Scholarships In South Dakota
South Dakota boasts of having the maximum number of schools per capita in the US and also has average ACT score that is above the national average. A number of institutions including several private universities offer scholarships for various fields of study to students from different backgrounds.
Scholarships in South Dakota
Whether you are in Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Aberdeen, Watertown, or anywhere else in South Dakota, the information outlined below should be of use to you.
Dakota Corps Scholarship: The scholarship was created to provide grants to students in critical need occupations. The maximum amount of aid is equivalent to an undergraduate program (16 credits) at a four-year public college or at any institution recognized by the board. An equal amount is paid in case the grant recipient chooses to attend a private non-profit college, technical college or a tribal college. After completion of the course the student is required to serve in a critical need occupation within the state for the period equal to receiving grant, plus one year. In case the commitment is not honored the grant is to be repaid with interest. Applicant is required to be a graduate from a recognized South Dakota college with 2.8 GPA and composite 24 on ACT or an equivalent on SAT. Additionally, other activities, community and honors are also considered for award. The current areas of critical need include; special education, foreign language, high school science and math, nursing and veterinarian.
South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship: This is a merit-based scholarship for the student who wishes to avail of higher education from an institute. The applicant must be a South Dakota resident, graduating from high school, having 3.0 cumulative GPA. And a composite score of 24 on ACT or a score of 1090 on SAT is also required. The eligible student can then enroll in any institution within the state and accredited by Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. A total grant of $5,000 is awarded over a four year period. 3.0 GPA and the prescribed credit hours benchmark is to be maintained for continued support.
More South Dakota Scholarships
- Jump Start Scholarship: A student who graduates from a public high school early, say three years or less, can receive a grant of $1,771.34 per semester for two semesters for a post secondary program taken at a South Dakota institution, which is recognized by the North Central Association of College and Schools.
- Hagen-Harvey Scholarship: If you are a member of the American Indian tribe and have graduated from a recognized high school in the state of South Dakota then you can apply for this scholarship. $6,000 is awarded over four years for a post secondary program. Furthermore 2.5 GPA and 14 credits per semester are to be maintained to continue receiving the grant.
South Dakota Grants for College
Marlin R. Scarborough Memorial Scholarship: All students studying in any South Dakota public university can apply for this scholarship. Applicant must be a junior with 3.5 GPA. The award amount is $1,000 and is allocated through the university in two installments of $500 each.
More Financial Aid For College In South Dakota
Unfortunately not everyone can be awarded a scholarship or grant. So if you are amongst the unlucky who miss out, this shouldn’t stop you from still furthering your education. Student loans are also a great way to fund your education. The money you receive will need to be repaid with interest, but the interest rate is very low and therefore affordable for many students.
