julia Bucher Education Trust provides financial support to graduates of Hyde and Hand counties attending a South Dakota institution of higher learning or the seminary. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, demonstrate good academic and citizenship skills, have strong school, community, and work experience, and attend any South Dakota college, university, or technical college. The deadline is April 18th. Read more here.
The Alden Cutler Scholarship provides financial support to graduates of Wessington Springs High School attending a South Dakota college or university. Qualified candidates are seniors from Wessington Springs High School and are in the top ten percent of their class. As part of the application, they need to provide a brief biographical sketch about themselves. The deadline is April 19th. Read more here.
The Restoration of Sight and Health Scholarship is awarded to students that are going to major in certain fields (science, health, etc.) and are going to attend college or a university in either North or South Dakota. The application will be due on April 30th. More info here.
May
The Bill Cowden Memorial Scholarship is given to students who are holding a current private pilot certificate and are seeking advanced training in aviation. The deadline is due on May 31st. Read more here.
June
The Anna K. Davis Memorial Scholarship provides financial support to graduates of Philip High School. Applicants must be pursuing a degree in agriculture, nursing, teaching, business, or hospital care and also attend any South Dakota college, university, or technical college. The deadline is June 15th. Learn more here.
The Korean American Scholarship Foundation—Midwestern Regional Chapter Scholarship is for $5,000. This is for students of Korean heritage studying in the United States regardless of citizenship status (including Korean nationals) who will be full-time students at a school in one of the designated Midwestern region states (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin). A minimum 3.0 GPA is required, as well as demonstrating financial need. The deadline for applications is June 30th. Read more here.
July
August
The Nyal Brings Scholarship Program provides $1,000 to Native American students of Lakota, Dakota, or Nakota heritage who are pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree at one of the accredited colleges within South Dakota. Applicants must have at least sophomore-level standing, have successfully completed at least 24 credits, be a college-level athlete in track, show academic potential with a GPA of 2.0 or higher, and demonstrate a commitment to their American Indian culture. The deadline is August 1st. More info here.
The 4-H Club Foundation of Tripp County Scholarship provides financial support to current and past students of the Tripp County area pursuing post-secondary education at a South Dakota institute. Preference is given to participants in Tripp County 4-H. The number and amount of the scholarship are based on applicants and merit. The deadline is August 31st. Read more here.
September
The South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship provides $5,000 over four years. To be eligible, applicants must attend a South Dakota college or technical school. Applicants must also complete the Regents Scholar Curriculum with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better, an ACT score of 24 or higher, and no grade below a C in the core classes. The deadline to apply is September 1st. Learn more here.
The Jump Start Scholarship is for $1,500 and is open to students who attend a South Dakota high school for at least two semesters, graduate in three years or less, and attend a participating South Dakota post-secondary school. Due September 1st. More info here.
October
November
Associated General Contractors Academic Scholarships are awarded to students enrolling in a construction-related, post-secondary technical program or college program. The deadline to apply is November 1st. Read more here.
The South Dakota Farmers Union Foundation Scholarship annually gives recognition to young people who commit to a South Dakota college, university or technical institute and whose parents are current members of Farmers Union. Three $500 scholarships are awarded each year to deserving students. The deadline to apply is November 15th. Apply Here.
The Agricultural Graduate School Scholarship is for $2,500. This is available to continuing full-time students who are pursuing their graduate degree in an accredited agriculture-related field and who show a strong interest in working in South Dakota upon completion of their degree. Preference is given to students from South Dakota who have/had an affiliation with Farmers Union. Eligible graduate students include on-campus and distance education students who are pursuing any master’s or doctoral program, agriculture teacher certification program or graduate certificate program. The deadline to apply is November 15th. More details here.
December
The George S. Mickelson Scholarship is open to high school seniors with a 28 or higher ACT (1320 SAT). The scholarship covers tuition for a maximum of 15 credit hours per semester, up to 120 hours over four years; general fees; double occupancy room (funded by a Housing Scholarship); and standard board charges. To be eligible, you must be a resident of South Dakota and maintain a minimum 3.5 cumulative grade point average. The deadline to apply is December 1st. More details here.
The Air Force ROTC Scholarship provides students with complete tuition and fees for undergraduate studies alongside $900 annually for textbooks and a $300 monthly allowance. Please note that this does not include room and board. Applicants must have a high school GPA of at least 3.0. An ACT composite score of 26 or an SAT score of 1240 is required. Available for qualified USF students in the Air Force ROTC program offered on the campus of South Dakota State University. The deadline to apply is by December 12th of your senior year. Apply here.
The Dakota Corps Scholarship Program pays full tuition and generally applicable fees. To be eligible, applicants must attend a South Dakota college or technical school. Applicants also must go into a critical need occupation after graduation from college and have an ACT score of 24+ and a GPA of 2.8+. The deadline to apply is December 15th. Learn more here.
Deadline's Vary
This is $5,000 per year, renewable for four years for a total of $20,000. This is awarded to outstanding high school seniors from South Dakota, Minnesota, and Iowa each year based on ACT/SAT scores or GPA and extracurricular activities. Students are chosen for Stai Honors through a competitive interview selection process. At a minimum, students selected to interview must have a 30 or higher ACT composite or superscore (or SAT equivalent); or have a GPA of 3.9 or higher; and have extensive leadership and extracurricular involvement. The deadline varies. Learn more here.
Provides $1,000 to Native American students of Lakota, Dakota, or Nakota heritage who are pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree at one of the accredited colleges within South Dakota. Applicants must have at least sophomore-level standing, have successfully completed at least 24 credits, be a college-level athlete in track, show academic potential with a GPA of 2.0 or higher, and demonstrate a commitment to their American Indian culture. More info here.
Gives the chance for South Dakota students for education while being able to close the gap for the financial burden of paying for school. Schools within the state have partnered with this program for students to go to school. More info here.
Allows for students that are pursuing a career in the mining field to be awarded a $1000 scholarship plus the chance to meet people within the industry in sessions. More info here
Is a partnered school with the WUE, allowing students to save money on tuition for the applied school by being able to pay near the in-state resident tuition (150%). More info here.
Has also partnered with the WUE in order to provide saving to students within the western regions of the U.S. Allows students out of state to pay 150% tuition for the school if out of state to save money from out of state tuition. More info here
Allows students in western states to apply to partnered schools for scholarships in order to save money by being able to pay for in state-tuition rates in their respective areas. More info here.
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